What even is DTP?
DTP – or desktop publishing – involves the proper positioning of text, images and graphics within a particular layout. The result? An InDesign or PDF file that you can send straight to the printers, a PowerPoint you can start presenting right away, and so on.
OK… so what does a DTP specialist do, exactly?
Well, the same text will look different across different languages. French translations, for example, are often longer than the Dutch original, while English translations are usually slightly shorter. Part of the DTP specialist’s tasks is to make sure that all texts fit within the overall design and that titles are given sufficient space. They also eliminate any unnecessary hyphenations, lay out paragraphs in an aesthetically pleasing manner and align columns correctly. In short, they do everything to ensure the optimal legibility of your document, whether it’s magazine copy, a social media visual or an online banner.
Translation + DTP = The Dream Combo!
There are many benefits to working with the same partner for both your translation AND DTP work. Of course, it will save you a lot of time and money, but there are a number of other perks that you might not have considered:
Images are also translated
In addition to text boxes and graphic objects, most InDesign layouts incorporate external elements from Illustrator and Photoshop, such as infographics, graphs and technical drawings.
Usually, this ‘extra’ text is taken into consideration via our CAT tool, which delivers its translation neatly in a separate Word file. However, by trusting us with your DTP needs, our layout specialist will also ensure the seamless translation of embedded graphics.
Translations can still be adjusted
Longer text columns, images that need to be made slightly smaller… not a problem! Other things to consider include titles with very specific formatting. Due to distinct characters, word sequences and punctuation used, it can sometimes be particularly tricky to make them look equally pleasing across multiple languages.
In such cases, the DTP specialist might work with the translator to find a solution where neither the text nor the design need compromise on quality. As such, you can rest safe in the knowledge that you will be getting the best possible translation for your project.
A translation agency can handle the text
‘Stick to your lane’, you might be thinking. Translation agencies provide the translation, design agencies do the layout. Simple.
And yet, formatting text involves a great many rules and best practices, such as word splits and the use of punctuation – not to mention customs in languages with different alphabets (Russian, Chinese, Arabic, etc.). With DTP from Blue Lines, you are getting the best of both worlds: a polished file with an eye for the linguistics.
In short, there are plenty of reasons to outsource the DTP work when translating your next brochure, manual, campaign material or presentation. Moreover, it is a task few in-house designers get excited about – assuming they even have the time. So why not do them a favour, while at the same time reaping the linguistic benefits of working with us? Sounds like a good plan, no?