Native vs proxy: how Shopify translation actually works
Two translation apps can look identical on the App Store and behave completely differently under the hood. The difference is where your translations live - inside Shopify, or in a layer bolted on top. Here is what that means for your store.
Two ways to translate a Shopify store
Every translation app falls into one of these two camps.
Native (built on Shopify)
Translations are stored inside Shopify. You activate languages in your Shopify
admin, Shopify creates separate URLs for each language (for example
example.com/de), and the translated version
is served automatically. The app writes into Shopify's own translation system.
- Real localized URLs generated by Shopify Markets
- Content lives where Shopify expects it - no external layer in front of your storefront
- Stays consistent with the surfaces Shopify localizes itself
Proxy / external layer
Translations live in the app's own system and are delivered through an added layer - typically a JavaScript snippet or a separate translated domain or subdirectory the tool controls. The storefront text is swapped or routed through that layer rather than served by Shopify natively.
- Your translated content depends on the external layer being in place
- URL structure and SEO handling vary by tool - worth checking before you commit
- An extra render/routing layer between the shopper and your store
Why the architecture matters
It is invisible on day one and very visible later.
URLs and SEO
Native translation produces the localized subfolder URLs Shopify documents for multilingual stores
(such as example.com/de), with content stored
and served by Shopify.
Checkout and emails
Checkout and notifications are localized by Shopify's own system. Writing into Shopify's native translation store keeps your content consistent with those surfaces.
Fewer moving parts
No external translation layer in front of your storefront means one less dependency between your shopper and your store.
Where LocaleFlow sits
LocaleFlow is native. It writes translations directly into Shopify, so your localized content is stored in Shopify and served on Shopify's own localized URLs - with no external translation layer in front of your storefront.
- Automatic sync - no manual updates needed
- Full metaobject support
- Custom AI prompts for brand voice
- Transparent pricing
Frequently asked questions
Translate on Shopify, natively
See native Shopify translation on your own store. Install LocaleFlow and try it on a dev store in minutes.
How Shopify's native translation system works (separate URLs per language, content stored and served by Shopify, native checkout and notification localization) is documented by Shopify: Translate your store.