Search and Filter
Learn how to efficiently search, filter, and sort translations in MovaBase
Search and Filter
MovaBase provides powerful search and filtering capabilities to help you quickly find and manage translations across your project. This guide covers all the tools available for efficiently working with large translation sets.
Overview
NEEDS_MEDIA
The search and filter system allows you to:
- Quick Search: Find translations by key or value instantly
- Language Filtering: Show or hide specific languages
- File Filtering: Filter translations by file/namespace
- Advanced Sorting: Sort by key, file name, or custom criteria
- Tree Navigation: Navigate hierarchical translation structures
- Bulk Operations: Apply actions to filtered results
All search and filter operations work in real-time, providing instant feedback as you type or select options. Filters are applied cumulatively, allowing you to combine multiple criteria for precise results.
Searching Translations
The search bar provides instant filtering across all translations in your project.
How Search Works
When you enter a search term, MovaBase searches through:
- Translation Keys: The identifier for each translation (e.g.,
header.nav.home) - Translation Values: The actual translated text in any language
Search is case-insensitive and matches partial strings, making it easy to find translations even with partial information.
Using the Search Bar
Locate the Search Bar
The search bar is prominently displayed in the translation view header:
- Navigate to your project's translation section
- Find the search input field labeled "Search translations..."
- The search bar is always visible while viewing translations
Enter Search Terms
Type your search query to filter translations:
- By Key: Enter part of a translation key (e.g., "login" finds "login.title", "login.button")
- By Value: Enter translated text (e.g., "Sign In" finds translations containing that text)
- Mixed Search: Search terms match both keys and values
Search is incremental - results update as you type, so you can start broad and narrow down by adding more characters.
Review Results
The translation table updates to show only matching translations:
- Matching translations are highlighted in the results
- Non-matching translations are hidden
- The number of visible translations is updated
- All languages remain visible for matching keys
Clear Search
To show all translations again:
- Click the "×" button in the search bar
- Or delete all text from the search field
- All translations will be displayed again
NEEDS_MEDIA
Search Examples
Language Filtering
Filter by language to focus on specific translations or reduce visual clutter.
Understanding Language Filters
Language filters allow you to:
- Show only specific languages in the translation table
- Hide languages you're not currently working on
- Focus on a single language for translation review
- Compare translations across selected languages
Hiding a language doesn't delete or modify translations - it only changes which ones are displayed. All translations remain in your project.
Using Language Filters
Access Language Filters
Language filters are located in the sidebar under the "Filters" section:
- Scroll to the left sidebar
- Find the "Filters" heading
- Locate the language filter controls
Select Languages to Display
Choose which languages should be visible:
- Check the checkbox next to each language you want to see
- Uncheck languages to hide them
- Use "Select All" to show all languages
- Use "Deselect All" to hide all languages
At least one language must always be selected to ensure the translation table always shows content.
View Filtered Results
The translation table updates immediately:
- Only selected language columns appear
- Hidden language columns are removed
- Table width adjusts to visible languages
- All translation keys remain visible
NEEDS_MEDIA
Language Filter Use Cases
Scenario: Compare translations across multiple languages
- Select your source language (e.g., English)
- Select target languages (e.g., Spanish, French, German)
- Review translations side by side for consistency
- Identify missing or inconsistent translations
This approach is excellent for ensuring consistent terminology across all localized versions.
Scenario: Focus on translating a single language
- Select only the target language (e.g., German)
- Keep the source language visible for reference
- Work through translations without visual clutter
- Focus entirely on translation quality
Selecting only two languages (source + target) provides the cleanest workspace for translation work.
Scenario: Review translation completeness
- Select all languages in your project
- Use search to find empty translations
- Identify which languages are missing translations
- Plan translation work based on gaps
Combine language filters with search for comprehensive quality checks.
File Filtering
Filter translations by file or namespace to work on specific features or sections.
File-Based Organization
In file-based download mode, translations are organized into separate files:
- Feature Files:
common.json,auth.json,dashboard.json - Module Files:
settings.json,profile.json,notifications.json - Section Files:
header.json,footer.json,sidebar.json
File filtering works differently depending on your project's download mode. In language-based mode, all translations are in a single file per language.
Using File Filters
Sorting Translations
Sort translations to organize them according to your preferences or workflow needs.
