Desktop Publishing (DTP) translation adapts graphics and other visual documents for multiple languages. Unlike a regular text file, translating something like an advertising poster, a set of blueprints or a multilingual website design requires a more technical approach to translation.
With DTP translation, your files are all translated in the original format you created them in, meaning you are ready to publish as soon as you get them back from your translators.
DTP translation creates a seamless workflow for digital files
Let’s imagine your designers have spent months working on a new series of leaflets or promotional posters. You are happy with everything and it is signed off, ready for translation. Great. Except you don’t want to send these off to a translation company and then get a bunch of text files in return with your translated content inside.
Now your designers have to pull apart their designs again and squeeze in your translated content.
There are a number of issues with this:
- It is inefficient
- Text contracts/expands when it is translated, which can break your design layouts
- Your fonts might not support the special characters and writing systems of each language
- Your designers are not translators and can’t be expected to know if they have made a mistake while handling translated content
- All of this leaves a lot of room for translation mistakes
Luckily, there is a much better way to deal with this kind of translation process and this is where DTP translation comes into play. Instead of you having to handle translated content yourself, a team of desktop publishing experts will translate your content directly within the original file and save translated versions in the exact same format.
So, if you send over Adobe Illustrator files, your content will be translated, saved and sent back to you in Abode Illustrator files. You do not have to do anything and there is no room left for translation mishaps.
Dealing with the challenges of DTP translation
We have already highlighted a number of the challenges involved with DTP translation and this is why it is important the entire process is handled for you. Your desktop publishing team will be able to inform you when issues like text expansion/contraction are going to affect your designs, allowing you to make these considerations before it is too late. They will also be able to advise you on issues like font choice, which can be problematic when you are working with multiple languages.
The end result is digital files that achieve the highest level of translation accuracy and maintain visual consistency across every version.
You shouldn’t need to compromise on either of these and DTP translation gets the results you need on both fronts. Crucially, your files are translated and sent back to you in their original format, which means you do not have to deal with translated content or any of the formatting issues yourself.
If you need graphics, visual documents or digital files translated, please submit your request here mentioning the details of your project or contact us to speak to our experienced team of DTP translators.