In the ideal XML process, the foreign language set (i.e. typesetting) is performed automatically. But we also often translate other formats such as Word, PowerPoint, FrameMaker, InDesign, DWG and many more. In these cases our Media Designers are brought in.
With the aid of a wide variety of DTP applications, they adapt existing layout specifications and their technical implementation in the shortest possible time, and thus create new versions that differ from the source documents only in terms of the language.
Foreign Language Typesetting and Layout
The foreign language typesetting begins even before the actual translation. Our Media Designers check the documents for suitability for the translation process. It is not uncommon for breaking spaces, awkward section breaks, and unlinked text boxes to make it difficult to trace the translation back to the source document. If such errors are detected and eliminated before the translation, this saves a lot of work in the post-layout, especially for projects with many languages.
At the end of the translation process, the Media Designers ensure that you receive print-ready translations in the format of your choice. They face the following challenges, among others:
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Some languages require significantly more space than others. That is why space-saving layouts can be tricky.
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If images contain text, the text must be extracted and then inserted back into the image.
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Cyrillic, Chinese, and Arabic – each script poses its own challenges for formatting. For example, there are no blank spaces in Chinese. This must be taken into account when separating the words at the end of a line.
Document Reconstruction
PDF – Every Translation Service Provider’s Least Favourite Format?
Efficient translation processes are only possible with formats that can be edited. If, however, it is not otherwise possible, we will find methods to convert the content of the PDF document into an editable format. This can be done by conversion, OCR software or simply with Copy & Paste. In any case, appropriate processing by a Media Designer is necessary. How much effort we invest in such processing depends on your objectives regarding the intended future use of the document.