If you have a document that is intended for online or offline publishing in multiple languages, but not sure about the proper way to get that done? All you need is professional desktop publishing services (DTP) by a reliable language company. Also known as typesetting, DTP refers to a set of pre-press technical and linguistic operations that aim at creating localized and ready-for-publishing documents, using appropriate page layout software.
A flawless DTP service allows full control over the look of your print-ready files in one or more foreign languages without changing the original design. A combination of content localization, text formatting, and layout designing come together to create a flawlessly translated file that is ready for publishing.
Across every single inch of Africa, AfroLingo crafts a variety of comprehensive and versatile desktop publishing services in more than 80+ African languages. Over 12 years, we have delivered a myriad of satisfactory multilingual DTP projects to Fortune 500 companies and small- and medium-sized startups alike. We promise the highest quality, the fastest turnaround times, and the most competitive prices. If you are preparing your content for publishing worldwide, AfroLingo is your perfect partner of choice.
Types of Content that Need DTP Solutions
Since its foundation in 2008, AfroLingo localization specialists have worked on hundreds of DTP projects of different sizes and scales. From offset printing to online distribution, our desktop publishing services cover a broad range of documents across different industries, including:
Manuals – User Guides – Brochures – Books – Flyers – Catalogs – Pamphlets – Leaflets – Technical proposals – Magazines – Newspapers – Newsletters – eBooks – Slideshows – Annual reports and many more…
Problems that DTP Services Solve
The power of DTP services lies in their distinctive ability to handle the subtle linguistic and technical issues other language services can not deal with. Among these complex problems are:
- Content expansion and contraction
When translated, your textual content may expand or contract and no longer fit in the original design. The translation from English into German, for instance, results in up to 30% of text extension and requires much more space. It is always recommended that you leave enough room for expansion when you first create your designs. If you did not, no worries; our DTP specialists would sort it out for you. Backed by their extensive expertise, AfroLingo’s desktop publishing experts are capable of twisting both the designs and texts to create coherent and professional-looking documents.
- Writing directions
The writing directions vary from one language to another. Languages like Arabic, Hebrew, and Farsi are written from “right-to-left”, while some Asian languages are written vertically. Multilingual DTP services are concerned with all the necessary functions to adapt the localized text into the layout designs to present a smooth visual display without any noticeable inconveniences.
- Typographical details
When done properly, desktop publishing services cover the delicate stylistic details, including the length of words and paragraphs, kerning, and spatial anti-aliasing, and many more. Our DTP specialists are fully versed in the typographical rules of your target language and pay attention to the tiniest linguistic particularities.
- Photo editing
Extracting and translating the textual content that is embedded inside photos might be a difficult task for newbies. Our highly experienced DTP professionals replace the original text with the translated one and seamlessly fit it in the designs while maintaining the brand identity. We translate from and into more than 80+ African languages and across all fields
Globally Endorsed Process
A successful DTP project is a product of a meticulous multi-step process that includes several quality management phases and involves many professionals. We, at AfroLingo, invest in the process, apply the best practices and work in line with the world’s latest and highest DTP standards. Here is a summary of what happens since we receive a new DTP request until we deliver a final satisfactory output to our clients:
- Request assessment
After you submit your DTP request, a dedicated and experienced project manager from our side assesses your project requirements then asks you to dispatch all your source files. Make sure you attach every source document in all available formats and highlight any special request you might have regarding the images, fonts, symbols, and special characters.
- Project coordination
Our project manager then provides you with a detailed and customized free quotation that meets your needs and sets the estimated price and turnaround time for your project. If you approve it, you sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure the confidentiality of your information and let the practical execution begin.
- Localization support
Your materials then go to the localization support team who fulfill the technical tasks necessary to extract the textual content and get it ready for translation. They might also do some formatting cross-platform document conversions, and primary content analysis to define the word count and the required translation management tools.
- Translation
In continuation to the previous efforts, our professional linguists intently conduct translation as per your requirements. Our professional language specialists are native in your target language and have extensive knowledge of the translation subject matter.
- Post-translation
As soon as the translation pans out, the project manager sends the translated text back to the localization support team to prepare it for DTP. They will do what it takes to replace the original content in the source files with the new translated one and forward it to the DTP team.
- Desktop Publishing (DTP) or Typesetting
At this step, our DTP specialists take over the project and do their magic. Their responsibilities include professional typesetting, graphic localization, as well as professional layout formatting. From font management and text design to visual adaptation and image placement, DTP specialists do everything needed to generate a final output that is identical to the original document. This end product could be delivered in multiple formats, including an editable PDF or Microsoft Office documents.
