Preparing Your InDesign File for Best Translation Results

Last Updated: 2024-01-20

how-to indesign idml preparation best practices styles workflow

Why Preparation Matters

While Transl8ly does an excellent job of preserving your layout during IDML translation, starting with a well-structured InDesign document makes the process even smoother and minimizes the need for post-translation adjustments.

Think of it like building a house: a strong foundation makes the rest of the construction easier. Preparing your InDesign file is like building that strong foundation for translation.

Key Preparation Steps

Before you export your .indd file to IDML for translation, review these points:

  1. Use Paragraph and Character Styles Consistently:

    • Do: Define and apply styles for all recurring text elements (headings, body text, captions, lists, etc.).
    • Don't: Rely heavily on local formatting overrides (e.g., manually changing the font size or color of just a few words without applying a Character Style). Transl8ly uses the underlying styles; excessive overrides can sometimes lead to minor inconsistencies after translation.

  2. Resolve Overset Text:

    • Do: Check your document for the dreaded red plus sign (+) indicating overset text (text that doesn't fit in its frame). Fix these issues by resizing frames, adjusting text, or linking frames before exporting.
    • Don't: Leave overset text in the source file. This text won't be exported to the IDML and therefore won't be translated.

  3. Ensure Correct Text Flow (Linked Frames):

    • Do: If text is meant to flow from one frame to another (like columns or across pages), ensure those frames are properly linked using InDesign's threading tools.
    • Don't: Manually break text across unlinked frames. This disrupts the story structure that Transl8ly relies on.

  4. Check Locked Layers and Objects:

    • Do: Temporarily unlock any layers or objects containing text that needs to be translated. Locked text might not be included in the IDML export.
    • Don't: Forget about text hidden on locked layers.

  5. Review Text on Paths and Complex Objects:

    • Do: If possible, consider converting text on a path to a regular text frame if it needs translation, as complex text objects can sometimes pose challenges for automated processing. Evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
    • Don't: Assume all complex text elements will translate perfectly without issue (though most standard ones will).

  6. Finalize and Proofread Source Content:

    • Do: Ensure the source text is finalized, approved, and proofread before you translate it. Translating draft content leads to wasted effort and cost if changes are needed later.
    • Don't: Translate content that is still likely to change.

Benefits of Preparation

Taking a few minutes to prepare your InDesign file using these tips will:

  • Improve Layout Preservation: Reduce the chances of unexpected layout shifts after translation.
  • Minimize Post-Translation Work: Spend less time making manual adjustments in the translated InDesign file.
  • Ensure All Text is Translated: Avoid issues where text was missed due to being overset or locked.
  • Lead to a Smoother Workflow: Get your multilingual documents ready faster.

By combining a well-prepared InDesign document with Transl8ly's efficient IDML translation, you can achieve high-quality, layout-consistent multilingual publications with minimal effort.