Can we translate from a PDF directly?
Firstly, we can deliver your translations in whichever format you need. Mostly we deliver screen- or press-ready PDFs, ready for digital or print deployment. PDFs allow us (and our clients) to send files which can’t be (easily) edited by a third party. But can we translate from a PDF directly? Well… yes… and no!
Since PDF files are not editable, sending us a PDF to translate makes the process a little longer and more expensive than it needs to be. If you send us the original files (typically InDesign, Word, or Powerpoint) at the beginning, it is extremely helpful. We can simply export the text from your file and import it straight into our translation platform, saving time and reducing costs, as well as avoiding mistakes.
Find out more: How to get an accurate Translation Quote
Find out more: “Please send us the original files!”
The translation process
If you only have a PDF version of the document, there are several possible ways to proceed:
- Recreate the document in InDesign, translate, and update the layout and spacing to accommodate the new language
- Recreate the document in InDesign, translate, and deliver with no DTP adjustment (in case you want to do it in-house)
- In a Word file for you to complete the layout work
- In a bilingual (two-column) .rtf file where you can review and edit the translations. Then we can update the Translation Memory (TM) we maintain for you, and send you an updated Word file.
- Stress-free option! PDFs ready for digital deployment, or for print.
Find out more: Cut costs! Integrated Desktop Publishing (DTP) and Translation
Upgrade to InDesign
Recreating the original file InDesign, from your PDF, is a good option. You will then have an editable design file when you need to update it, or create another language version.
Upgrade to a multilingual file
Finally, we can create Multilingual PDFs of the final document — ie. all the language versions in a single file, with buttons to select the language you prefer. For an explanation of this product, please see our demo here: View Video
- Convenient for quality control — you can easily review your translations.
- Efficient for version control — all your language versions stay together in a single file.
- When updating, changes to graphics — graphs, diagrams, etc — only have to be made once, to a single file.
- Multilingual documents can also be useful for smaller regional offices, as you can provide translation alternatives for areas where the local language may not be supported.
