# Add strings and enter translations

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

## Add a string

In the set's string browser, use **Add string**. Provide a unique **key** (up to 1000 characters) and the **source value**. Keys must be unique within the set — adding a duplicate is rejected. You can also set **context notes** to guide translators, a **source file** label, and a **placeholder type hint** so variables like `%s`, `{name}`, or `{{count}}` are detected correctly.
## Enter translations

Open any string to see its detail page with a field for each target language. Type the translation and save — String Manager normalizes it against the source string's placeholder schema and recomputes word and character counts automatically.
## Review workflow

Each translation has a **reviewed** toggle. Marking a translation reviewed records who approved it and when; unmarking clears that. Use this to separate draft translations from approved ones before export.
## History, comments, and context

- Every edit to a string or translation is snapshotted, so you can see version history.
- You can add comments on a string or on a specific translation locale to discuss wording.
- Upload screenshots or other **context media** to a string so translators see where the text appears.

To check your work, run the [quality checks](run-quality-checks).

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## Related Articles

- [Import and export strings](https://help.totalctrl.app/en-US/articles/import-and-export-strings)
- [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)

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