What are the differences between Non-Editable and Editable languages in Transcy?

Choosing the right language type is one of the most important decisions you'll make when setting up your multilingual store with Transcy. The language type you select determines everything from translation quality and control to URL structure and Shopify Market integration. Understanding these differences upfront can save you time and ensure your international expansion strategy aligns with your business goals.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the key differences between Non-Editable and Editable languages, helping you make an informed decision for your store's multilingual setup.

Table of Contents

I. Understanding target languages in Transcy

II. Non-Editable language: Automatic translation

III. Editable language: Full control and customization

IV. Choosing the right language type for your store

I. Understanding target languages in Transcy

Before diving into language types, let's establish the foundation of how Transcy handles languages:

Target language definition: A target language is any language you add to your website beyond your store's default language. These additional languages allow customers to browse and shop in their preferred language by using the language switcher on your storefront.

Default language role: Your default language is the primary language you've set for your store in Shopify. This serves as:

• The fallback language when a customer's preferred language isn't available
• The source language that Transcy translates from into your target languages
• The language visitors see initially before making any language selections

Understanding this relationship between default and target languages is crucial for effective multilingual store management.

II. Non-Editable language: Automatic translation

Non-Editable language is Transcy's streamlined approach to multilingual content, perfect for store owners who want quick, automated translation without manual management.

How Non-Editable language works

Translation method: Uses Google Translate's AI technology (google.translate.js) to automatically translate your entire website when visitors switch languages using the storefront switcher.

Setup simplicity: The setup process is remarkably straightforward:

1. Go to Markets → Language
2. Enable the target language by turning ON the toggle button
3. Your store is immediately translated and ready for international customers

Key characteristics:

Important limitations to consider

III. Editable language: Full control and customization

Editable language provides comprehensive control over your multilingual content, ideal for businesses that need precise translation management and full Shopify integration.

How Editable language works

Translation source: Uses Shopify's native language system, giving you complete control over translation management for all pages, including the crucial checkout page.

Manual management capability: You can control, edit, and customize every translation manually through Transcy's interface, ensuring brand consistency and cultural appropriateness.

Key advantages and features

Complete page coverage: Unlike Non-Editable languages, Editable languages can translate checkout pages, providing a fully localized shopping experience from browsing to purchase completion.

URL structure: When customers switch to an Editable target language, Transcy creates a locale-based URL suffix that clearly indicates the language version.

Example: If you add English as an Editable language and publish it:

• Original URL: https://yourstorename.com
• English version: https://yourstorename.com/en

Shopify Market integration: Editable languages are fully configurable with Shopify Markets, enabling:

• Advanced geographic targeting
• Market-specific pricing and shipping
• Comprehensive localization features
• Better SEO performance for different regions

Language limit: You can add up to 20 Editable languages (matching Shopify's maximum limit), providing extensive international coverage.

Management workflow

Market assignment: You can assign and publish Editable languages to specific markets in the Markets section, enabling proper Shopify Market configuration.

Translation management: After setup, use Transcy's Manage Translation feature to:

• Edit individual translations for accuracy
• Customize brand-specific terminology
• Ensure cultural appropriateness
• Maintain consistent messaging across languages

IV. Choosing the right language type for your store

Plan-based considerations

Language limits vary by plan: The number of target languages (both Editable and Non-Editable) you can add depends on your Transcy subscription plan. Review your plan's specific limitations before making language type decisions.

Switching flexibility: You can switch between Editable and Non-Editable language types based on your current plan limits and business needs. However, there's one important exception: Market default languages cannot be switched from Editable to Non-Editable because only Editable languages work with Shopify Markets.

Decision framework

Choose Non-Editable languages when:

• You need quick, automated translation without manual management
• Budget constraints limit you to basic translation functionality
• Your products don't require specialized or technical terminology
• Checkout page translation isn't critical for your customer base

Choose Editable languages when:

• Translation accuracy and brand consistency are priorities
• You need checkout page translation for complete customer experience
• Shopify Market integration is important for your international strategy
• You have resources to manage and maintain custom translations
• SEO performance in multiple languages is crucial for your business
• You like to have suffix on the end of URL (such as /ja for japan, /fr for france,...)

Getting started recommendations

Hybrid approach: Many successful stores use a combination of both language types – Editable languages for their primary international markets (where precision matters most) and Non-Editable languages for secondary markets (where basic translation suffices).

Scalability planning: Consider starting with Editable languages for your most important markets, then expanding with Non-Editable languages as your international presence grows.

Ready to choose the right language approach for your store?

Understanding the differences between Non-Editable and Editable languages empowers you to make strategic decisions about your multilingual store setup. Whether you prioritize speed and automation or control and customization, Transcy provides the flexibility to match your business needs.

Remember, you can always evolve your language strategy as your business grows. Start with the approach that best fits your current needs and resources, knowing you can adjust as your international expansion develops.

Need help setting up your chosen language type? Check out these helpful resources:

• How to set up Markets
• How to make Shopify Markets work with Transcy
• Set Up Switchers on your store with Transcy
• How to Translate and Update Content in Transcy
• Overview of Transcy Pricing Plans

If you need further assistance, please contact us via live chat or email us at support@transcy.io.

Updated on: 24/07/2025