What Is Multilingual DTP and Why Do You Need It?

Let's set the scene with an example. You have a piece of content that includes relevant graphics. Your linguistic partner takes care of making the texts multilingual. So far, so good. But what about the layout, visuals, and graphics? Is it just a matter of copy and paste? Well, since doing that would be totally backfiring, that's why multilingual desktop publishing services (or DTP in short) exist.

Multilingual Typesetting or Desktop Publishing: Two Ways of Labelling the Same Solution

As the title attempts to explain, both terms refer to the same type of service: A technical solution that certain language service providers (or LSPs) offer with the aim to ensure that the translated document format keeps the integrity of the original material.

Of course, this service is not necessary for all types of translation (e.g. plain text would not require typesetting.) But it’s critical when there are graphics that complement the text. Or images depicting situations.?

(We don't want pixelated, excised, or collage-like images, do we?)

Types of Content That Requires Typesetting

We said that not all translated texts require DTP. So, which ones do? The list could be pretty long, but just to give you an idea, below are some cases:

• Company newsletters and in-house communication
• Catalogues and technical manuals
• Newspapers and magazines
• Books, eBooks, and infographics
• Brochures, flyers, leaflets, and pamphlets
• Reports
• Banners and entire webpages
• Training material

Why Do You Need Multilingual DTP Services?

The answer could be “to offer content that is accurate, intelligible, and conveys a good idea of what your business offers” and that would not be bad at all. But the truth is that there is much more to be said.

Multilingual DTP can help you preserve your company's style across cultures and foreign audiences. After all, the experience of whoever interacts with your content/materials (whether printed or digital) is not just about words, and there is a precise reason why you have chosen the design or images you are currently using, right?

It's also worth mentioning that this can be committed to any graphic designer, but working with multilingual typesetting specialists has a unique advantage: They are experts in design and with the target language. This, consequently, will make the process much smoother from the start, and your needs will be understood from all angles and without unnecessary delays.

Other benefits of working with multilingual typesetting professionals include (but aren’t limited to):

• Proficiency with multiple tools, such as Adobe tools, Corel Draw, and QuarkXpress, among others.
• Knowledge of the compatibility of tools with translation and localisation software, such as SDL Passolo, DejaVu, etc.
• Experience with multiple document types and formats, from advertising brochures or business cards to complex technical manuals.
• Customisation of workflows to meet the specific needs of each client.

Last Thoughts:

Give Your Content a Well-Rounded Shape

When you create content or write documents for a variety of audiences—who speak different languages—you may face new, unplanned challenges. I.e., the translated text may take up “more space” than the original one, and this may somehow spoil the overall look and feel of the design. It may also happen that the font used doesn’t support the characters of the new language, and you will need to make adjustments on the fly.

Luckily, for these and many other challenges, multilingual DTP professionals are prepared.

If you are eager to learn more about the complete multilingual DTP process and how to prepare for it, take a look at our in-depth blog post.