The translation process is not merely the conversion of a text from one language to another. It is the adaptation of your document including text, layout, images, fonts…etc to look as if it is primarily created in the target language. This means that any typos, inappropriate text contractions, spacing, or any other layout inconsistencies may affect the success of your translation project and even the image of your brand.
Here comes the importance of desktop publishing, abbreviated as DTP, in adjusting the format and layout of translated documents to fit the new languages using different software tools.
However, you must know that desktop translation publishing differs from normal desktop publishing. Professionals hired by translation agencies to adjust the layout of translated documents are well-versed in dealing with files in different languages and understand the requirements of each language in terms of text length, spaces, and styles.
In this blog, we will explore the definition of desktop publishing and how it is beneficial for any translation project.
What is Desktop Publishing?
Desktop publishing is the final stage in any translation project that comes after translation, reviewing, and proofreading. It entails the adjustment of the translated document to match the layout of the source document. This involves the adaptation of fonts, images, formats, colors, and spacing.
The following are some of the most common tasks performed by multilingual desktop publishing experts:
• Checking if there are any untranslated texts in the body or behind images
• Adapting images and colors to be culturally appropriate for the target language
• Adjusting fonts according to the requirements of each language
• Updating the formats to fit the style of each language, especially in right-to-left languages such as Arabic and Hebrew, and to allow for text expansion or reduction
• Updating the spaces to match the preferences of target languages
• Formatting bullets, boxes, numbering, table of contents, and graphics
• Checking if the hyperlinks are functioning well
What Are the Benefits of Desktop Publishing?
Some people may ignore the importance of desktop publishing services. However, desktop publishing is a crucial stage to complete your translation project and ensure that it will be natural and appealing to target audiences, especially if you plan to penetrate global markets.
The following are some of the key benefits of desktop publishing:
Adjusting the Layout to be Appropriate for Target Languages
Multilingual DTP professionals are able to handle files in different languages. Thus, they understand well the style of each language to finally produce a document that looks as if it is originally written in the target language. This will definitely achieve customer satisfaction and help you gain the trust of your potential customers.
Adapting the Cultural Elements
DTP experts can adapt the images and colors of the source document to resonate with the cultures of target audiences. Some colors or images that may be acceptable in one language may be offensive in another. Thus, they make sure that they address all the cultural elements within the document using different applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe in Design, Adobe Frame Maker, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop.
Saving Time and Money
If you partner with a translation agency that provides translation, localization, and DTP services at the same time, you will save a lot of time and money and avoid any hassle or confusion that may happen during the translation process.
Why Choose Afrolingo?
Afrolingo is a leading language service provider in Africa that provides high-quality DTP services at the most affordable prices. We offer translation services that include DTP solutions in more than 80 African languages.
Our DTP team is trained to work with all design programs and page layout software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Frame Maker, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher, CorelDraw, and many more. In every project, we work according to the following factors:
• Satisfying Clients’ needs and working per projects’ requirements
• Customizing Project’s quotation to be within your budget and desired time frame.
• Testing the final output to ensure that it is error-free and has the highest quality
• Selecting DTP experts that are fully aware of the African languages and can address all the cultural nuances
If you are looking for a trusted translation agency to help you in publishing your content in the African markets, Afrolingo will be the best choice. Request a quote today!
