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Strategies comparison

The table below distinguishes four major approaches to file translation. These are translation without CAT support (A), direct translation with CAT support (B), and the two strategies shown in the flowchart on the Translation of CAT-incompatible files page (C, D). The first three (A–C) are available only with editable files, while strategy D works for all file types, including scans. We offer support for any of these strategies.

Editable files

A Translation without CAT support – the translator simply types the translation into the original file and adjusts the formatting, if necessary
B Direct translation with CAT software: the source files are opened with a compatible CAT application and the translators translate the resulting bilingual file. After completion, the target file is created and the formatting adjusted.
C Translation of a MS Word table containing the extracted text of the source file. After the translators have translated the table, the target language text is pasted back into the original file and the formatting adjusted.

Non-editable files

D Translation of a formatted MS Word file. The original file is converted into DOC and the DOC file then translated with CAT support (see the Conversion page for more information on our conversion service).

Advantages and Disadvantages

  A
Translation without CAT		 B
Direct translation with CAT		 C
Translation of table		 D
Translation of formatted DOC
Non-translation workload (preparation, typesetting, etc.) Low Low Medium High
Software requirements Translators need all DTP applications necessary to edit the files Translators need compatible CAT software No particular requirements (if DTP is outsourced) No particular requirements
Potential software problems Compatibility problems if translator uses different software version Errors when generating target files Risk is responsibility of external provider if DTP is outsourced Very small risk of errors
Exact wordcount and TM leverage No Yes
+ Simple workflow Generally highest efficiency No particular software requirements (if DTP is outsourced) No particular software requirements; translator sees translatable text in context
- No TM leverage
Slow translation
Translators need DTP software		 Text parts not editable in CAT tools may be overlooked in preparation step Translators may need to refer to original files for context Cost of conversion relatively high
Recommendation Makes sense only for very small files Generally best if translators have compatible CAT software Good if translators do not have compatible CAT software More convenient for translators; normally used for scans