A. Multilingual desktop publishing—also referred to as formatting or typesetting—is the process of reproducing an existing document in foreign languages while preserving the look, feel, and meaning of the original design through a publishing program such as QuarkXpress, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, etc.
Q. When would I need multilingual desktop publishing (DTP)?
A. There are many reasons to have a Multilingual DTP done. You have to decide your own reason. Q. Do I provide the translated documents?
A. We provide you with the language translation services too along with multilingual DTP but if you have a translated text and only need a DTP service then also we are here to serve your needs. Q. Will the source and target documents be exact mirrors?
A. Yes—they can be exact mirrors and also we can localize the target document so that it is culturally appealing to your target audience.
Q. How will I be able to display non-Roman fonts?
A. If your computer systems do not have non-Roman fonts, you will not be able to view foreign fonts. However, we can provide you with a print-ready PDF of your final formatted document that you can send directly to your commercial printer. You can also request EPS outlines of the foreign language text to manipulate in a publishing application at a later date.
Q. Will I be able to edit non-Roman text?
A. Only if your system has the foreign-language fonts or if you have the text outlined as an EPS.
Q. What is the DTP process?
A. Upon client approval, your project manager sends your design files to an experienced DTP artist that has been trained by our resident DTP expert Mr. K. B. Singh. If your documents need to be localized for a foreign audience, they will be sent to a DTP artist in the target country. Once the documents are formatted, two internal reviews check that nonlinguistic standards are met. If we are responsible for the translation, our translator will examine the formatted documents prior to sending it as a “first proof” to you. We will incorporate any revisions until you are completely satisfied. At the end, we will deliver a print-ready PDF or your final art files.
Q. Are there preparatory steps to take?
A. Yes. If you know you are designing a document to be translated later, leave plenty of white space for expanding languages. Avoid using text-embedded graphics or symbols that substitute for words or meaning. Use simple fonts common to both Macs and PCs. Please contact us for tips on using audience-appropriate colors and images.
Q. Do you use Windows PCs or Macs?
A. We use both Windows PCs and Macs.
Q. What is your quality- assurance process?
A. Quality assurance is our promise of excellence. All DTP projects receive our attention through a three-tiered process—formatting, micro proofing, macro proofing—that ensures completeness, correctness, and consistency.
Q. Do you have an FTP site where I can download and upload the target final file and source final file respectively ?
A. Yes. Please contact us for more info.
Q. What is the pricing for the multilingual DTP on both Mac and PC platforms?