Mirela
DTP is short for Desktop Publishing, which is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer. When you localize this type of content, you need to maintain both readability and original design. Since different languages have varying lengths, structures, and formatting requirements, DTP localization entails quite a few adjustments, which we will discuss below.
Expansion, contraction, and other challenges
In one of our previous articles, we discussed how the length of the text can expand or contract depending on the target language. Same goes for DTP localization. For example, English text typically expands by about 30% when translated into German but contracts when translated into Chinese. This can disrupt the layout, requiring modifications in text box sizes, line spacing, and overall document alignment.
It’s also vital we ensure font compatibility when doing localization. Not all fonts support the unique characters and diacritics of every language. Some scripts require fonts that can handle thousands of unique characters, while others have complex ligatures and positioning rules. Luckily, there are plenty of multilingual fonts options you can choose from.
But one of the biggest challenges remains maintaining consistency across multiple languages while preserving the original design intent. Some languages (e.g., Chinese or Japanese) are written vertically, while others are written right-to-left, which can really alter a document’s structure. In addition to this, in non-Latin scripts, character spacing needs adjustments to avoid overlapping or excessive gaps.
Adapting graphics
Graphics and images, with all they entail (symbols, colors, and visual elements) must be culturally appropriate for the target audience. When a document includes embedded text in images, these elements must also be translated and reformatted, which may involve graphic design adjustments.
Same goes for icons and infographics. A good example is a calendar icon showing Sunday as the first day of the week. You may need to modify such a calendar for countries where the week starts on Monday or Saturday. In a similar manner, you may need to update maps or diagrams containing location-specific references to align with local expectations.
Don’t forget about Quality Assurance (QA)
Before finalizing a document, it must be reviewed for text accuracy, alignment consistency, and typographical errors. Hire native speakers for proofreading, because they are most qualified to ensure that the localized content flows naturally and adheres to linguistic rules. Additionally, you need to test the documents across different devices and print formats. Localization testing also extends to interactive documents such as PDFs with hyperlinks, forms, or multimedia elements. These components must function correctly after localization too.
…and use a TMS to streamline localization
For teams handling DTP localization, POEditor can be a great tool for managing multilingual content. It simplifies text management by supporting a wide range of file formats, including JSON, XML, PO, XLIFF, CSV, and more.
You can integrate our translation management system with development tools to keep everything in sync, while features like translation memory and machine translation further enhance efficiency, allowing your translators to reuse existing translations and speed up delivery without sacrificing quality.
POEditor is the smart choice for businesses that want to streamline their localization process without the hassle of complex setups. With a free trial available, you can explore its range of features and see how it can transform your translation workflow.