Translating an InDesign catalogue without losing the layout
Translating complex InDesign documents demands a rigorous DTP methodology. This Asiatis guide details the professional workflow used by our teams.
Step 1: Prepare the source file
Before any translation, the InDesign file must be optimized:
- Paragraph styles: all text must use styles (no local formatting).
- Organized layers: separate text, images and fixed elements.
- Embedded fonts: check licences for multilingual use.
- Image links: all links must be active and high-resolution.
Critical point: text inside images (logos with taglines, infographics) must be supplied as editable source files (AI, PSD) for translation.
Step 2: IDML export
The IDML (InDesign Markup Language) format is the exchange standard:
- • Preserves 100% of the document structure
- • Compatible with all InDesign versions
- • Integrates into CAT tools (Trados, memoQ)
- • Enables automatic text segmentation
Step 3: Translation with CAT tools
Asiatis uses native InDesign connectors in memoQ and Trados Studio:
Translation memories
Reuse of existing translations. 20-40% savings on recurring catalogues.
Terminology glossaries
Guaranteed consistency for product names, technical terms and brands.
Step 4: Post-translation DTP adjustment
Text expansion (French → German +20%, → Chinese -30%) requires adjustments:
- Reflow: readjusting text blocks, hyphenation, widows/orphans.
- CJK fonts: substitution with Asian equivalents (Noto Sans CJK).
- RTL: mirroring the document for Arabic/Hebrew.
Our DTP team uses InDesign CC with custom GREP scripts to automate these adjustments. Discover our technical translation service.
Step 5: Final export
- PDF/X-4: professional print standard with transparency.
- Embedded fonts: 100% of glyphs included in the PDF.
- Preflight: automatic validation before delivery.
A multilingual catalogue to translate?
Asiatis has mastered InDesign, Illustrator and QuarkXPress since 2000. Send us your source files for an accurate quote.