Best Way to Translate an InDesign File (2024)
![Header Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/best-way-to-translate-indesign-file.png)
Looking for the best way to translate an InDesign file (.IDML) online and haven’t had much luck? As seasoned veterans of the translation industry, we’re not surprised your organization hasn’t yet found a good Adobe InDesign translation method.
There are multiple roadblocks people commonly encounter when attempting to translate InDesign files into another language. Fortunately for you, we’re going to help. Continue reading to learn the best way to translate an InDesign document so that you don’t need to deal with these common issues.
Or, watch our InDesign File Translation series below. We’ll also recommend the best InDesign file translator tool for enterprises (better than an InDesign translation plugin!).
How to Translate an InDesign File
1. Convert Your INDD File to IDML Using InDesign
2. Translate Your InDesign File Using Pairaphrase
3. Open & Save Your Pairaphrase-Formatted InDesign File
Best Way to Translate an InDesign File for All-Around Success
1. Find Professional Translation Software
First off, the best way to translate an InDesign file is to stick to professional translation software.
This is because these software platforms are more likely to have compatibility with InDesign documents than free translation tools such as Google Translate. While there aren’t many translation software programs that will translate an InDesign file for you, they do exist.
What’s more, depending upon the professional translation software you choose, it might include Translation Memory and Dynamic Machine Learning technology.
Translation Memory enables you to edit first-draft machine translations and simultaneously train your software so that it learns your company’s words and phrases. This eliminates the need to ever translate the same or similar phrases twice.
Not only that, but Dynamic Machine Learning automatically replaces repetitive instances of a phrase within a file, the moment you edit a segment within the Translation Editor. Translation Memory and Dynamic Machine Learning will save you a lot of time and will help you continuously improve your translation quality, the more you use the software.
But don’t worry about spending hours comparison shopping–we’ll recommend a top InDesign translator tool at the end of this post that will save you so much time and headache.
2. Make Sure the Software Preserves InDesign Document Layout & Format
Aside from finding software with InDesign compatibility, a common complaint regarding InDesign file translation involves retaining the layout and format.
Because InDesign files by nature are more heavy on design than a typical plain-old Word document, formatting retention is important. This includes retaining image placement, text wrapping, font properties, spacing, line breaks, paragraph breaks and more, within the translated file.
Can you imagine if your software ruined the layout or formatting of your file once you ran the translation? This would cause you to need to go back and redesign the file. So much for productivity, right?
The solution to this is to make sure the professional translation software you use contains automatic translation file formatting.
Again, we’ll point you in the right direction at the end of this post.
3. Hire a Translator to Check for Accuracy & Cross-Cultural Mistakes
It’s important to note that no matter what translation software you use, you should hire a translator (or ask a bilingual colleague) to check your translation for accuracy. This comes after translating an InDesign file with any CAT tools.
While translation software is quite powerful, it still runs on machine translation. And machine translation isn’t perfect–sometimes even for certain phrases you’d think would easily translate.
Idioms, slang and certain cultural references likely won’t be relevant or appropriate for the audience reading your translated material. With all that being said, you should always choose professional translation software that allows for collaboration and post-editing of the first-draft machine translated file.
Soon, you’ll know exactly where to look for that perfect platform.
4. Keep a Designer on Hand
We wrote this post assuming most people reading this have an InDesign file in hand and ready to be translated.
However, if the file has not been developed yet, please read our post on How to Get the Best File Formatting with Translation Software. This will help you understand how to build and design a source file so that the translated file format and layout will look as similar as possible.
For instance, you’ll get tips such as, “leave enough white space” because certain languages (e.g. German) tend to have a higher character count in their words than other languages. And this is just one of multiple matters that could potentially throw off your beautiful design.
Best Adobe InDesign File Translation Software
The best way to translate an InDesign file with translation software is by saving it as an IDML file and then using Pairaphrase to translate it.
Easy-to-Use & Saves Time
Pairaphrase is easy-to-use online translation software for enterprises. It helps you manage your translations and collaborate with colleagues across the world. It even learns your words and phrases so that you never need to translate the same word or phrase twice.
This will save you a significant amount of money and time in the long run.
Preserve InDesign Layout & Formatting
One of the reasons Pairaphrase is the best way to translate an InDesign file is that our translation software will encode your file when you upload it for translation. The purpose of this is to keep as much of the layout and formatting as possible.
With Pairaphrase, you reduce the likelihood that you’ll need to rearrange images or spend time reapplying font properties or editing the spacing. Most translation software will completely lose your formatting. Pairaphrase works hard to preserve as much of your formatting as possible.
