Override System Terms with Custom Translation Terms lets administrators tailor the wording used in the Vanilla interface and translated community content.
STAGING NOTE: This article reflects the Translation Settings experience currently available on staging with Release 2026.017. We will update this wording when the feature is live across all environments.
Overview
Custom Translation Terms let administrators define preferred wording for specific system terms and other important language. You can use them even when your community does not use AI Translations; AI Translations is only required for custom terms applied to user-generated content.
Before you begin
- The feature is currently documented from staging with Release 2026.017.
- You need the Settings > Manage permission.
Where to find Custom Translation Terms
- Access the Dashboard.
- Open Settings > Translation Settings.
- Select Custom Translation Terms.
Override a system term
To customize a built-in Vanilla term:
- Open Custom Translation Terms.
- Enter the system term as it appears in the Vanilla interface.
- Choose the target language.
- Enter the wording you want Vanilla to use.
- Select Override System Term.
- Select Save.
How custom terms behave
If you leave a target-language value blank, Vanilla continues to use automatic translation for that term when automatic translation is available.
If you do not provide a custom translation for a language, Vanilla uses the standard translation for that language.
Tips
- Add the term exactly as it appears in your community content or the Vanilla interface.
- Use overrides for terminology and names rather than full sentences or broad translation preferences.
- Start with the terms that matter most to members, then expand the list over time.
- Review translated content after saving to confirm that your preferred terms appear as expected.
Related documentation
AI Translations