Table of Contents

Translate Descriptions for All Cultures

  • 2026-01-09
  • Morten Lønskov

Overview

This rule identifies objects with descriptions that lack translations for one or more cultures.

  • Category: Model Layout
  • Severity: Low (1)

Applies To

  • Model
  • Tables
  • Measures
  • Hierarchies
  • Levels
  • Perspectives
  • Data Columns
  • Calculated Columns
  • Calculated Tables
  • Calculated Table Columns

Why This Matters

  • Incomplete localization: Descriptions display in default language only
  • Inconsistent help text: Users see mix of languages
  • User confusion: Documentation appears incomplete
  • Professional appearance: Missing translations reduce model quality

When This Rule Triggers

not string.IsNullOrEmpty(Description) 
and Model.Cultures.Any(string.IsNullOrEmpty(outerIt.TranslatedDescriptions[it]))

This rule triggers when an object meets both of these conditions:

  1. The object has a description (not empty)
  2. At least one culture in the model is missing a translation for that description

In other words, if you have descriptions and multiple cultures defined, all descriptions should be translated for all cultures.

How to Fix

Manual Fix

  1. In TOM Explorer, select the object
  2. In Properties pane, expand Translated Descriptions
  3. Enter translation for each culture

Common Causes

Cause 1: New Descriptions Added

Descriptions created without translations.

Cause 2: Culture Added Later

Culture added after descriptions were written.

Cause 3: Incomplete Translation

Translation process didn't cover descriptions.

Example

Before Fix

Measure: [Total Revenue]
Description (English): "Sum of all revenue"
Description (Spanish): (missing)

After Fix

Measure: [Total Revenue]
Description (English): "Sum of all revenue"
Description (Spanish): "Suma de todos los ingresos"

Compatibility Level

This rule applies to models with compatibility level 1200 and higher.