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Translation and document design go hand in hand because pretty much every document created is intended to be read by an audience. Pagination refers to formatting simple word-processed projects, while DTP refers to Desktop Publishing, used for more elaborate projects that require graphic designers and specialist applications.

But what is DTP?

Maybe you have contacted a Translation Agency in the past to get a quote for a translation project and the Project Manager asked you if you want also DTP services, but you didn’t had a clue about what DTP is.

DTP stands for Desktop Publishing and it refers to the creation of documents using page layout software. Typically, this includes the combining and rearranging of text and imagery (in case there are any images) through computer software, using Fonts and Graphics of your choice, to produce documents such as Newsletters, Brochures, Manuals, Slide shows, Books, etc.

Translation with Desktop Publishing

This form of translation involves a significant amount of DTP post-translation production. Every effort is made to closely mirror the original document, including artwork, graphs, charts, colors, images, layout, and fonts. This may be especially important when a print ready version of translated material is needed, such as in marketing, documentation, or anything intended for widespread publication. To produce this type of translation economically, it is usually necessary for the client to submit the originals in the same digital format as, or a reasonable equivalent to, the one in which they were created.

Published documents range from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Pdf, Adobe InDesign, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe PageMaker, Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, Corel Ventura, QuarkXPress and many more.

Text Only Translation (Pagination)

This is the simplest form of translation when the text of a document is extracted, translated, and then written without matching the look and layout of the original.

When practical, simple formatting such as pagination, columns, and tables, are followed for clarity and ease of cross reference with the original document. In some cases, pictures which are simply embedded within the text can also be transferred, but in general, complex images, artwork, graphs, charts, colors, fonts, and creative layouts are not transferred.

When to choose pagination and when to choose DTP

A standard text translation doesn’t need DTP, but it should still have to look good, be laid out in the same way, and mirror the source file (where possible).

Agency vs. translator approach on DTP

Only a couple of translators are able to work directly with files from these desktop publishing programs. They don’t own the software and don’t have advanced knowledge in using them.

A translator is usually about 90% focused on the quality of the translation. On the other hand a translation agency employs design specialists who have expertise in the area of desktop publishing in order to deliver a final product.

Your One Shop For All Your Translations Needs

DutchTrans provides a one-stop shop for all your documentation needs. We offer a range of services from simple translation of a text in a Word format through to the translation, desktop publishing and printing of a newsletter, brochure or complex manual.

You can contact us 24/7 for any language combination, not just Dutch projects! Send us an email to info@dutchtrans.co.uk for more information.

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