- Buy the shades.
- Find out how joined-up processes can save you time and money when translating and typesetting all those things that you need to publish – large or small. This will make you really cool!
Although this isn’t anything new, we thought it worthwhile visiting this subject again.
Let’s start with an example. In 2019 we were commissioned to translate and provide final typeset pages for a large educational project. In all, we translated around 2.5m words and typeset 12,000 pages.
The project involved the localisation and management of thousands of individual files.
By integrating and automating the complete process – translation through to typesetting within the InDesign environment – a demanding task was completed to a very high standard, on time and within budget.
Importantly, our service delivered a significant cost and time-saving when compared to typical creative studio rates with no loss of quality. Indeed, our detailed approach as an experienced localiser with in-house language resources created an enhanced production environment.
Our approach being:
- Careful, detailed evaluation of the project
- Creation of a workflow, QA and version control process specifically designed for this project
- Translating directly into the client’s InDesign files
- Localising linked graphics created in Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator
- Revising the translated InDesign page layouts using our specialist studio team to correct text reflow
- Using an online proofing system to carry out a thorough quality checking and approvals process created significant time and cost-savings and eliminated any version issues
- We moved to the creation of final deliverables quickly and with minimal need for late revisions.
Large or small – it’s all the same to us!
You may think that we might only add value to large DTP projects which require translation, but by applying the same detailed approach to every publishing project, we create similar efficiencies.
Using the best tools for the job
We receive projects created in all sorts of applications. Choice of the right application can make a huge difference to project cost and speed of delivery.
Some applications are not suitable for process automation, some don’t offer a stable platform for publishing tasks. Some will make the localisation process unnecessarily expensive.
Projects are often created in Powerpoint, Word or similar office software because the people who put them together often do not have more advanced DTP skills. These are not good platforms for multilingual publishing needs.
By recreating the leaflet, booklet or brochure in an appropriate application such as InDesign before starting the localisation process can save time and cost in the long run. If you don’t have the DTP skills, you don’t need to worry, because we do.
Scaleability
It doesn’t matter if you need a brochure or catalogue in one language, or twenty! In Latin, Arabic, Asian or Cyrillic script. One page or 200 pages.
Our tools and resources allow us to confidently undertake any of your publishing localisation needs.
Complicated stuff!
Sometimes, publishing automation can be enhanced by writing scripts that improve productivity. These can make repetitious tasks easier to apply and manage.
Scripts can be an important time and cost saving factor when managing larger projects. A good example could be a script that automatically manages the positioning and style of text.
They’re also a means of ensuring consistency across many pages, in many languages.
Typesetting Checklist
We are often asked, ‘what do you need from us in order to complete our project’. So, here’s our checklist for your guidance:
Source files
This is the application file type that was used to create the original version (typically, these will be InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, Publisher, MS Word or PowerPoint)
Fonts
Unless you’ve used system fonts when creating your original version, you’ll need to send us your fonts. If, perhaps because of licence restrictions this isn’t possible we can, with your permission, substitute fonts.
If it’s critical that specific fonts are applied to the translated versions, then these will need to be provided or we will need to purchase them.
Remember that not all fonts support all languages, so substitution may be necessary.
Linked files
These are the files that link to your application file: images, graphics, logos. They may be Illustrator, PhotoShop, PDFs or image file types.
Visual identity guide
Because it’s quite normal to have to adapt page layouts to accommodate text expansion and reflow, it’s a good idea to provide your visual identity guides so these can be applied to the translated versions. This means your publications will be on-brand in every language.
Adding value
Your creative team are really important. You’ll have invested in building this relationship.
We don’t claim to be a creative company – leave this to the specialists – but we do claim to expert in adapting marketing and corporate collateral for multiple markets.
By taking the best of both specialisms, you’ll achieve best value and best quality.
Do you need help with translating a publishing project?
Just get in touch.
Our initial advice is free.
Give us a call on 01635 246 699 or email us. Read a bit more about translating your DTP.
