Today, I want to share how you can create a multilingual app using FlutterFlow and Firestore, achieving a dynamic integration that eliminates the need for external services while reducing costs.
This approach not only enhances the user experience but also increases development efficiency and scalability for your app.
🚀 Why Choose FlutterFlow and Firestore for Multilingual Apps?
FlutterFlow is an intuitive platform that lets you visually develop apps without sacrificing flexibility. Combined with Firestore, you get a powerful and lightweight solution for real-time data management, making it ideal for multilingual support.
Using a centralized approach to manage translations:
Reduces latency by eliminating dependencies on external services like Google Translate.
Lowers costs associated with third-party APIs.
Ensures a consistent experience for users across different languages.
Here are the key steps to implement this solution.
1️⃣ Configure Your App for Multiple Languages
In FlutterFlow, the first step is to enable languages in the app settings. Go to App Settings → Languages, and add all desired languages.
This initial configuration allows FlutterFlow to automatically manage static text, such as buttons and basic labels, speeding up your workflow and ensuring a consistent experience for all users.
2️⃣ Create Persistent App State
To allow users to dynamically change the language, you need to store their selection in a persistent state. In FlutterFlow, configure a variable in the App State to store the language preference.
For example, create a persistent variable called lang to save values such as (en, es, or pt).
3️⃣ Design a Data Schema for Translations
Next, create an efficient data schema in Firestore. Use a key-value model where each entry represents a translation.
Example Firestore Structure:
"title": [ { "code": "en", "value": "Hello World" }, { "code": "es", "value": "Hola Mundo" }, { "code": "pt", "value": "Olá Mundo" } ]
Here, each translation includes a language code (code) and its content (value).
This approach is scalable and compatible with multiple databases, such as Firebase, Supabase, or custom APIs.
4️⃣ Populate Your Firestore Collection
The next task is to fill your database with the necessary translations.
5️⃣ Create a Dynamic Interface on Your Homepage
Let’s focus on displaying the title based on the selected language, bringing together all the elements we’ve configured.
First, set up the App State with a dropdown to choose the language. Once the language is selected, retrieve the corresponding data from your database. Since translations are structured as a list, apply a filter based on the language code (code) and display the content (value).
🎯 Advantages of This Approach
No External Services: By not relying on third-party APIs, your app has lower latency and reduced operational costs.
Development Efficiency: FlutterFlow and Firestore simplify the setup and management of translations, saving time.
Flexibility and Scalability: This architecture is ideal for small and large apps and can be easily adapted to new languages or content changes.
Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNW5d5dqOlc
Integrating multilingual support into your apps doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With FlutterFlow and Firestore, you can deliver a rich and personalized user experience without sacrificing performance or efficiency.
Project link in FlutterFlow: Translate Template
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I’m excited to continue sharing ideas and practical solutions for FlutterFlow and mobile development. 😊