Document Translation File Formats
Affinity Translation performs and delivers online document translation services on a regular basis. The file formats of translation source material for document translation can be virtually any common file format including the following:
1. MS Word files. Word files are often received for legal documents, manuals, and sometimes basic brochures that don’t contain elaborate formatting. Letters and correspondence for translation typically come to us as Word files. Training and instruction materials are often created in Word.
Word files have the advantage for translators of being directly editable. File analysis to determine word counts works smoothly with Word files. It’s also relatively easy to control any document formatting post-translation since document styles tend not to be elaborate. Among all the various file types we receive, text in MS Word is probably the most basic.
Virtually any file type with text that can be displayed on a computer screen can be translated.
2. PDF files. Business clients often send us PDF files for translation. Some PDF files we receive are generated from original Word files. Other PDFs are exported from desktop publishing application such as InDesign. Translation of InDesign files is another common request we receive. The Adobe desktop publishing application InDesign is widely used among business and professional organizations.
PDF files work well for translation. Depending on the clients’ preference, translated text can be delivered unformatted (for subsequent formatting by the client) or we can include formatting services in delivery documents to match the original source text. When translating InDesign documents with formatting included, we request the original source language InDesign file set (including links and fonts).
3. PowerPoint files. Powerpoint is a well-known, popular application for creating presentations. Business and professional organization clients utilize PowerPoint frequently. Just as with MS Word files, PowerPoint files are directly editable and are well-suited for professional translation services. Existing formatting within the PowerPoint environment can usually be preserved in the final translation deliverable. Some minor adjustments to the formatting can be needed post-translation due to more or less space required in the target language relative to the source language.
4. Image Files. Images files (e.g., jpeg, png, and others) are sometimes the output of scanners and taking photographs from smartphones and portable devices. Document translation clients can also submit and request translation of image files. Although the image text is not directly editable in its native format, document formatting can be maintained in the translation file to allow for visual correlation between source and target text.
5. Excel Files: Text from database applications sometimes export to Excel files. Text within Excel files can be directly edited within the Excel setup. Sometimes clients will submit text in columns and request that the corresponding target language text be place directly adjacent to its source text. An advantage to this format approach is that correlation between source and target text is unmistakable.
Virtually any file type with text that can be displayed on a computer screen can be translated.
