DTP Translation services are the key to translating images, infographics, and graphics. Only highly qualified experts, who are well-versed in desktop publishing translation, can adapt all types of visual documents and digital files for multiple languages. They professionally translate items ─ such as advertising posters and blueprints ─ that require a set of technical and design skills. The DTP translation services are usually carried out by a professional team, comprising linguists and designers, who translate digital files in a way that keeps their layout and design as consistent as possible between multiple languages.
So, does desktop publishing translation always move smoothly like a hot knife through butter?
The Challenges Facing DTP Translation Services and Their Solutions
To navigate the sea of multilingual DTP services, we need at first to have a look at some of the bumps in the way. So, let’s dive deeper into the major challenges found in desktop publishing translation.
First ─ When the Length of Text Changes
It so happens that the text may either shrink or expand after translation. When words are translated from one language into another, their length sometimes changes so that you might end up with a sort of “non-creative” chaos in the structure of the translated document! Things may look a bit frustrating when it comes to such elements as spacing, font size, text length, and other design options.
Second ─ The Layout Also Changes!
As a result of text shrink or expansion, you may suddenly discover that the entire file layout is no longer workable. This challenge is often faced with advertising materials that contain logos and visuals as well marketing materials with their multiple graphs and visuals.
Third ─ Fonts May Not Be Supported Across Languages
It happens over and over again. You’ll frequently find that the source document font might not be supported once translated into another language. The writing systems of European languages, for example, differ from those of Asian languages, such as Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, and others.
Fourth – Localizing Graphics
If your original document contains graphic elements, these may need to be localized for foreign audiences. And, the situation starts to grow more complex with graphics. It’s, however, important to note that it’s not always a matter of changing colors and shades! Sometimes, when graphic elements are localized from one culture into another, the entire concept might look unacceptable, or even weird, particularly when there’s a strong thematic element to them.
Fifth – Some Elements Are Untranslatable!
What if the source text is too complex? What if there’s a vast distance between the source language and the target language in terms of relationship? What if the desktop publishing translation project involves a lot of text to translate or if it uses rich language? All these cases are challenging.
Dealing with the Challenges of Desktop Publishing Translation
Most of these challenges hinge on how DTP experts leverage their expertise, combined with the publishing software available and their hands-on experience, to address these issues when and before they arise.
It’s their job to handle such problems so skillfully that the translated files are finally delivered in a way that maintains the electronic format and design of the original document.
How to overcome the Challenges That Face DTP Translation Services?
DTP (Desktop Publishing) translation services face a unique set of challenges that require careful attention and strategic approaches. Here are five key challenges commonly encountered in DTP translation and effective strategies to overcome them:
Layout and Formatting: Translating content in DTP files can disrupt the original layout and formatting. To overcome this challenge, it is crucial to work with professionals experienced in DTP software, such as Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress. They can ensure seamless integration of translated text while maintaining the original design elements and layout integrity.
Font and Character Compatibility: Different languages may require specific fonts and characters that may not be compatible with the original file. It is essential to identify and select appropriate fonts that support the target language and maintain consistency with the source text. Collaborating with linguists who have expertise in multilingual typography helps ensure accurate representation and readability.
Text Expansion or Contraction: Translating from one language to another can result in text expansion or contraction, causing issues with text fitting into the original layout. Effective strategies involve adjusting font sizes, spacing, or kerning to accommodate the variations in text length. Close collaboration between translators and DTP specialists allows for efficient adaptation of the layout to prevent text overflow or excessive white space.
Image and Graphics Adaptation: DTP translations often involve images, graphics, and captions. Translating these elements requires linguistic and cultural considerations to convey the intended message accurately. Professional graphic designers and translators should collaborate closely to adapt images and graphics, ensuring linguistic harmony, cultural relevance, and visual appeal across different languages.
Quality Assurance and Proofreading: Maintaining consistency, accuracy, and quality throughout the DTP translation process is crucial. Implementing a robust quality assurance and proofreading workflow helps identify and rectify any errors or inconsistencies. Thoroughly reviewing the translated content, layout, and design elements guarantees a polished final product.
By addressing these challenges proactively, DTP translation services can deliver high-quality multilingual publications that preserve the original design aesthetics and effectively communicate the intended message to diverse audiences.
At Contentech, we pride ourselves on our highly qualified team that comprises the best designers and desktop publishers in the entire industry. They leverage the latest DTP tools and software to deliver desktop publishing translation projects with full accuracy and high quality on almost all platforms and in any format.
If you have a translation project containing visual documents, graphics, or digital files, contact us today for your free quote.