Sort Options
MovaBase provides multiple sorting options:
| Sort By | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Key | Alphabetical by translation key | Finding specific translations |
| File | Organized by file/namespace | Working on specific features |
| Custom | Manual ordering | Workflow-specific organization |
Sort Order
Control the direction of sorting:
- Keys (A-Z):
auth.login→dashboard.stats→settings.profile - Files (A-Z):
auth.json→common.json→dashboard.json - Natural Order: Intuitive, alphabetical arrangement
Ascending order is the default and works well for most use cases.
- Keys (Z-A):
settings.profile→dashboard.stats→auth.login - Files (Z-A):
dashboard.json→common.json→auth.json - Reverse Order: Useful for finding recent additions
Descending order can help you quickly find recently added translations at the top.
Applying Sort Options
Access Sort Controls
Sort options are available in the translation table header:
- Look for the sort dropdown or buttons
- Sort controls are typically near the search bar
- Current sort option is clearly indicated
Choose Sort Criteria
Select how you want to organize translations:
- Click the sort dropdown to see available options
- Select your preferred sort criteria
- The table reorganizes immediately
Toggle Sort Order
Switch between ascending and descending:
- Click the sort direction button (↑ or ↓)
- The table reverses the current sort order
- Sort icon indicates current direction
NEEDS_MEDIA
Combining Filters
For maximum efficiency, combine multiple filters to create powerful queries.
Filter Combinations
Filters are cumulative - each additional filter further narrows results. To start fresh, clear all filters at once using the "Clear All" button.
Bulk Operations on Filtered Results
Apply bulk actions to translations that match your current filters.
Supported Bulk Operations
| Operation | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Delete | Delete multiple translations at once | Removing deprecated keys |
| Bulk Export | Export filtered translations | Sharing specific content |
| Bulk Edit | Edit multiple translations simultaneously | Updating common terms |
Performing Bulk Operations
Apply Filters
First, filter to show the translations you want to work with:
- Use search, language, and file filters
- Verify only desired translations are visible
- Confirm the selection is correct
Select Translations
Choose which translations to include in bulk operation:
- Click checkboxes next to desired translations
- Use "Select All" to select all visible translations
- Selection count is displayed
Choose Action
Execute the bulk operation:
- Click the bulk actions button
- Select the desired operation
- Confirm the action when prompted
- Operation applies to all selected translations
Bulk Operation Examples
Keyboard Shortcuts
Speed up your workflow with keyboard shortcuts for search and filter operations.
| Shortcut | Action | Context |
|---|---|---|
| / | Focus search bar | Anywhere in project |
| Esc | Clear search/focus | Search input |
| Ctrl/Cmd + K | Quick search | Global shortcut |
| Enter | Select all filtered results | When search is active |
| Shift + Click | Multi-select translations | Translation table |
Keyboard shortcuts help you work faster without reaching for the mouse. Practice using them to improve your translation workflow efficiency.
Best Practices
Follow these best practices for effective search and filter usage.
Search Strategies
- Start Broad, Then Narrow: Begin with a general search, then add more specific terms
- Use Unique Terms: Search for distinctive parts of keys or values
- Combine with Filters: Use language and file filters to reduce search results
- Save Common Searches: Bookmark frequently used search queries
Filter Workflows
- Reduce Visual Clutter: Hide languages you're not actively working with
- Focus on One File: Use file filters when working on specific features
- Systematic Review: Cycle through filters for comprehensive coverage
- Team Coordination: Agree on filter usage with your team
Performance Tips
Troubleshooting
If you're not seeing expected results, try clearing all filters and starting fresh. Filters are cumulative and can sometimes create unexpected combinations.
Common Issues
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No results shown | Filters too restrictive | Clear some filters or broaden search terms |
| Wrong translations visible | Cached filter state | Refresh page or clear all filters |
| Search not working | Browser cache issue | Clear browser cache and retry |
| Can't find translation | Wrong language filter | Check language filter settings |
| Slow performance | Too many filters active | Reduce number of active filters |
Next Steps
Now that you understand search and filtering, you can:
- Use Tree View: Learn about hierarchical navigation of translations
- Manage Files: Organize your translation files effectively
- Set Up Integrations: Configure Bitbucket for automatic syncing
- Export Translations: Download filtered results for deployment
Part 9 of 14 • Search and Filter Complete
Next: Tree View and Navigation