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{}JSONKits

JSON to PO - JSON to Gettext Converter

Convert JSON translation files to GNU Gettext PO format.

Input

json
loading editor…

Paste your JSON here...
or drop a file anywhere in this pane

Output

text

Converted PO file will appear here...
press ⌘↵ to convert to po

What Is JSON to PO?

JSON to PO conversion transforms JSON translation objects into GNU Gettext PO (Portable Object) format. This process reverses the typical PO-to-JSON pipeline, enabling teams to maintain translations in JSON-first workflows while still generating standard PO files for Gettext-compatible tooling.

This is used for:

  • Legacy Integration: Generating PO files from modern JSON translation files for use with traditional Gettext-based localization platforms.
  • Translation Handoff: Converting developer-friendly JSON translations into PO files that translators and linguists can work with using POEdit or similar tools.
  • CI/CD Pipelines: Automatically generating PO files from JSON translation sources during build and deployment processes.

How to Use JSON to PO Online

  1. Paste your JSON: Enter a valid JSON object containing key-value pairs where keys are message IDs and values are translated strings.
  2. Click Convert: Press the Convert to PO button to generate a properly formatted PO file with msgid/msgstr pairs and header metadata.
  3. Copy or download: Copy the result to your clipboard or download the PO file for direct use in localization workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PO file used for?

PO files are the standard format used by GNU Gettext for storing translations. They contain msgid (source text) and msgstr (translated text) pairs and are widely used in Linux/Unix applications, WordPress, Drupal, and many other open-source projects.

Is this tool safe?

Yes. All processing happens 100% client-side in your browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.

Is this tool free?

Yes, completely free with no usage limits or registration required.

Real-World Examples

Development teams using services like Lokalise, Crowdin, or Transifex often export translations in JSON format. When these translations need to be contributed back to open-source projects that use Gettext, this JSON to PO converter bridges the gap without manual reformatting.

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