Typesetting and Desktop Publishing for Translation

Spotting anything that’s out of place, correcting it and perfecting texts of all kinds for their new homes requires an experienced eye and skills in multilingual DTP. ICS-translate’s experience with this unique skillset enables us to produce flawless aesthetics.

For a Keen Eye and Professional Results, Choose ICS-translate

Ahead of the game: We understand not just what has changed during a translation but what is likely to change before we start it.

Balancing attention to detail and speed: Our DTP skills finish the job started by professional CAT tools.

Digital agency support: We can draw on our sister company ICS-digital’s expertise to complete our service.

What is DTP in Translation?

Desktop publishing, DTP or typesetting are often used to refer to the process of adjusting a translated text to fit the layout of the original or source text. This very simple description ignores some of the complexities that arise when we apply it to hundreds of different languages and limitless numbers of text types.

At ICS-translate, we believe that DTP isn’t just about forcing a translation to fit a mould. Our broad experience with translation and language-specific knowledge gives us a good idea of what could change ahead of the project so we can get the best out of the CAT tools and reduce the work required after the translation process.

Our DTP Translation Services Combine Localisation with Design Skills

Our professional translation service is supported by the Creative Design and Web Development teams at our sister company ICS-digital and it’s that close collaboration that produces flawless target texts.

This combined effort enables us to factor in - before and after the translation process - the different characters used in different alphabets, whether the source and target run from left-to-right or right-to-left, and other localisation issues such as whether the formats, fonts, images, punctuation and are familiar to certain audiences. Texts can grow and shrink in translation, depending not just on the two languages involved but also on the text type.

When Is DTP Necessary In a Translation Project?

Every text type requires some level of desktop publishing or typesetting to finalise it. CAT tools can typically handle most of that where the document is simple. For example, they will retain the formatting of the original headings or hint where the translator should include bold text in-copy. 

Specialist skills and knowledge become particularly important when working with more complex texts. From PDFs and infographics to websites, desktop publishing ensures the new text not only fits but looks good in its new home. As part of our LQA process, a native speaker will check over the final version to ensure nothing has been missed.

What is DTP in Translation?

Desktop publishing, DTP or typesetting are often used to refer to the process of adjusting a translated text to fit the layout of the original or source text. This very simple description ignores some of the complexities that arise when we apply it to hundreds of different languages and limitless numbers of text types.

At ICS-translate, we believe that DTP isn’t just about forcing a translation to fit a mould. Our broad experience with translation and language-specific knowledge gives us a good idea of what could change ahead of the project so we can get the best out of the CAT tools and reduce the work required after the translation process.

Our DTP Translation Services Combine Localisation with Design Skills

Our professional translation service is supported by the Creative Design and Web Development teams at our sister company ICS-digital and it’s that close collaboration that produces flawless target texts.

This combined effort enables us to factor in - before and after the translation process - the different characters used in different alphabets, whether the source and target run from left-to-right or right-to-left, and other localisation issues such as whether the formats, fonts, images, punctuation and are familiar to certain audiences. Texts can grow and shrink in translation, depending not just on the two languages involved but also on the text type.

When Is DTP Necessary In a Translation Project?

Every text type requires some level of desktop publishing or typesetting to finalise it. CAT tools can typically handle most of that where the document is simple. For example, they will retain the formatting of the original headings or hint where the translator should include bold text in-copy. 

Specialist skills and knowledge become particularly important when working with more complex texts. From PDFs and infographics to websites, desktop publishing ensures the new text not only fits but looks good in its new home. As part of our LQA process, a native speaker will check over the final version to ensure nothing has been missed.

ICS-translate in Numbers

From our beginnings as a translation agency in the UK, we’ve built up a network of over 1,000 international content creators, translators and editors. Working alongside in-house experts, our linguists are renowned for delivering a faithful translation of content to engage brands’ global target audiences. We’ve also got the numbers to back up our reputation.

100+

languages we offer translations services in

24-hour

turnaround times where needed

1,000+

translators, content creators & editors

Case Studies

From translating legal contracts for a multinational corporation to localizing video games for a global audience, our case studies demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality translations that exceed our clients' expectations.

Case Studies

From translating legal contracts for a multinational corporation to localizing video games for a global audience, our case studies demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality translations that exceed our clients' expectations.

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