> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://hotpotato.arrowtan.cc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Messages and language

> Edit every message players see and add your own translations.

All player-facing text lives in language files under `lang/`, not in `config.yml`. HotPotato ships with English (`en.yml`) and French (`fr.yml`). You can edit either, or add your own.

## Pick a language

Set the language in `config.yml`:

```yaml theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark-dimmed"}}
language: en
```

The plugin loads `lang/<language>.yml`. To use French, set `language: fr`.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="English (en.yml)">
    ```yaml theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark-dimmed"}}
    prefix: "&#C68642[HotPotato]&r "
    command:
      help:
        header: "&6HotPotato commands"
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="French (fr.yml)">
    ```yaml theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark-dimmed"}}
    prefix: "&#C68642[HotPotato]&r "
    command:
      help:
        header: "&6Commandes HotPotato"
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Edit messages

Open the language file for your chosen language and change the text. Colors use legacy `&` codes and hex `&#RRGGBB`.

* `{prefix}` and other `{placeholders}` in a line are filled in by the plugin. Keep them where you need them.
* Lines that are lists, such as the help page, can have lines added or removed.

<Note>
  The `lang-version` key at the top is managed for you. Do not edit it. It lets the plugin merge new messages in when you update.
</Note>

## Add a new language

<Steps>
  <Step>
    ### Copy a file

    Copy `lang/en.yml` to a new file, for example `lang/de.yml`.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Translate it

    Translate the values, keeping the keys and any `{placeholders}` exactly as they are.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Select it

    Set `language: de` in `config.yml`.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    ### Reload

    Run `/hotpotato reload` to load your changes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## External placeholders in messages

If PlaceholderAPI is installed and `placeholderapi.parse-in-lang` is on, you can use any `%external%` placeholder from another plugin inside your messages, alongside HotPotato's own.