The cost of translating documents with complex layout can depend strongly on how the project is managed. The first consideration is whether the files are available in a format that is compatible with Computer Aided Translation, or CAT.

CAT-compatible files

If the files are available in a CAT-compatible format, the direct translation of these files with CAT support is the natural choice. However, in some cases not all parts of the files are editable with CAT—for example, flowcharts may have been created with specialized software and embedded into the document as graphics. There is also a certain risk that the CAT software fails to create the target files. This risk is generally low, but still a factor worth considering due to its potentially disastrous consequences. And maybe most importantly, this strategy presupposes that the translators have compatible CAT software.

CAT-incompatible files

If the files are not available in a compatible format, the inability to use a translation memory and count the number of repetitions can result in costs several times higher than under ideal conditions. Automatic conversion software is not an adequate remedy because sentences are often segmented incorrectly so that matches from the TM are not recognized; in addition, convoluted and illogical formatting can turn the translation process into a nightmare. In most cases, it is worth the effort to prepare or convert the files manually before starting the translation.

Implementation strategies

The flowchart below shows two alternative strategies for managing the translation of documents incompatible with CAT. Strategy 1 works only if the source files are available in an editable format, while strategy 2 can also be employed for scans or other graphical formats. On the following page, the advantages and disadvantages of these two strategies are compared with direct translation in CAT.

Strategies for Document Translation

Strategy 1

Task: Translation of a document in a format not supported by your CAT application

Strategy 2

Use our conversion service to create a word file with identical layout and all images included (eg when original is a scan)

Logitope extracts all text from the source file into an Excel/Word table (eg when original was created in InDesign)

Translate converted file with your CAT tool

Translate Excel/Word table (with or without CAT)

Adjust layout, if necessary

Create and format target file with the appropriate application (you or us)

Delivery of professionally formatted Word file to end client

Delivery of ready-to-print file to end client