How Does Translation Affect Desktop Publishing - Ordentop

In the translation business, desktop publishing is the art of layout of translated files so that they are as similar as possible to the original document, emulating design, format, and even fonts. ⠀

🔻 Longer words require more space ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

The Danube Steamship Company captain is translated in German as Donaudampfschiffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän, which is the longest German word ever recorded. Not only is this word 15 letters longer than the original, breaking the 55% expansion mark, but it also consists of only one word. Extensions such as this require the original typesetter to allow extra space in the text boxes in his design so that the translated text can take the same text size and readability and design are not affected. ⠀

🔻 Not all languages read text from left to right

Arabic, Hebrew, Pashto, Farsi and some other Middle Eastern languages read from right to left, unlike almost all other languages. This presents a difficult problem. First, you have to change the direction of the file and the order of the pages on each spread. Then there are the images, and the eternal debate about whether they also need to be flipped. In most cases, images don’t need to be flipped; however, when images interfere with the flipped design or simply no longer work, the original designer should be contacted to provide alternate images for the problem areas. ⠀

🔻 Image Influence.

Another potential problem with images can be the culture and race of the society receiving the translated document – images need to be respectful and reflect a specific culture. Often designers use generic images that may work for everyone, but sometimes images create a conflict that can only be avoided by replacing them with culturally appropriate ones. ⠀

At OrdenTop, we have a dedicated team to ensure that your translations not only read well, but also look their best online.
Contact us today at hello@ordentop.com to find out how we can support your business.📲

HOW DOES TRANSLATION AFFECT DESKTOP PUBLISHING ⠀