Terms A–Z
All glossary terms
The terms are listed alphabetically and each has its own page with a short definition. If you cannot find the term you are looking for, get in touch.
A
- ABBYY Finereader — Microsoft software used for creating PDF files with Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology that recognizes non-editable texts like images and converts them into editable texts. OCR software does not always convert PDF documents with all existing formatting and elements, so human editing of the products is required to create a final version as close as possible to the original.
- Across language server — A software platform used to control language translation processes, resources, and workflows, with the goal of streamlining the coordination of all parts of a translation job.
- Adobe FrameMaker (BOOK; FM; MIF) — A document processor designed for writing and editing large or complex documents, including structured documents. FrameMaker files can be processed using CAT tools.
- Adobe Illustrator (AI; EPS) — A leading graphic design tool that creates files CAT (computer assisted translation) tools can work with when prepared using the CopyFlow filter. After translations are imported back into the original file their character-level properties (bold, italics, colors, etc.) will have to be re-created.
- Adobe InDesign (INDD; IDML) — Files created within the InDesign software can be processed by CAT (computer assisted translation) tools when necessary.
- Adobe InDesign Document (INDD) — A file format used in DTP projects that contains advanced layout-related options.
- Adobe InDesign Markup Language (IDML) — An XML-based format often used in DTP projects as a native file format for PDF documents.
- Adobe Photoshop (BMP; gifs; JPG; PSD; TIF; TIFF) — Software that allows localization of the images in which there is text that needs to be translated. Can be translated directly using CAT tools.
- AutoCAD (DWG; DXF) — Using this software, files can be prepared using a filter in Excel, which indicates text that should be imported back into the file after extensive changes such as translation. We use PDFs that we print from client files before such alterations, as guidance for the size and location of texts.
C
- Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools — Specialized software that analyzes texts entered in as data. CAT software breaks entered text into segments, translates these, and saves both the source and target segments. As the human translator works through a text the CAT software offers the translations in its database as options to be inserted into the translation.
- Confidentiality — Systematic application of advanced technology helps ensure confidentiality at all stages and only those professionals working on your project will have access to the content. The fiels that we accept to process at our DTP Studio are kept secure by methods approved by ISO certification.
D
- Deprecated software — A software product that has been superseded by an altered, more advanced product. A deprecated tool may still be usable, but it is not always capable of all functions needed or expected.
G
- Globalization (G11N) — “G11N” is an abbreviation for “globalization,” the 11 standing in for the 11 letters between “G” and “N.” Globalization refers to a company’s efforts to develop a business presence in markets around the world, and the networking, adaptation, and cooperation required for long-term success in those markets. Professional DTP is an extremely important tool is this process.
- Graphics — In DTP, “graphics” refers to any part of a design that is not text in standard fonts in the main body of the page. Photographs, symbols, company logos, maps, charts, and drawings are all graphics.
I
- In-house DTP check — Before handing over the DTP products, the DTP specialist will once again review the entire file and check whether it corresponds 100% to the required quality standard at every point, and whether the layout is error-free when compared to the source file. When processing files for final printing, a second DTP specialist performs a cross-check.
L
- Language Service Provider (LSP) — A company that provides multilingual communication for its clients. Services might include translating books, subtitling films, and preparing software for an international market. LSPs often offer a broad array of services with some areas of specialization and some language combinations with which they have extra experience.
- Layout — The assembly on a digital or printed page of text and graphics using DTP tools. Layout choices are affected by the target language and culture.
- Localization (L10N) — L10N is an abbreviation for localization, the process of adapting materials, products, and digital assets for a foreign audience. Translation is part of localization, but localization goes further, adjusting designs in a way that makes them resonate with cultures different from their original, home culture. Localization is often an important part of DTP services when materials – from software to product manuals – are being prepared for various international markets.
M
- Microsoft Excel (CSV; XLS; XLSX) — Files in the original XLS format can be opened directly into CAT tools and then after translation be exported in that format. If this process is successful, DTP specialists may not be required because the files don’t usually contain non-editable elements like images.
- Microsoft PowerPoint (PPT; PPTX; PPS) — PPT files can be processed with most CAT tools, and after translation they are exported in their original format. DTP editing and adjustments are usually required after translation as PPT files are intended for presentation and also usually contain non-editable images. Adaptation and localization of images are handled by additional software, such as Adobe Photoshop.
- Microsoft Publisher (PUB) — MS Publisher files can be transformed into XML format using the pub2xml filter, and then processed by a CAT tool like Trados Studio. After translation the content is imported back into the original file.
- Microsoft Visio (VSD) — Visio files can be processed automatically with CAT tools. They are prepared using the Sysfilter filter in the tagged Word, then imported back into the original file. Character-level properties like bold, italics, and colors) will not be preserved and DTP is advised.
- Microsoft Word (DOC; DOCX; RTF) — Most translation and other jobs involving text come to us as MS Word files as it is useful for simple texts or extensive manuals. Word/DOC files can be opened directly into CAT tools like Trados Studio, and after translation they are exported in the original DOC format. Mastering MS Word at an advanced level is a matter of course for every Skrivanek employee, so final edits after translation or other manipulation is easy to accomplish.
- Multilingual — This term refers to documents or other communication (such as a website) that are available in more than one or two languages. DTP done by an LSP is a popular, efficient way to take original home market concepts and create polished communication for multiple target languages.
N
- Non-editable files — Electronic files or paper documents that cannot effectively be edited, changed, or entered into the system of another type of software. Complex charts, maps, and non-digital photographs are examples of non-editable files. Sometimes OCR (Optical Character Recognition) can be used to create an editable file from a non-editable one, thereby boosting DTP efficiency and effectiveness.
O
- Open Office (ODB; ODF; ODG; ODP; ODS; FROM T) — Files with a more complicated layout are usually not compatible with MS Office applications and must not be saved in them.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR) — OCR software recognizes non-editable texts (images, for example), and can convert them into editable texts. It evaluates individual black points with complex algorithms and tries to guess which character it is. Once the file is converted to a DOC format, Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools can be used for translation of any text needing translation. At that point it’s usually necessary to edit the resulting file. OCR software sometimes converts PDF documents incompletely, so the result can be a jumble of text boxes and frames that are difficult to align and edit into the same format as the original file.
P
- Project Management — Planning and oversight of DTP project fulfillment. Experienced project managers are the foundation of our responsive, effective customer service, and if your project extends beyond DTP to include other language or multimedia services that we offer, our experienced project managers ensure that everything is handled without hassle and to your complete satisfaction.
Q
- Quality control/assurance — Within our company, quality control or quality assurance refers to the systems we have developed, and measures we take to ensure that a process creates the best possible final product. We have specific quality assurance processes for DTP, language, and multimedia projects.
S
- Source language (SL) — In translation, the original language a text was written in and from which it is to be translated into some other language(s) and integrated into a DTP project.
T
- Target culture (TC) — The culture of the audience to which a translated or localized DTP communication product is designed to appeal.
- Target language (TL) — The language a text is translated into from its original or “source” language, for use in final DTP products such as marketing fliers, websites, or product brochures.
- Trados Studio — Translation software that assists with language project management and fulfillment.
- Translation — The act of carrying meaning from one language to another. In the language service industry translation refers most often to words. When other elements – like graphic design or artistic expression – are adapted to a different culture that process involves more than finding equivalencies for words and is called localization or transcreation, depending on what is involved.
W
- Workflow — A step-by-step fulfillment process developed before a DTP, multimedia, or language project begins.