Best Tools for InDesign Translation Workflows in 2024

Published: 2024-11-15 | Author: Transl8ly Team

indesign idml translation tools workflow comparison efficiency

The Challenge: Translating Without Breaking the Design

Translating InDesign files presents a unique challenge: how do you replace the text without destroying the carefully crafted layout? The answer lies in leveraging the IDML format and choosing the right tools. Here's a breakdown of the main categories of tools available for InDesign translation workflows:

1. Manual Method (The Baseline - Not Recommended)

  • Tools: InDesign, Microsoft Word/Excel, Email.
  • Workflow: Copy text out, send for translation, copy text back in, manually reformat.
  • Pros: No additional software cost (initially).
  • Cons: Extremely time-consuming, high risk of errors, almost always breaks layout, frustrating.
  • Best For: Very small, infrequent projects where time is not a factor (rarely practical).

2. InDesign Plugins

  • Tools: Various plugins (quality and availability vary).
  • Workflow: Often involves marking text, exporting/importing within InDesign, sometimes connecting to translation services.
  • Pros: Keeps the work primarily within the familiar InDesign environment.
  • Cons: Can be clunky, plugin compatibility/updates can be an issue, layout preservation might not be perfect, often rely on external translation steps anyway.
  • Best For: Users who strongly prefer to stay within InDesign, provided a reliable and effective plugin is found.

3. Translation Management Systems (TMS)

  • Tools: Redokun, Phrase, Trados Studio, MemoQ, Smartling, etc.
  • Workflow: Upload IDML (or INDD for some), manage translation process (assigning tasks, using TM, term bases), connect to MT or human translators, export translated IDML/INDD.
  • Pros: Powerful features for managing large, complex projects, Translation Memory for cost savings on repeat text, collaboration features.
  • Cons: High cost (subscriptions), steep learning curve, complex interface, overkill for simpler IDML translation tasks.
  • Best For: Large enterprises, translation agencies, complex projects requiring extensive project management and TM leverage.

4. Dedicated IDML Translation Tools

  • Tools: Transl8ly
  • Workflow: Export IDML from InDesign, upload to the web tool, select languages, click translate (using integrated MT like DeepL), download translated IDML.
  • Pros: Highly focused on IDML, excellent layout preservation, extremely simple and fast workflow, very easy to use ("lavterskel"), cost-effective (free trial + affordable subscription), uses high-quality MT (DeepL).
  • Cons: Lacks advanced TMS features like TM or complex project management (by design).
  • Best For: Freelancers, designers, small agencies, marketing teams who need fast, reliable, affordable IDML translation with perfect layout preservation without the overhead of a TMS.

Choosing the Right Tool for Your Workflow

The "best" tool depends entirely on your specific needs and context:

  • Need maximum simplicity, speed, and affordability for IDML? Choose Transl8ly. It offers the best balance for direct, layout-preserving IDML translation.
  • Need extensive project management, collaboration, and Translation Memory? A TMS might be necessary, but be prepared for the cost and complexity.
  • Prefer staying within InDesign? Investigate plugins carefully, checking recent reviews and compatibility.
  • Still copy-pasting? Stop! Any of the other options are better.

Conclusion: Transl8ly - The Smart Choice for Efficient IDML Translation

For the vast majority of InDesign users needing multilingual versions of their documents, the dedicated IDML translation approach offers the most efficient path. Transl8ly stands out in this category by providing an incredibly simple, fast, and economical solution. It leverages the power of IDML and the quality of DeepL to deliver translated InDesign files that maintain their design integrity, streamlining your workflow and saving you valuable time and resources.