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Desktop
publishing

It's not enough to have a great translation, you also need the perfect layout.
Find out how we take care of the presentation of your documents.

Translation doesn't just change the words. The text expands, characters change position and the layout of pages can be affected.

Our Desktop Publishing (DTP) service ensures that translated content preserves the look and feel of the original, ready for print or digital use in the languages
we serve.

Your words, visually right

Multilingual Formatting

Once the translation is complete, we adjust the layout to accommodate text length variations and typographic differences across languages. Font changes, spacing, and line breaks are carefully refined to preserve both the design and usability of the final layout to ensure your content is ready for publication.

File Conversion & Preparation

We extract text from non-editable files and prepare your documents to ensure full compatibility with professional translation and DTP tools. This includes organizing content into editable layers while maintaining the original design. The goal is to prepare everything before translation begins to minimize rework and formatting issues later on.

Graphic Localization

We adapt icons, images, symbols, and infographics to align with the language and cultural context of your audience. Charts, diagrams, and captions are adjusted to clearly reflect the translated content, maintaining visual consistency and communication impact.

Your global journey
starts here.

Send us your document, tell us about your expectations, choose your desired language for translation, and receive a custom proposal.
Request a Quote

Why desktop publishing
impacts translation quality

Not all file formats can be processed directly by translation tools. PDFs, scanned documents, and design files created in programs like InDesign or Illustrator require a preparatory step to extract translatable content and structure editable layers. Without this step, hidden text may be missed, and special characters may corrupt, which affects the accuracy of the translation and introduces errors into the final file. That’s why preparing files before translation is just as important as translating the content itself. This step ensures translators work with clean, complete text and preserves the original formatting.
After the translation, the text often no longer fits the original layout due to character count differences across languages. This impacts spacing, fonts, and overall alignment. With professional tools like InDesign, we fine-tune the layout, apply proper formatting, and deliver a final document that’s ready for print or digital use.

Professional formatting, start to finish

Quality control

Every file undergoes a thorough review to ensure that both content and visuals are preserved in the translated version. Our DTP specialists work alongside translators to correct any formatting issues before delivery.
  • Layer check for fonts, alignment, and text consistency.
  • Verification of margins, spacing, and layout structure.
  • Final delivery with clean, error-free formatting.

Complex documents

Technical manuals, protocols, regulatory dossiers, and structured reports require precise formatting. We handle every detail to ensure tables, graphics, and visual elements remain clear and consistent across all languages.
  • Layout adjustments for multi-column formats, sections, and tables.
  • Formatting for legal, medical, and regulatory documents.
  • Graphic, figure, and caption alignment tailored to each language.

Multiple formats

We format content for a wide range of uses and platforms, from print to digital, always ensuring visual clarity and consistency.
  • Output in PDF, InDesign, Word, and other standard formats.
  • Layout optimization for different screen sizes and resolutions.
  • Formatting tailored for internal, institutional, or promotional use.

Ready for publication

Once formatting is complete, your files are ready for immediate use—whether in print or online.
  • Final adjustments for resolution, margins, bleed, and layout.
  • Compliance with the project’s visual and editorial guidelines.
  •  Delivery of polished, publication-ready files.

A strong translation deserves a strong presentation. We work to make your translated content is as polished, professional, and visually impactful
as the original

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desktop Publishing (DTP)?

In the translation industry, desktop publishing is commonly referred to as DTP. It involves the use of specialized software to create and format documents that combine text and visuals, producing professional-quality materials for print or digital use. This includes brochures, newsletters, books, manuals, and more.

Which file formats does Wordloc support?

We work with nearly all file types commonly used by companies, including InDesign (IDML, INDD), Illustrator (AI, EPS), Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, PDFs, and others. If your file is not in an editable format, we’ll assess the best way to prepare it for translation and formatting.

Is it safe to send confidential documents for DTP at Wordloc?

Yes. We regularly work with technical manuals, legal files, and regulatory documents that require strict confidentiality. Our project management system follows rigorous security protocols, and all translators are bound by formal non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

Why is desktop publishing important in the translation process?

DTP ensures the text is properly prepared before translation and can be seamlessly adapted to the original layout after translation. Since text length varies between languages, we adjust formatting, fonts, and spacing to preserve visual integrity and readability in the final document.

What language combinations do you offer?

Our core language pairs are English ↔ Portuguese (Brazil), English ↔ Spanish (Latin America), and German ↔ Portuguese (Brazil). We also support additional combinations upon request. Contact our team to discuss your project and confirm availability

How do I know if my file requires DTP?

If your document includes design elements like tables, images, multi-column layouts, or was created in software like InDesign, Illustrator, or exists as a scanned PDF, it likely requires DTP. Simple Word files or basic Excel spreadsheets usually don’t require formatting adjustments.

How is DTP priced in Wordloc’s translation quotes?

DTP is typically priced per page, depending on the level of formatting required. Pages with complex elements like graphics or tables may cost more than those needing basic layout adjustments. We review each file individually and work with you to define the most efficient approach.

What is a final proofreading?

Final proofreading is the last stage of review after the content has been translated and formatted. This check focuses on identifying typos, formatting issues, layout inconsistencies, or any lingering errors. A reviewer examines the final document to ensure everything is ready for delivery.