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Desktop publishing translation ensures multilingual materials look professional in every language. Since different languages use different numbers of words to say the same thing, well-thought-out designs can be disrupted during the translation process. To avoid this, our graphic designers can help make your website copy fit any design in any language.

What Is DTP Translation?

Desktop publishing, also known as DTP, is when a graphic designer uses software programs to create or duplicate page layouts with text, graphics, photos and tables so that the end product is ready for hard copy professional printing or electronic display. Desktop publishing translation is the act of making these designs work across multiple languages.

The term DTP is commonly used to describe page layout skills. However, the skills and software are not limited to paper and books. The same skills and software are often used to create graphics for point of sale displays, promotional items, trade show exhibits, retail package designs and outdoor signs.

When brands create any of these materials for audiences around the world, they will often need to get them translated. Translating the copy, however, can ruin a design, as text in a new language may take up more or less space. That’s where DTP translation comes in.

DTP translation entails making sure all designs stay consistent and professional across different languages by adjusting designs and layouts in subtle yet effective ways.

To complement your DTP translation, London Translations uses the most up-to-date design software packages such as QuarkXpress, FrameMaker, Illustrator, Photoshop, PageMaker, Corel and InDesign. We can return any translated files to you via email, CD (post), or our secure FTP. Our team of experienced graphic designers will work with you to ensure that your finished desktop publishing translation work is presented accurately, and to the highest standard.

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Supported Softwares

Microsoft Word

One of the most popular writing apps on the web. At London Translations we are able to process all relevant formats: rtf, .doc, .docx,

Microsoft Publisher

Another highly versatile publishing tool from Microsoft. We maintain formatting, which means your design will be consistent in all formats: .pub

Microsoft Powerpoint

Though primarily used for presentations, Powerpoint is a popular choice for designers, too. We can work with all relevant formats: .pot, .ppt, .pptx

Auto Desk

We can support the format of all of your technical documents, adapting only the linguistic content to suit your language needs: .cad

Apple Pages

You don’t have to work in Office to work with Office. We support all Apple Pages formats: .docx, .doc, PDF, .txt, .ePub

Corel Draw

Whether creating graphics and layouts or designing websites, this software helps you design your way and we support its formats: Corel Draw .cdr, .eps

Quark Express

We work smarter with all QuarkXpress formats. At London Translations, we pride ourselves on making sure that no formatting is lost or altered in translation: .Quark .qxd, .qxp

Serif Draw

Creating a presentation or slideshow that’ll impress has never been easier. At London Translations we support such Serif Draw formats as: .eps, .pdf, .psd.

Adobe Illustrator

We connect your desktop and mobile apps with all your creative assets, so you can do your best work anywhere. Supporting all formats: .ai, .eps

Adobe InDesign

The industry-leading layout and page design program. At London Translations we can work with and support all its formats: .indd, .idml, .inx

Adobe Framemaker

Publish fluently across all channels, mobile devices and formats. Guaranteeing you XML/DITA formatting support. .fm, .mif

Adobe Photoshop

Supporting the format of the leading imaging and design app. Keeping the design and translating the content to reach new markets: .psd, .eps

Do I Need Multilingual Desktop Publishing?

While DTP translation is important, it is not always necessary. However, if your translated text needs to visually resemble the original as closely as possible, desktop publishing translation should definitely be considered.

This is primarily because translating between certain languages varies the volume of text used. Sometimes it is as little as 10%, but text can expand (or contract) by up to 40% in some cases. If DTP translation is not used, this change can make the formatting of your documents look visually unbalanced, and therefore potentially less professional.

At London Translations, our team of graphic designers can make sure your designs look professional no matter how much translation has altered the volume of your text, creating a professional look across the board.

Quality Promise

We are committed to providing a consistent level of quality in all our customer engagements. Our staff members follow well-established business processes so we can communicate clearly, deliver on time and exceed our customers’ expectations.

Our Quality Commitment

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Testimonials

Thank you for your excellent work in translating our marketing presentations from English to Thai, German, Dutch and Norwegian. We were very impressed with the level of personal service we received and your company’s commitment to meeting our deadlines even though we made several last minute additions and changes to the texts.

My client needed this document translated as soon as possible and your company delivered it far sooner than I or he expected. In a world where great customer service has become a thing of the past, it’s refreshing to see a company who still strives to be great. I cannot commend you and your company enough for the excellent work done.