If you’re planning to work with a professional translation agency, you probably want the process to be smooth and efficient. One of the most important steps you can take is to prepare your files properly before sending them in. Why does it matter? And how should you get your materials ready? Let’s take a closer look.
Why proper preparation matters
Preparing your documents before translation helps ensure the work is completed faster, more accurately and at a higher quality. When a translator receives clear, final files – along with relevant instructions – they can get started right away and deliver a translation that feels natural and fits the intended audience.
Good preparation also reduces the likelihood of errors and misunderstandings. It eliminates the need for back-and-forth clarifications, which saves both time and money.
How to prepare files for translation
Getting your files ready for a translation agency is easy once you know what matters. Here are a few practical tips that will make the process smoother for everyone involved:
- Send files in an editable format such as DOCX, XLSX, CSV, IDML or PPTX, depending on the type of content. Avoid scanned documents and image-based PDFs, which slow down the process and may require extra formatting work.
- Clean up the content before sending. Remove unnecessary comments, placeholders and outdated information. Make sure the file you send is the final version – one that’s ready to be translated without further editing.
- Provide context and instructions. Explain the purpose of the translation, who the target audience is and what tone or style you expect. These details help the translator produce a more accurate and appropriate result.
- Include reference materials. If you have previous translations, source texts, terminology glossaries or any background material, share them with the agency. They’ll help the translator maintain consistency throughout the text.
- Indicate what should and shouldn’t be translated. If your file contains tables, graphs, charts or text that doesn’t need translating (e.g. addresses, product codes, legal disclaimers), highlight or mark them clearly. This saves time and helps avoid unnecessary work or extra costs.
Questions? We’re here to help
At OMERO, we support our clients at every stage of the translation process – including document preparation. If you’re unsure what format to use, what to include, or how to mark content, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to guide you so your translation can be delivered smoothly, quickly and to the highest possible standard.ć pliki dla biura tłumaczeń, skontaktuj się z nami – odpowiemy na wszystkie pytania i wątpliwości!