Do you want to translate content created in InDesign? It's important to note that specific steps must be used to translate these types of files. Here are some steps to help you translate files exported from InDesign.
What is an InDesign file?
Adobe InDesign is DTP (desktop publishing) software that allows you to create highly specialized documents that require customized layouts, such as advertising banners, technical documents, manuals, marketing content, magazines, and brochures.
Choose the appropriate format for your InDesign file
By default, content created in InDesign is saved in the INDD (Adobe InDesign Document) format, which is not available to translators or translation software.
When sending your document to a translator, you must export the content in IDML (InDesign Markup Language) format. It is a text format that does not include images. You must also specify whether there are any parts of the text that do not need to be translated.
It might also be a good idea to send your InDesign file to a translator in PDF format. That way, the translator will have a clear idea of what the final document will look like.
Optimize InDesign files for translation
When creating content in InDesign, it's also important to consider certain criteria to optimize your document for future translation.
For example, you should avoid incorporating text directly into graphics or images. If this cannot be avoided, you should consider providing editable images to translators so that they can translate the text contained in the images.
It is important to note that the amount of words can vary significantly between languages. Therefore, you should prepare for this when you design your document by adjusting font sizes, moving paragraphs, redesigning the layout, and so on. You should also anticipate potential changes in writing direction (e.g., in relation to English to Arabic translation) and the impact on layout.
When designing your documentation, you should be conscious of writing clean code, such as by using automatic list numbering. The same goes for creating tables. You should always use the tools built into the software instead of creating them manually.
To save time, consider using an agency that offers multilingual DTP services, such as Optilingua. Translators work with graphic designers to adjust the document's text and layout (font size, line spacing, paragraph spacing, image size, etc.) while respecting the aesthetic design of the original document. For multilingual DTP services, you must provide a complete InDesign package including all graphical elements (fonts, links, images, etc.).
FAQ for translating InDesign files
To translate InDesign content, you must send your file in IDML format.
Pricing for translating InDesign documents varies depending on the volume, language combination, and complexity of the content. If you want exact pricing, you can request a quote online.
You should use a professional translator who specializes in the industry that requires translation. For brochures, flyers, banner ads, and other marketing or promotional content, you should use a marketing translator. For manuals, instruction manuals, and user guides, you should use a technical translator.
