Importing Files
Import source content or existing translations using the current Codex import wizard and supported importer list.
Importing Files
Importing creates the source and target files you translate in Codex. Use source import when you are adding original content. Use target import when you already have a translation and want Codex to align it to an existing source file.
Open the Import Wizard
- Open Navigation from the compass icon.
- Click Add Source File to import original content.
- Or click Import Target File to import an existing translation for a source file already in the project.
The wizard first asks whether you are working with source files or target files, then shows the importer picker.
Source vs Target Imports
| Import type | Use it when | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Source Files | You are adding content to translate. | Codex creates source files and blank target .codex files. |
| Target Files | You already have translated content. | Codex aligns the translation to existing source files. |
Import target files only after the matching source file already exists in the project.
Active Importers
Importers are grouped by general-purpose and specialized workflows. The exact list can change by release, but these are the active user-facing categories in the current editor.
Essential Importers
| Importer | Formats | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Audio | .mp3, .wav, .m4a, .aac, .ogg, .webm, .flac | Creates audio-linked cells for transcription or translation workflows. |
| Subtitles | .vtt, .srt | Preserves cue timing for subtitle translation and export. |
| Word Documents | .docx | Supports round-trip export back to DOCX. |
| Markdown | .md, .markdown, .mdown, .mkd | Supports round-trip Markdown workflows and image handling. |
| TMS Files | .tmx, .xliff, .xlf | For localization and translation-memory workflows. |
| InDesign | .idml | Supports layout-oriented round-trip workflows. |
Specialized Importers
| Importer | Use for |
|---|---|
| USFM / USFM Biblical Texts | Scripture projects from USFM or SFM files. |
| Paratext Projects | Complete Paratext archives. |
| eBible Download | Downloading open-license scripture resources. |
| Macula Bible | Hebrew and Greek source texts with linguistic annotations. |
| Bible Stories | Open Bible Stories Markdown and ZIP workflows. |
| Biblica Study Notes | Biblica IDML study note projects. |
| Bible Spreadsheet with Audio Data | CSV or TSV scripture workflows with audio URL columns. |
PDF import is not currently an active import path in the importer picker. If you need PDF content, convert it to a supported source format before importing.
Example: Import a USFM Source File
- Open Navigation.
- Click Add Source File.
- Choose Source Files.
- Select USFM.
- Upload the
.usfmor.sfmfile. - Review the import summary.
- Continue to the system message step if Codex asks for AI instructions.
- Click Start Translating when import finishes.
Example: Import Existing Translations
- Import the source file first.
- Open Navigation.
- Click Import Target File.
- Choose the source file this translation belongs to.
- Choose the importer that matches the translation file.
- Review the alignment preview.
- Apply the import when the matches look correct.
Alignment Methods
Target imports may use different matching strategies depending on the file type:
- ID-based matching for structured content with stable references.
- Sequential insertion for document-style formats.
- Timestamp matching for subtitles and media workflows.
Always review imported target content before continuing translation work.
Round-trip Workflows
Round-trip importers keep enough original structure to export back to the original format. Common examples include DOCX, IDML, USFM, Markdown, OBS, TMS files, CSV/TSV, and Biblica workflows.
See Exporting Projects for the export side of round-trip workflows.