Secure & Confidential
Another reason Pairaphrase is the best way to translate an InDesign file is that it secures your data. With our software, you never again need to worry about sending your information through a tool that could expose your data. With Pairaphrase, your files and data are encrypted.
Not only that, but we never share, index or publish your data. It remains 100% confidential.
Try Our InDesign File Translator
Now that you’ve learned the best way to translate an InDesign file, try Pairaphrase. It’s the AI-powered translation management system for teams who value safer, smarter and faster translation.
Get InDesign files translated into 100+ languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi, Swedish, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and more.
It’s better than an InDesign translation plugin, because it performs file translation for 22 file formats (translate word documents, PowerPoint Files, Excel Sheets & more). Regardless of whether you use a Mac or PC!
Get Started
Schedule a demo or share this article with a colleague.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/translation-industry-trends-2024.png)
10 AI Translation Industry Trends in 2024
Explore 2024 translation industry trends! Learn about 10 AI translation industry trends 2024 will bring, according to our predictions.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/translate-json-files.png)
How to Translate JSON Files Online Effectively [2024]
Want to translate JSON files? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best way to auto-translate JSON files online.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/translate-html-files.png)
How to Translate HTML Files to Another Language [2024]
Want to translate HTML files to another language? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best way to translate HTML files.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/translate-po-file-1.png)
How to Translate PO Files Online [2024]
Need to translate PO files online? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best way to translate PO files.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/best-ai-translation-software.png)
Best AI Translation Software for Enterprises [2024]
Need the best AI translation software for enterprise use? Learn the top 10 reasons your organization should use Pairaphrase.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/openai-language-translation.jpg)
OpenAI Language Translation: Pros & Cons for Enterprises
Exploring OpenAI language translation capabilities? In this article, discover the pros & cons of OpenAI translation for enterprise use.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/file-translation.jpg)
File Translation 101: Your Guide to the Basics
Learn all about file translation in this 2023 guide to gain an understanding of the different kinds of file translation services & formats.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/translate-elucidat-course.jpg)
Best Way to Translate Elucidat Course Content
Learn how Pairaphrase makes Elucidat course translation reusable, secure, fast and easy.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/elearning-localization.jpg)
5 Tips for eLearning Localization in 2024
Need to localize eLearning content? Familiarize yourself with these 5 eLearning localization tips for effective multilingual training.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/translate-txt-file.jpg)
How to Translate a Text File Online [2024]
Want to translate a text file? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best way to translate a text file for your organization.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/doctranslator-com-alternative.jpg)
Best DocTranslator Alternative (2024)
Want a secure enterprise alternative to DocTranslator? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best DocTranslator alternative for enterprises here »
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/translation-industry-trends-2023.jpg)
Top 8 Translation Industry Trends (2023 Outlook)
Explore 2023 translation industry trends! Learn about 8 translation industry trends 2023 will bring, according to our predictions »
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/how-translate-google-doc.png)
How to Translate a Google Doc Most Efficiently [2024]
Want to translate Google Doc text? Learn why you should use Pairaphrase as your Google Docs translator.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/best-english-polish-document-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Polish Document Translation Software [2024]
Looking for English to Polish translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/translation-services.jpg)
Translation Services 101: Your Guide to the Basics
Need translation services? First, learn the basics! This way, you can make an informed decision. Explore this guide to translation services.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/redokun-alternative.jpg)
Best Redokun Alternative for Enterprises (2024)
Want a secure enterprise alternative to Redokun? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best Redokun alternative for enterprises here »
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/what-is-localization.jpg)
Localization 101: Your Guide to the Basics
Curious about localization? Learn about localization vs translation, what it is, how it works, benefits & more in this guide to the basics!
