Document types
Text documents
I can translate and deliver Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents with most formatting intact. The same can be said of OpenDocument formats. There is usually no surcharge for simple PowerPoint files, but when a PowerPoint file contains complex formatting and positioning, I charge an hourly rate extra.
When I translate plaintext formats (ANSI and Unicode), I usually use Microsoft Word, but I can deliver in UTF-8 text on request.
Localisation formats
I can translate Gettext PO files, Microsoft RC files, key=value files, the Mozilla formats, Java .properties files, Memecode LGI files, XLIFF files, CSV files, and certain proprietary formats. I can also translate HTML, XML and similar files, if the DTD is known or straight-forward. Although there are often standard tools for translating these formats, I generally prefer to translate them as plaintext in Word using my CAT tool, Wordfast.
Tagged text and uncleaned files
I do not have Trados. I can, however, translate most Trados tagged uncleaned formats using Wordfast. In some cases I may be able to translate TTX (TagEditor) files too, if my converter tools can convert it. For many localisation files I actually use tw4winExternal tagged Word files as an intermediary phase.
PDF files
I can read PDF files, but I do not have a PDF editor. The text from PDFs are extracted into a plaintext document, and the translation is delivered in a Word file with no formatting. If the PDF contains non-extractable text (so-called bitmapped PDFs, sometimes retrieved from fax software), there is a surcharge for typing or OCR-ing it.
Graphics files
When confronted with graphics or uneditable text, I simply translate it into a text file. I have worked alongside graphic designers for 6 years and I know how to mark up text for non-speakers of the language to ensure correct drop-ins. Editing text in graphics isn't a service offered by me, but if the deadline allows for it, I can take it upon myself to hire a local graphic artist (with magazine and advertising experience) to do it. I know many excellent newspaper and magazine graphic designers.
DTP files
I do not have any DTP packages, but if you export the text from a DTP file, I can translate that. For programs like Macromedia FreeHand, that doesn't offer lossless import of translated text, I can deliver the translation in an Excel file or Word table. For programs that offer lossless text import (like certain version of Corel Draw), I can translate the exported text and keep the import codes intact. For any DTP translation, I recommend reviewing of the final file.
Diplomas and legal texts
In South Africa, official texts to be used for official purposes must be translated by a sworn translator. I am not a sworn translator. For non-local clients, I can translate such documents with a declaration of accuracy. Most of the time, however, it is best to hire a sworn translator for such a job.
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