- Quality Assurance (QA)
A separate team of graphic experts and veteran linguists eventually review the target files against the source ones to compare all elements and ensure everything is in place. Also, an additional proofreading phase takes place to double-check the text and make sure that the DTP team have had it all covered.
- Final delivery
Our project manager finally receives the finalized version of the target files in your requested formats and forward them to your inbox on time. If you have any comments or suggested amendments, you communicate them directly with us, and the team applies them and sends a complete final version to you within a couple of hours.
We never call a DTP service successful until you state that you are fully satisfied!
Why AfroLingo?
If you are looking for a native and experienced African desktop publishing company with a proven track record, then you have come to the right place. Carving its name as one of the leading language service providers in Africa, AfroLingo presents top-notch DTP solutions with unrivalled quality and affordable prices. We have helped many businesses, including giant multinational brands, thrive in the African markets with our customized DTP solutions. These are five reasons why they trusted us and why you should choose AfroLingo:
Tailor-made solutions
We create a bespoke DTP solution that satisfies your needs and aligns with your business objectives. Our project managers assess every detail in your request and pass this knowledge on to the DTP professionals. We also customize a project quotation that stays within your budget and expected timeframe.
Stringent quality
We always bet on quality! Our process entails multiple quality checks and reviewing stages. We do the necessary technical testing and linguistic validation before we submit our finalized DTP projects with flawless quality and absolute accuracy.
Native experts
Our team comprises a huge network of in-country linguists, designers, project managers, and localization engineers. They are all born and raised in Africa and well versed in their linguistic and cultural nuances. Our DTP specialists are aware of your target audience preferences and know what content works best in their local markets.
Groundbreaking technologies
We employ a suite of smart translation management software applications and advanced computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools. Our competent, fast, and cost-effective desktop publishing services are attributed not only to brilliant human minds but also cutting-edge technologies.
Timely delivery
We believe time is vital in the content publishing process. Our highly trained professionals are capable of working under tight deadlines and delivering impeccable quality within limited timeframes. Get your content ready for publishing and score the least time-to-market.
Supported formats
Powered by the latest software technologies, AfroLingo’s desktop publishing services support all formats and all versions. Our expert DTP specialists are adequately trained to work with all design programs and page layout software. These are some of the applications we specialize in working with:
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Frame maker
- Adobe PageMaker
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Publisher
- CorelDRAW
- Corel Ventura
- AutoCAD
- Interleaf/Quicksilver
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- Pages for Mac
- QuarkXPress
Supported languages
We have had over a decade operating in the African market, making way for new content into the African countries. We provide a full range of language solutions, including proficient DTP services, with a standard of excellence in over 80+ languages spoken across the African lands. These are the languages we specialize in translating:
- Afrikaans
- Swahili
- Somali
- Amharic
- Arabic
- English
- Farsi
- Hausa
- Hebrew
- Igbo
- Kinyarwanda
- Ndebele
- Sesotho
- Setswana
- Tigrinya
- Tshivenda
- Tsonga
- Twi
- Urdu
- Xhosa
- Yoruba
- Zulu
FAQs
Why is desktop publishing important?
Multilingual DTP does not only localize your publication content in various languages but also gives polish to your visual display. It enables you to publish your content with the same appeal of the original versions to many different cultures.
What are the applications of desktop publishing?
Desktop publishing services are used for any content that is meant for online or offline publishing. From books and magazines to brochures and flyers, DTP matches the text with the designs and gets your content ready for publication.
How much does a DTP project cost? And how long does it take?
It always depends on your request details. We assess your needs carefully and provide you with a customized quotation according to your allocated budget and expected timeframe.
In what formats do I receive the finalized files?
We provide our finalized DTP files in whatever format you want, including editable files so you can easily apply any amendments and add or remove any information you want.
What other language services do you offer?
We take pride in offering the full spectrum of language solutions in over 80+ African languages. Our offerings include document translation, website localization, software localization, mobile localization, transcription, and interpretation services.
Do you provide consultation regarding the publishing business in the African markets?
Yes, definitely. We would like to share our vast expertise in the African market with you, and help your business grow in the rich potential markets of Africa. Contact us now!
Expanding your business into Africa and looking forward to creating an engaging content that appeals to its local markets? We can help you with that. Our native DTP specialists are ready to localize your textual and visual content and cater it to your new target audience. Don’t think twice. Contact us today, and we will bridge your way to the African markets with our highest-standard service levels.
