While we often emphasize the importance of DTP in the localization process, it's equally essential to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. From font issues to text expansion, various factors can complicate the workflow. Here, we explore some of the most common DTP challenges and provide solutions to overcome them.
1. Text Expansion and Contraction
The Challenge:
When translating from one language to another, text can expand or contract significantly. For example, English-to-German translations often increase text length by 20-35%, while translations into Chinese or Japanese may take up much less space.
The Solution:
- Flexible Layouts: Design layouts with text expansion in mind, allowing extra space where possible.
- Adjust Fonts and Line Spacing: Modify font sizes and line spacing to accommodate the changes without sacrificing readability.
- Use Condensed Fonts: If necessary, use condensed font variations to fit expanded text while maintaining legibility.
- Use the tracking feature to try to squeeze text in where there space is limited. This should be very subtle. If excessive tracking is needed to fit the text, consider an alternative solution instead.
Tracking tool in InDesign:
Avoid excessive tracking—staying above -25 ensures your text remains visually appealing and readable.
Tracking tool in Microsoft Word:
2. Font Compatibility Issues
The Challenge:
Not all fonts support all languages. Some fonts may lack characters needed for languages with special diacritics (e.g., Polish, Vietnamese) or non-Latin scripts (e.g., Arabic, Chinese).
The Solution:
- Choose Unicode Fonts: Opt for fonts that support a wide range of characters, such as Arial, Noto Sans, or Myriad Pro.
- Verify Font Licensing: Ensure fonts are licensed for commercial use to avoid legal issues.
- Test Before Finalizing: Before starting the DTP process, check whether the chosen font supports the target language.
Unsupported characters in InDesign:
Unsupported characters in InDesign can appear as missing glyphs, boxes, or question marks.
3. Graphics and Embedded Text
The Challenge:
Graphics and images may contain embedded text that needs translation, which can be overlooked or difficult to edit.
The Solution:
- Use Layered Files: Work with source files that have editable text layers (e.g., PSD, AI) rather than flattened images.
- Extract Text for Translation: Identify and extract all embedded text before translation.
- Redesign if Necessary: If the text cannot be edited, consider recreating the graphic with translated content.
4. Line Breaks and Hyphenation
The Challenge:
Improper line breaks or incorrect hyphenation can occur when text is reformatted in a different language.
The Solution:
- Adjust Paragraph Settings: Enable proper hyphenation rules for the target language in your DTP software.
- Manual Proofing: Have a native speaker review the layout to catch unnatural breaks.
- Use Non-Breaking Spaces: Prevent unwanted breaks in certain phrases or between numbers and units (e.g., "100 kg").
Non-breaking space in InDesign:
Non-breaking space in Microsoft Word:
Keyboard Shortcut Windows: Select the space and press Ctrl + Shift + Spacebar.
Keyboard Shortcut MAC: Select the space and press Option + Shift + Space Bar.
5. File Format Compatibility
The Challenge:
Different software versions or formats can lead to issues when exchanging files between teams and clients.
The Solution:
- Standardize Formats: Agree on file formats (e.g., INDD, IDML, PDF) before starting a project.
- Check Compatibility: Test file openings across different software versions to avoid missing elements.
- Use Package Features: When sharing Adobe InDesign files, use the "Package" feature to include fonts and linked images.
Conclusion
DTP challenges can be complex, but with proper planning and the right tools, they can be efficiently managed. Whether dealing with text expansion, font issues, or embedded image text, proactive problem-solving ensures high-quality results. By adopting best practices and collaborating closely with translators and designers, you can streamline the DTP process and deliver polished, professional layouts.
Need expert DTP support for your Multilingual projects? At TTS NORDIKA, we specialize in handling the toughest DTP challenges, ensuring your translated content is flawless every time.
Don't hesitate to get in touch! 💌 ☺️
