# Localization Design

> Designing for multiple languages, RTL support, date/number formatting, and cultural considerations.

- Skill: `dragoon0x/localization-design` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add dragoon0x/localization-design`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/dragoon0x/localization-design/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: dragoon0x (https://skillmd.com/u/dragoon0x)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/dragoon0x/localization-design

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# Localization Design

## Text Expansion
Translated text is often longer. Plan for it:
| Language | Expansion |
|----------|-----------|
| German | +30-40% |
| French | +15-20% |
| Japanese | -10-20% (but taller) |
| Arabic | -10-20% (RTL) |
| Chinese | -30-50% (but taller) |

## Design Rules
1. Never hardcode text in images
2. Avoid text in buttons that's right at the edge (needs expansion room)
3. Don't use flags for language selection (flags = countries, not languages)
4. Use auto-layout/flexbox (not fixed widths for text containers)
5. Test with the longest translation, not just English

## RTL Support
- Mirror the entire layout (not just text)
- Icons that imply direction must flip (arrows, not universal icons)
- Progress bars go right-to-left
- Navigation order reverses

## Cultural Considerations
- Date formats: MM/DD/YYYY (US), DD/MM/YYYY (most of world), YYYY-MM-DD (ISO)
- Number formats: 1,000.00 (US/UK), 1.000,00 (Europe), 1 000,00 (France)
- Color meanings vary (red = luck in China, danger in West)
- Gestures: thumbs up is offensive in some cultures
- Name formats: given name first (West) vs family name first (East Asia)