Create a context

A context allows you to guide Lia Translate with terminology, style, examples, or custom rules. You can create a context directly from the translation screen or from the Context panel in the left navigation. No matter where you start, the process is the same, and your new context becomes available for reuse as soon as it is saved.

Where to create a context

Inside a translation

When you are in a translation or about to start one, you can add context directly from the translation screen. Select Add context to open the right-side context drawer and choose Create new context. This is the fastest way to provide guidance for the translation you are currently working on, and the new context is automatically activated for that translation.

From the Context management panel

Select Context in the left navigation to open the context management panel. This area shows all context you have created, or that others have shared with your workspace. Use Add new context to create a new one.

Create a new context

When you choose to create a context, a panel opens where you define what it is about and how Lia Translate should use it.

Here you can:

• name your context - the name should help you (or others) find your context easily

• optionally add a description - the description should help you (or others) understand the context and its areas of application

• choose among the Context types

• provide your context as a file or as quick instructions

Save your context. It will be immediately useable.

Large files may take a moment to upload.

If you create a context from inside a translation, it is automatically activated for that translation as soon as it is saved.

Choosing the context type

See also Context types. The context type tells Lia Translate how to interpret the material you provide. You can select:

• Glossary

• Style Guide

• Reference Document

• Brand Guidelines

The type reflects the purpose of your content, not the format. You can upload a file or write quick instructions for any of these types.

For example:

• A Glossary can be a tbx file or a short terminology list you write manually.

• A Style Guide can be a full document or a few concise rules.

• A Reference Document can be a formatted file or a short example text.

Choose the type that best describes the role of your content, regardless of how you provide it.

File context or quick instructions

You can create a context in two ways:

Upload a file

Ideal for structured or detailed material—glossaries, translation memories, multi-page style guides, or reference documents. Upload any of the Supported formats for context.

Write quick instructions

Perfect for fast, lightweight guidance such as a short list of terms, simple style notes, or a brief example text. Once saved, this works exactly like any other context.

Both options create a reusable context that you can apply to future translations whenever needed.