A Lokalise alternative for developers who work with files

If you build an app alone or with a small team, you may want to edit and translate localization files on your Mac without joining a hosted workspace. LocalePilot is a desktop editor for those files; Lokalise is an online platform for shared localization work.

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Flutter ARB

lib/l10n/app_fr.arb

"welcomeUser": "Bon retour, {name} !",
"@welcomeUser": { "placeholders": … }

@key metadata preserved

Nested JSON
locales/fr/common.json
```
{ "home": {
    "title": "Mes listes" } }
```
Indentation and structure preserved
Apple .strings
fr.lproj/Localizable.strings
```
/* Home screen title */
"home.title" = "Mes listes";
```
Comments kept as context
String Catalog
Localizable.xcstrings
```
"fr" : { "stringUnit" : {
  "state" : "translated", … } }
```
Minimal diff, Xcode style
Multi-language JSON
translations.json
```
{ "en": { … },
  "fr": { … } }
```
One section per language

LocalePilot and Lokalise at a glance

Question	LocalePilot	Lokalise
Model	Desktop app for editing project files on your Mac.	Online localization platform; a Lokalise account is required.
Where data lives	Files stay in the folder and repository you open. Cloud AI sends requested strings to your chosen provider; local AI runs through Ollama or LM Studio on your Mac.	Localization projects are hosted by Lokalise.
Formats	ARB, JSON, Apple `.strings` and `.xcstrings`, among others.	ARB, `.strings`, `.stringsdict`, `.xcstrings`, XLIFF, and flat or nested JSON.
AI	Local AI is included; cloud providers are available with Pro and your own API key.	Machine translation and AI are included in plans, with word quotas.
Price	Free version for one project and up to 300 source keys; Pro is a perpetual €49 license, excluding VAT.	Explorer $149/month; Growth $379/month; Advanced $1,049/month; Enterprise by request.
Teamwork	Work on local files and share through your usual tools. No shared workspace or in-app team roles.	Shared projects for translators and reviewers, plus integrations and workflow automation.

Lokalise’s pricing page says all plans include a free 14-day trial, no credit card required. Supported formats are listed in the format documentation and ARB guide. Sources checked November 2, 2026. AI and machine translation are included with word quotas. See LocalePilot pricing.

When Lokalise is the better choice

Lokalise is a better fit when translators and reviewers need the same project, or your team depends on GitHub, GitLab or Figma integrations. Over-the-air mobile updates and automation also suit teams connecting localization to releases.

Move from a Lokalise export to LocalePilot

In Lokalise, export resources in a supported format such as ARB, JSON or .xcstrings.
On your Mac, open the containing folder in LocalePilot. No Lokalise account is needed to work with exported files.
Choose a target language, translate or review strings, then check placeholders and review changes before writing files.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a Lokalise export in LocalePilot?

Yes, in a supported format such as ARB, JSON, .strings or .xcstrings. Export the file and open its folder in LocalePilot.

Does LocalePilot include team reviews or Git integrations?

No. It has no shared workspace, roles or GitHub/GitLab integration. Lokalise supports shared projects and integrations.

How much does Lokalise cost?

As checked November 2, 2026, Explorer is $149/month, Growth $379/month, Advanced $1,049/month and Enterprise is by request. All plans include a free 14-day trial, no credit card required.

What does LocalePilot cost?

The free version covers one project and up to 300 source keys. Pro is a perpetual €49 license excluding VAT; see pricing for exact terms.

Get notified at launch

LocalePilot is being finalized. Leave your email to hear when it launches.

macOS 13 or later · Ollama or LM Studio optional
App interface in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.