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/memsource-alternative-for-enterprises.jpg)
Best Memsource Alternative for Enterprises (2024)
Want a secure enterprise alternative to Memsource? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best Memsource alternative for enterprises here »
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/translate-entire-google-sheets.png)
How to Translate Entire Google Sheets (All Cells) [2024]
Want to translate entire Google Sheets? Learn why you should use Pairaphrase as your Google Sheets translator.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/translate-entire-google-slides-presentation.png)
How to Translate Entire Google Slides Presentation [2024]
Want to translate Google Slides presentation text, notes & charts? Learn why you should use Pairaphrase as your Google Slides translator.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/fast-turnaround-translation.png)
Fast Turnaround Translation: How to Get it
While fast translation turnaround and linguistic quality is a delicate balance, this post will tell you how to best use Pairaphrase to get fast translations.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/best-english-arabic-document-translation-software.png)
Best English to Arabic Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for English to Arabic translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/alternative-online-doc-translator-com.jpg)
Best OnlineDocTranslator.com Alternative (2024)
Considering an alternative to OnlineDocTranslator.com? Explore why Pairaphrase is the best OnlineDocTranslator.com alternative for enterprises.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/translate-iep-document.png)
How to Translate an IEP Document [2024]
Need to translate an IEP document? Learn how to translate IEP documents in the most efficient and secure way possible.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/machine-translation.png)
Machine Translation (MT): Your Guide to the Basics [2024]
Curious about Machine Translation (MT)? Learn about machine translation, how it works, benefits of machine translation & more.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/translate-pdf-document.png)
How to Translate PDF Document Text to Another Language (2024)
Learn common issues involved with translating PDF documents and discover why Pairaphrase is the best PDF document translator.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/translate-xml-files-online.png)
How to Translate XML Files Online (2024)
Need to translate XML files online? Learn about the best features to use when translating XML files.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/best-english-spanish-document-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Italian Document Translation Software (2024)
Want the best English to Italian document translation software for business? Read about the 10 best English-Italian translator app features.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/terminology-management.jpg)
Terminology Management in Translation: Essential Guide [2024]
Learn all about terminology management in this comprehensive guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/alternatives-to-smartling.jpg)
Smartling Alternative for Enterprises in 2024
Want a Smartling alternative? Explore 10 possible reasons you need one, and why Pairaphrase might be your best alternative.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/translate-xliff-files-online.png)
How to Translate XLIFF Files Online Successfully (2024)
Need to translate XLIFF files online? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best way to translate an XLIFF file.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/best-japanese-english-document-translation-software.jpg)
Best Japanese to English Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for Japanese to English translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/translate-srt-files.png)
How to Translate SRT Files Effectively [2024]
Learn how to translate SRT files in 2022! Explore the reasons Pairaphrase is the best way to translate an SRT file effectively.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/english-japanese-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Japanese Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for English to Japanese translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/brochure-translation.jpg)
Brochure Translation Software Features to Look for
Need brochure translation? Look for these 10 top brochure translator features (before you buy).
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/translate-articulate-course.jpg)
Best Way to Translate Articulate Course Files
Need to translate Articulate course files? Learn why Pairaphrase is the best way to translate Articulate files (XLIFF 2.0).
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/translate-multiple-files.jpg)
Best Way to Translate Multiple Files Simultaneously Online
Need to translate multiple files simultaneously online? Learn why Pairaphrase is best for batch translation.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/aws-translation.png)
Using Pairaphrase Translation Software with Amazon Translate
Curious about translating with Amazon Translate (AWS)? Learn about using Amazon’s machine translation engine with Pairaphrase.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/best-english-hindi-document-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Hindi Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for English to Hindi translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Large-Files-Blog-Feature-640x480-1.jpg)
How to Translate Large Files with Ease [2024]
Need to translate large files? Learn about the best tools to use when translating large PDF’s, documents & more (10MB+).
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/catalog-translation.jpg)
Catalog Translation Software Features to Look for
Need catalog translation? Look for these 10 top catalog translator features (before you buy).
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/best-english-vietnamese-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Vietnamese Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for English to Vietnamese translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/create-termbase-glossary-translation.jpg)
How to Create Effective Termbase Glossaries for Machine Translation
Need to create a termbase glossary? Get our top 5 tips for creating effective termbase glossaries for machine translation.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/best-english-korean-document-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Korean Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for English to Korean translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/deepl-alternatives.jpg)
Best DeepL Alternative for Enterprise Teams (2024)
Explore various DeepL drawbacks and user-specific needs you might identify with. This way, you can conclude whether alternatives to DeepL could fill these gaps.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/accurate-translator.png)
Most Accurate Translator: How to Get it
While a 100% accurate translator does not yet exist, this post will tell you how to get the most accurate translator tailored to your company’s words and phrases.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/translation-industry-trends-2022.jpg)
Top 10 Translation Industry Trends in 2022
Explore 2022 translation industry trends! Learn about 10 translation industry trends 2022 will bring, according to our predictions »
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/secure-transcription-software.png)
Secure Transcription Software That Translates Languages
Need secure transcription software that translates languages? Learn what features to look for and how Pairaphrase will benefit you.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/best-english-portuguese-document-translation-software.jpg)
Best English to Portuguese Document Translation Software (2024)
Looking for English to Portuguese translation software, but not sure what features you need? Access this buying guide.
![Thumbnail Image](https://www.pairaphrase.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/translation-kpis-1.jpg)
Translation KPIs for Translation Management Success
Establishing translation KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)? Here are the 5 Most Important KPIs for translation management success.