# Import and export strings

**Category:** [String Manager](https://help.totalctrl.app/hc/totalctrl/totalctrl-help-center/en-US/categories/strings)
**Updated:** 2026-08-19

## Import a file

Open a set and use **Upload** to import strings from a file. String Manager auto-detects and parses 18 formats, including **GNU Gettext** (.po/.pot), **Android XML**, **Apple .strings** and **.stringsdict**, **XLIFF**, **TMX**, **Flutter ARB**, **.NET RESX/RESW**, **CSV**, flat or nested **JSON**, **Word (.docx)**, **YAML / Rails i18n**, **HTML** with `data-i18n`, **Qt Linguist** (.ts), **Java .properties**, **TOML**, and generic **XML** via configurable XPath.

Plurals and translator comments are preserved where the format supports them. New keys are added; matching keys are updated.
## Use a filter template for tricky formats

For configurable formats (generic XML, and others), create a [filter template](sync-with-github) from **Filter templates** that defines extraction rules once and reuse it on every import so parsing is consistent.
## Export a file

From a set, use **Download** and pick a target language and a format. Exports are available as Gettext (.po), Android XML, Apple .strings, XLIFF 1.2, flat JSON, Flutter ARB, .NET RESX, CSV, and YAML / Rails i18n. The export contains the chosen locale's translations, ready to drop into your codebase.

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## Related Articles

- [Uploading a file and choosing the file type](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/string-manager-upload-file-type)
- [String Manager overview](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/string-manager-overview)
- [API, webhooks, and automation](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/string-manager-integrations)
- [Supported file formats](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/string-manager-supported-formats)
- [Add strings and enter translations](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/manage-strings-and-translations)

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