Multilingual DTP
The localization of documentation requires the use of desktop publishing, or DTP, applications. Normally, desktop publishing operators are responsible for the choice of DTP tools used. However, with the added complexity of translating and localizing documentation materials, L10N providers must also complete file preparation on the source files either pre or post translation. Without this file preparation the translator would not be able to use industry standard TM tools and the cost savings associated with TM tools would not be realized. After the translation and QA process, the files will undergo post processing to return them to their original format. Only then is the translated documentation ready for the final layout and formatting.
In this particular field, knowledge of DTP tools and packages is not sufficient. DTP operators should have a thorough knowledge of the issues and requirements of the localization process. For instance, they should be aware of international layout conventions and characters set issues, have knowledge of mark-up languages, such as HTML and XML, used for on-line documentation, and be able to select project appropriate computer-aided translation tool. For these reasons, localization service providers often have their own in-house DTP department.
CSOFT provides professional and competitive multilingual publishing services in 70+ languages. Our desktop publishing specialists work with all industry-standard desktop publishing and graphics tools, such as Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe PageMaker, QuarkXPress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Robohelp, Webworks, and others. We offer complete support for DTP on both Windows and Mac platforms.
In addition to regular publishing/graphic design skills, our professional multilingual DTP team excels in the following:
- In-depth knowledge of international layout issues, typographical conventions
- Understanding of language and character set issues in multilingual documentation
- Expert knowledge of file conversions between translation memory tools and DTP applications
- Single source publishing
- Technical experience with markup languages such as HTML and XML (for online help system)
CSOFT is experienced with a variety of documentation formats including:
- FrameMaker books and manuals
- QuarkXPress marketing collateral
- Compiled HTML Help (.chm) and JavaHelp
- WinHelp (htm 3 and 4)
- InDesign works
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