IDML File Translation: Essential Tools and Tips for Success

Published: 2024-04-15 | Author: Transl8ly Team

idml indesign translation tools tips workflow deepl

Understanding IDML: The Foundation for Better Translation

Before diving into tools and tips, let's reiterate why IDML (InDesign Markup Language) is crucial. Unlike native .indd files, IDML is an open, XML-based format. This structure allows specialized tools to programmatically access and modify the document's content while preserving its complex layout and formatting.

Translating via IDML avoids the time-consuming and error-prone process of manually copying text in and out of InDesign.

Essential Tools for IDML Translation

The landscape of IDML translation tools ranges from complex enterprise platforms to focused, simpler solutions.

  1. Translation Management Systems (TMS):

    • Examples: Redokun, Phrase (formerly Memsource), Trados Studio (with specific plugins/workflows), MemoQ.
    • Pros: Offer comprehensive features like Translation Memory (TM), term bases, collaboration, project management, and support for various file types.
    • Cons: Generally have a steeper learning curve, higher cost, and can be overkill if your primary need is just translating InDesign files.

  2. Dedicated IDML Translation Tools:

    • Example: Transl8ly
    • Pros: Specifically designed for IDML translation, focusing on speed, simplicity, layout preservation, and affordability. Ideal for users who don't need full TMS features.
    • Cons: Lack the extensive project management or TM features of a full TMS.

  3. InDesign Plugins:

    • Examples: Tools like CatsCradle, localize (check for current status/compatibility).
    • Pros: Work directly within the InDesign interface.
    • Cons: Can vary widely in quality, features, and compatibility with InDesign versions. May require manual steps and might not always perfectly handle complex layouts or use the best translation engines.

For most users seeking a balance of efficiency, cost, and ease of use, a dedicated IDML tool like Transl8ly hits the sweet spot.

Practical Tips for Smooth IDML Translation

Regardless of the tool, following these tips will improve your IDML translation results:

  1. Prepare Your InDesign File:

    • Use Styles Consistently: Rely on paragraph and character styles. Avoid local formatting overrides as much as possible. Tools leverage these styles.
    • Manage Text Flow: Ensure text frames are linked correctly for proper story flow.
    • Check for Overset Text: Resolve any overset text in the source document before exporting IDML.
    • Unlock Layers: Ensure text on locked layers that needs translation is accessible.
    • Convert Text on Path/Type: If possible, convert text on paths to regular text frames if it needs translation, as this can sometimes cause issues.

  2. Exporting the IDML:

    • Always use File > Export... > InDesign Markup (IDML) from the latest version of InDesign used to edit the file.

  3. Choosing Your Tool:

    • Consider your needs: Do you need complex project management, or just fast, accurate IDML translation? Transl8ly excels at the latter.
    • Evaluate ease of use: How quickly can you get started? Transl8ly requires virtually no setup.
    • Check translation engine: Transl8ly uses DeepL, known for its high quality, especially for European languages.

  4. Post-Translation Review (in InDesign):

    • Open the Translated IDML: Always open the translated IDML in InDesign for a final review.
    • Check for Minor Overset Text: Due to language expansion/contraction, minor adjustments might still be needed.
    • Review Line Breaks/Hyphenation: Check language-specific hyphenation rules and adjust if necessary.
    • Proofread: Machine translation is excellent but not infallible. A quick proofread is always recommended.

Conclusion: The Right Tool Makes the Difference

Translating InDesign files effectively hinges on using the IDML format. By choosing the right tool for your needs – whether a full TMS or a streamlined, cost-effective solution like Transl8ly – and following best practices for file preparation and review, you can achieve fast, accurate translations while preserving your valuable design work. Transl8ly makes high-quality, layout-preserving IDML translation accessible and affordable for everyone.