.LOCALIZED File Extension
macOS Directory Localization File
| Developer | Apple |
| Popularity |
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What is a LOCALIZED file?
A LOCALIZED file is a localization file used by some macOS system directories. It contains no data. The presence of an empty LOCALIZED file allows macOS to show a system directory's name in a user's preferred language. Do not delete LOCALIZED files stored in macOS system directories.
More Information
Localization is the process of translating text and audio content for use across multiple languages. Software programs, including the macOS operating system, use a variety of localization schemes to show content to users in their preferred language.
Part of macOS's system-level localization scheme depends on LOCALIZED files. These files are hidden, blank files that macOS references when showing a directory's name to users. If a directory contains a blank LOCALIZED file, macOS can translate that directory's name into any of its system languages.
Because LOCALIZED files are hidden files that do not appear even after a user chooses to show hidden files (using the Cmd + Shift + . shortcut) on their Mac, most users will never encounter a LOCALIZED file. The most likely way a user would encounter a LOCALIZED file is by viewing the file within a different operating system installed on their Mac. For example, Parallels Desktop users who have chosen to show hidden files in Windows may see a LOCALIZED file on their Windows desktop.
Common LOCALIZED Filenames
.localized - A hidden, blank file included in many macOS system directories. Used to tell macOS that the directory's name can be localized.
How to open a LOCALIZED file
LOCALIZED files are not meant to be opened. While you can open a LOCALIZED file in any text editor, it contains no data and should not be edited. Editing or deleting a LOCALIZED file may cause macOS to show localized directory names incorrectly.