Layout adaptation

A layout adaptation at tolingo includes the services of desktop publishing (DTP) and checking of galley proofs. During the DTP process, our experts in graphics and typesetting review your translation and ensure that every word in the layout file is exactly where it should be with regard to the original. Checking the galley proofs allows us to review whether all word separations and line breaks are correct.

This combined process ensures that your translations are as effective in the target language as the source text. Our native-speaker specialists edit the translated file so that it appears just as professionally in your software as in the source file. Layout adaptation is possible for both digital and print content. We will be happy to advise you personally on any questions regarding a layout adaptation and provide you with an individual quotation!

Each and every language has its own peculiarities and orthography – that alone is reason enough to opt of layout adaptation. Languages differ not only in their vocabulary, but also in how they are written. In “concise” languages like English, words often contain only a few characters and can be abbreviated; in Chinese, for that matter, compact logograms even replace long strings of letters. “Long” languages such as German and French are often characterised by chains of letters and words. In a layout, these different typefaces require either more or less space and influence perceptions of the content. The setting of the text should therefore be done individually for each language in order to ensure the desired impact on the reader.

The direction of reading and writing can also influence the layout of a translation. Unlike English, French or German, Arabic is read from right to left, and Asian languages (e.g. Japanese) are written vertically in some cases. For successful communication, these special features should be taken into account in the layout – and that is exactly what desktop publishing (DTP) and typesetting galley proofs do. Because when characters and punctuation are integrated into the design in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and correct, the content will be much more effective.

Desktop publishing (DTP) is the production of a document for publication or printing. This involves using a graphics or design programme to adapt the text so that it is correct, legible and visually appealing in the layout of a file. At tolingo, this service refers to translations for which we align the text of the translated file with the layout of the original file. Thanks to this adaptation by our graphic designers, the file you receive back from us will not only be professionally translated into your desired target language and ready for printing or digital publication, but will also reflect your corporate identity exactly as in the original.

For an optimal result, our DTP experts make sure that the text, graphics and design elements are fully visible and reformat them where necessary. To do this, they adjust the spacing between individual letters and words (for example) or vary the font sizes. The special features of the respective writing systems (e.g. Chinese or Arabic characters) are also taken into account and precisely inserted into the layout.

Checking of galley proofs involves reviewing and adjusting a typeset document in terms of its orthographic and aesthetic appearance. This includes, above all, correct hyphenation and checking the layout with regard to proportions and alignments of texts. It also ensures that the full original text is included in the layout.

Our experts compare your translation with the original file and carry out a check of the galley proof. They take into account all the peculiarities of the target language – from correct word division to the use of special characters and punctuation marks as well as all dashes and periods. After all adjustments have been made, you will receive a file that is both correct in terms of content and – in combination with our DTP service – attractively designed, ready for printing or publication on the web.

Adapting the layout of your translation has three key advantages:

Your biggest advantage is probably the enormous saving of time and effort. If you give us a translation order including layout adaptation, we will create a high-quality translation for you and insert it into the design of the original file. This eliminates all subsequent adjustments you might otherwise have needed to carry out yourself. You provide us with the original file and get it back ready to print in the original layout – in addition to being professionally translated. And in the meantime you can devote yourself to other important tasks.

A layout adaptation by us means error and risk minimisation for you. Why is this true? Errors can even occur when translations are simply copy-and-pasted into the new document (at least when the staff members responsible have little or no knowledge of the foreign language). For example, important punctuation marks or even entire paragraphs can be forgotten, special characters included without a crucial accent mark, or text wrapped to the layout, but in the wrong place. Our native-speaker translators know what to look out for and never make mistakes.

We take the corporate design of your source file and transfer it into the translation. Nowadays, a cohesive corporate identity is practically required for any company. From the website to sales documents and business cards – the graphic elements of a company need to be consistent throughout all its communications. When we not only create your translations, but also review that every translated syllable is in the right place based on the original layout, your target group will perceive you exactly the way you want them to no matter what language the text is in.

Layout adaptation, including desktop publishing (DTP) and checking of galley proofs, is suitable for all translations of documents that contain graphics or design elements. It is most often used in the creation of multilingual materials in a marketing context, for example:

• Brochures & flyers
• Magazines
• Catalogues

But layout adaptation is also helpful for medical or technical translations, especially when a lot of information has to fit into as little space as possible – and without errors. Some examples are:

• Package inserts
• Manuals
• Operating instructions

Of course, there are also other texts, formats and materials for which a layout adaptation might be advisable. We will be happy to discuss your project with you and provide you with an individual quotation!

Layout adaptations are always created for the software from which your source file originates. A Microsoft Word document is probably the best-known type of document and can, of course, also be optimised with desktop publishing (DTP) and checking of galley proofs. However, more complex file formats are also suitable for adapting the layout of your translation, including for these programmes:

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver)
• Framemaker
• Keynote
• PowerPoint
• Quicksilver
• CorelDraw
• QuarkXPress

Can't find the software that is relevant for you in the list? That doesn’t mean we can’t help you. We can most likely still edit your file. Contact us and we will find a custom solution for you.