Which tools can you use for software documentation localization?

1 Translation management systems

A translation management system (TMS) is a software that automates and streamlines the workflow of localization projects. It allows you to store, manage, and reuse your source and translated content in a centralized database. It also integrates with various file formats, translation tools, and quality checks. A TMS can help you reduce costs, errors, and turnaround time for your software documentation localization.

2 Computer-assisted translation tools

Computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools assist human translators with features such as terminology management, glossaries, dictionaries, and translation memory. Translation memory is a database that stores previous translations and suggests them for new or similar segments. CAT tools help improve the quality, consistency, and efficiency of your software documentation localization.

3 Localization testing tools

Localization testing tools help you verify the functionality and appearance of your localized software and documentation. They can help you detect and fix issues such as layout, formatting, encoding, and images. This can can help ensure your software documentation localization meets the expectations and requirements of your target audience.

4 Localization style guides

A localization style guide defines the tone, voice, style, and conventions of your localized documentation. It assists with communicating your brand identity, values, and goals to translators and reviewers. It can also help you avoid cultural misunderstandings. This will help you create a coherent and engaging user experience for your software documentation localization.

5 Localization best practices

Localization best practices are guidelines that can assist in the planning, execution, and maintenance of software documentation localization. It is important to use clear and simple language in the source content. Avoid idioms, slang, jokes, metaphors, and references, as they may not translate well to your target audience. Use consistent terminology, formatting, and style throughout the content. And use placeholders, variables, and tags for dynamic or variable content such as dates, numbers, currencies, and names. Additionally, leave enough space for text expansion or contraction in the layout and design. Finally, it is important to review and test localized content before its release.

6 Localization resources and communities

Localization resources and communities are online platforms and networks that can help you learn more about software documentation localization. The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) is a non-profit organization that promotes the industry and provides resources, events, and webinars. The Localization Institute is a training and consulting company that offers courses, certifications, and conferences. The Content Wrangler is a website that covers topics related to content strategy, management, and localization. Write the Docs is a community of software documentation writers and enthusiasts that organizes meetups, conferences, podcasts, and newsletters. These resources can provide valuable information, advice, feedback, and support.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?