---
sourceDocument: Xanadu ServiceNow AI Platform Administration
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/xanadu/platform-administration

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu ServiceNow AI Platform Administration

ft:clusterId :

    - platadm

bundleId :

    - platadm

workflow :

    - Platform


---

# Exploring System Localization

# Exploring System Localization {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated August 1, 2024
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

Learn about support for localizing ServiceNow instances as part of your globalization strategy.

## System Localization overview {#exploring-system-localization__section_jf1_z4s_dzb}

Localization is the process of making an instance specific to a given region or locale without impacting functionality.

System localization includes the language and locale settings for an instance and is a ServiceNow AI Platform feature that is active by default (com.glide.i18n.core). Translations for several languages are available through additional internationalization (I18N) language plugins (for example, com.snc.i18n.spanish).
These language plugins install the I18N: Internationalization plugin (com.glide.i18n), which provides the elements necessary for translating an instance.

Languages and translation
:   The I18N language plugins contain translations of the UI string content that ServiceNow provides by default in your instance. Whenever you have customized UI strings that you want to translate, you have to identify and translate these strings manually. In addition, you can create
    translations for languages for which ServiceNow doesn't provide a plugin.  
    Note:  
    Using the Localization Framework application is recommend for translating to an unsupported language or translating large amounts of custom UI string content in a supported language.

Locales, locations, and regions
:   Locale settings support displaying dates, times, and currencies properly based on your location. In addition, you can configure locations to identify users, assets, incidents, and more on the instance. Configure regions to organize
    languages in language selectors.

## System Localization benefits {#exploring-system-localization__section_nf1_z4s_dzb}

{#exploring-system-localization__table_of1_z4s_dzb__entry__3}

| Benefit | Feature | Users |
|-|-|-|
| Display translations of base system UI string content. | * [Language internationalization support](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/u7NsHbxTxhS8j8HdzEFDpA "The ServiceNow platform supports multiple languages.") * [Activate a language](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/JVX9OJGGemU7rGe1QNjBRw "By default, the language supported by the platform is American English. You can activate plugins for other supported languages if you have the admin role.") {#exploring-system-localization__ul_ic2_qkx_vzb} | Administrators |
| Display dates, times, and currencies in an instance based on users' locations. | [Configuring locales](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/qydsvamt6lfEcMk8h~odaA#c_DefineLocales "Specify a locale for an instance so information such as dates, times, and currencies display properly based on your location.") | Administrators |
| Translate UI string content that you create or modify. | [Translating custom content](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/YWLPbjP7kFP4Dvd8bd9ztw "Translate content you create or modify to a supported language or add an unsupported language.") | Administrators |
[ ]

{#exploring-system-localization__table_of1_z4s_dzb}

## Related applications {#exploring-system-localization__section_cps_r5w_vzb}

[Localization Framework](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/hWWbjrWLsHsFZGw_lOf5Hw "The ServiceNow Localization Framework application standardizes and enhances the translation process of artifacts across the platform through configurable workflows. Such artifacts include ServiceNow Service Catalog items, Virtual Agent topics, Natural Language Understanding models, and Document Templates of ServiceNow HR Service Delivery.")

:   Using the Localization Framework application is recommend for translating to an unsupported language or translating large amounts of custom UI string content in a supported language. Localization Framework also supports using [Dynamic Translation](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/ynKF1znnbkzN46WENUAshA "With Dynamic Translation you can support machine translation from one language to another across your instance.") for live translation of form fields, translating knowledge articles, and integrating with third-party translation services.

[Translation management for Knowledge Management](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=translation-management&version=xanadu&pubname=xanadu-servicenow-platform&ft:locale=en-US)
:   Knowledge article translation uses a separate system that relies on the I18N: Knowledge Management Internationalization plugin. If this plugin isn't activated, knowledge article translation falls back on System Localization, with
    translations kept in the Translated Text \[sys_translated_text\] table.