Frequently asked questions

You may send me your documents in the following file extensions:

• Any editable format, such as the Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), plain text formats (TXT), web formats (HTML, XML), or subtitles (SRT).
• PDF – bear in mind that this format is not really editable, so it will always be better to convert it to a format that’s easier to handle.
• Localization formats (CAT tools): XLIFF, TBX, TMX.

Images with embedded text and PDFs containing scanned documents can still be translated and even formatted through a DTP process, though it’s highly likely that a deeper treatment will be needed, specially if they are complex. It will always be wiser to send an editable file.

Unfortunately, due to its inherent technical complexities and the added difficulties of the software licensing, I don’t usually accept documents in graphic file extensions (PSD, AI, QXD or INDD, among others). If your documents are in any of these formats, it will be way easier to send me your texts in a format I can edit and then to integrate the translations back into your files.

Each project is vastly different from the next one. The rate and final price will depend on a number of factors: the type of service and how many services you’d like to include, the area of expertise that your project belongs to, any supplementary service (such as glossaries, style guides or DTP), urgency…

Send me over both your documents and all the information and I will send you a custom estimate back.

Same thing happens with the deadline as it does with the rates: it will change in every project, as it completely depends on the number of words, the level of specialisation of your documents, the urgency, the number and type of services you want to include…

Fill out the contact form and send me all the info and the documents. I will send you a proposal.

The project will be confirmed as soon as you pay the entirety of the price detailed in the collaboration proposal and I receive the payment. In that moment you will receive a notice of confirmation and your project will officially begin.

You can pay out your projects via bank transfer. The proposal you receive will include all payment details.

CAT means «Computer-Assisted Translation». So does it mean machine translation? Categorically not.

CAT tools are mere software resources for translators. These are computer environments that allow to work while making queries and using databases. There’s two main types of databases: the term base and the translation memory. The translator themselves has been expanding these databases over time with their own translations. In other words, it’s like having a prodigious memory. But there’s no machine translation nor AI involved in the process: these translations are always the translator’s own work.

CAT tools are extremely useful resources. We use them to maintain consistency over time and across different projects from the same client, so we can boost quality as a result.

In simple words, a glossary is like a small dictionary specific to a client or a particular project. To compile a glossary, the translator adds all the terms that are specific of a client, document or project to a term database, as well as the translation of each term to the other relevant language. The idea is to refer to that same glossary every time the client has a new translation project, in order to keep consistency across terms and translations, even if months or years have passed since the last project was completed. Hence the importance of trying to collaborate with the same translator over time.

A translation memory works similarly, although it works with the raw texts. Translation memories are databases that store all the original text and all its translation. Their benefit is to keep the same styles, tone and specific phrases. That is, to keep coherence and consistency between the different projects of the same client.

A style guide is a manual containing a set of criteria that must be followed when designing and creating documents. A style guide can define language guidelines (to translate and create written contents), ethical and deontological guidelines (to express the principles and the culture of a brand) or professional/technical guidelines (typography, logotype and other graphic elements, for instance).

In the context of translation, a style guide normally includes aspects such as the correct use of language and grammar, use of punctuation, correct spelling, date and numbering formatting, inclusive language…

Having a style guide you can hand out to future translators, collaborators or creators means that you can standardise all your contents and have a uniform and recognisable style for your brand.

Legal translation is the translation of legal texts and for legal purposes, as agreements, certificates, terms & conditions, company policies, court records or any other document of legal nature.

Sworn translation is a part of legal translation, although is more specific: it’s a certified translation done by a licensed professional who has been officially authorised and whose seal and signature confirm the veracity of a foreign document. Only sworn translations are accepted in judicial bodies or government agencies, as they must have an official status. This is why sworn translation is considerably pricier than standard legal translation.

That is to say, unless you need to use your document in court or in any governmental process, in most cases you will be more than fine with standard legal translation.

No, I do not offer sworn translation services. I recommend that you seek assistance in a law firm or an agency specialised in sworn translation if you need to translate your official documents.

If your document has an extension that’s completely editable (such as Word or PowerPoint) and has a reasonably feasible layout, the translation will most likely keep the same formatting, no additional charges.

On the contrary, if your document has an extension that’s difficult to edit (e.g. PDF), has a very complex layout or is an image/screenshot, you will receive your translation in a simplified format so you can integrate it in your files. However, if you’d like to (and it’s realistic), you can also add DTP service to your project.

Yes, I currently use Trados, and I have also worked with a myriad of other CAT tools. I am very familiar with these resources.