---
title: Customize Text Strings in HomeRunner
description: "Most text strings within the **HomeRunner** platform are prepared as `.POT` files, allowing them to be easily customized or translated. This guide outlines how to modify these strings (e.g., changing search bar placeholders like \"Anywhere\" to \"Destination\") using the free…"
url: "https://homerunner.io/docs/customize-text-strings-in-homerunner/"
updated: "2025-12-25"
category: How To
---

# Customize Text Strings in HomeRunner

Most text strings within the **HomeRunner** platform are prepared as `.POT` files, allowing them to be easily customized or translated. This guide outlines how to modify these strings (e.g., changing search bar placeholders like "Anywhere" to "Destination") using the free **[Loco Translate](https://wordpress.org/plugins/loco-translate/)** plugin.

### Prerequisites

- An active installation of HomeRunner.
- Admin access to your WordPress dashboard.

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## Step 1: Install Loco Translate

To begin, you must install the plugin that manages text strings.

1. Navigate to **Plugins** > **Add New** in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Search for **Loco Translate**.
3. Click **Install Now** and then **Activate**.

## Step 2: Initialize the Language File

Once activated, you need to create a configuration file for HomeRunner.

1. Go to **Loco Translate** > **Plugins** in the sidebar.
2. Select **HomeRunner** from the list of plugins.
3. Click **New Language**.
4. **Choose a Language:** Select the primary language of your website (e.g., English, French, German).
5. **Choose a Location:** Select **System** (usually shown as `languages/plugins/homelocal-en_US.po`).

![](https://homerunner.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-24-at-8.56.30-PM-1024x738.jpg)

> **Important:** Always choose the **System** location option. Do not store files within the plugin folder or the Loco folder. Storing them in "System" ensures your custom text is **future-proof** and will not be overwritten when the plugin is updated.

1. Click **Start Translating**.

## Step 3: Edit Text Strings

You will now see a list of all available text strings within HomeRunner.

1. **Search:** Use the **Filter translations** bar at the top to find the text you want to change (e.g., type "Anywhere").
2. **Select:** Click the specific string you wish to modify.
   - *Note:* Be careful to select the correct string ID (e.g., "Explorer Zone Input Placeholder" vs. "Where Input Placeholder"). If you are unsure, you may need to update both.
3. **Edit:** In the bottom pane, enter your desired text (e.g., change "Anywhere" to "Destination").
4. **Save:** Click the **Save** button in the toolbar.

![](https://homerunner.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-24-at-8.59.12-PM-1024x830.jpg)

---

## Troubleshooting & Tips

If your changes do not appear on your website immediately, try the following steps:

- **Sync the File:** Click the **Sync** button in the Loco Translate toolbar to ensure the file is up to date, then click **Save** again.
- **Clear Cache:** If you use caching plugins or server-side caching, clear your cache and refresh your browser (using `Shift + Refresh` for a hard refresh).