Nowadays, many companies require professional translation and localisation services for content in a variety of different formats. Beyond translation, it is also important that both the original and translated documents are similar in every respect, including the presentation of the content. This is where desktop publishing (DTP) services come in.
DTP produces text and graphics ready for print or digital using specialised publishing software. This means that what you see is what you get, so whatever you decide to print will appear the same on paper as it does on screen.
Who uses desktop publishing?
Publishing and printing industries regularly use DTP software applications and programs. This allows them to produce a variety of documents and communication materials, including:
- Leaflets
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Posters
- Books
- Design templates
DTP was traditionally reserved for publishing firms who had the financial means to purchase the necessary tools and software. However, in recent years, DTP software has been made more accessible to other users and translation firms thanks to open-source operating systems like Linux. Technological progress has also made it easier to access other necessary tools, such as digital and laser scanners with high definition.
This means that DTP is no longer limited to the publishing world, and has expanded to include a variety of disciplines. From music (MAO) and drawing (DAO), to computer-assisted translation (CAT), DTP software allows more sectors to deliver high-quality documents ready for print.
Desktop publishing software
The software used in DTP can perform a large number of tasks to design a document exactly how you want it. These tasks range from word processing and illustration to layout, graphics and photo editing. There is a variety of DTP programs available, some free and others that involve a fee.
One well-known name is Adobe. This company has created several types of popular software, including Adobe Photoshop (retouching, drawing and processing software), Adobe InDesign (page layout software) and Adobe Illustrator (graphic creation and vector drawing software). These are all available for different operating systems like Mac OS, Linux and Windows.
Multilingual desktop publishing in the world of translation
DTP services are now used in a wide range of industries, including translation. Many different sectors need translation services for all sorts of content and text types, which makes DTP useful for delivering final translations ready for publishing. When it comes to translation, DTP can be used for everything from marketing and communication materials to tourism and medical documents.
DTP enables language service providers to work on a wider range of projects in different formats. When handling translations, DTP is used for editing and retouching texts and images, removing the original text and replacing it with the new translation.
Linguistic differences mean it can also be difficult to fit a translation within the original design. It is not unusual for a translation to be shorter or longer than the original. For example, a text translated from French into English will likely be shorter, since French words are typically longer than English ones. When this happens, DTP software allows us to adapt the layout to fit the translation.
Multilingual desktop publishing with Intertranslations
At Intertranslations, our multilingual desktop publishing services help us deliver translated documents which are faithful to the originals in terms of both content and design. Combining a network of professional linguists with excellent DTP services, we deliver high-quality translations in high-resolution renderings, giving you high standards all around.
Our agency prides itself on using only the best software compatible with different operating systems, so we can help regardless of whether you use Mac OS or Windows. The software we use includes:
- DTP software
- Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word etc.)
- Open Office
- QuarkXPress
- InDesign
- FrameMaker
- Vector graphics software
- Illustrator
- Graphic design software
- Photoshop
- Adobe Acrobat
For more information about any of our services including multilingual desktop publishing, contact us via our website.