Translating text files (.TXT) for your organization but want the most efficient, accurate and secure way to do so? Here we tell you how to translate a text file online the right way. As a result, your productivity will skyrocket when it comes to .txt file translation. 

Want to translate a text file ASAP? Check out the AI text file translator Pairaphrase.

In summary, a faster and faster way to translate a text file into another language is with enterprise translation software. Below, we provide step-by-step instructions for translating text files online and highlight the top 10 must-have features.

9 Steps to Translate a Text File with Pairaphrase

1. Register for Pairaphrase (or get a demo first).
2. Log in.
3. (Optional) Upload a Glossary/Term base.*
4. Go to the “Translate” tab.
5. Select the Source Language & Target Language. 
6. Upload your TXT file. 
7. Click the “Translate” button.
8. (Optional) Post-edit the text & save edits (this creates higher quality translations that are reusable)*
9. Download your translated TXT document.

*These “optional” steps are highly recommended for organizations that want to reuse their translations and/or need to adhere to company-approved specialized terminology.

Top 10 Software Features for Translating Text Files

1. Machine Translation

Want to translate text files while minimizing the need for human translation? Use machine translation. In most cases, it will create a credible “first” draft translation and save you a ton of work and time. 

Choose a CAT tool (computer-assisted translation tool) that supports text files. Ideally, your preferred software will also include multiple options for machine translation engines (e.g. Amazon, Google, Microsoft).

2. Batch Text File Translation

Some online text translation tools only allow translation of text files one at a time. If you produce large amounts of localized content, this reason alone might be why you want to learn how to translate text files more productively. 

That being said, text translators that accept files in batches (groups) are hands down the best way to translate a text file while saving time. This is also referred to as “batch translation.”

3. Terminology Management

Localization calls for consistency across many languages. Therefore, when you translate text files into another language, you want to keep your terminology consistent. 

To do this efficiently, seek a strong Terminology Management component in a text translator tool. 

First, learn how to create a termbase and then import it into your translation management system. This enhances productivity within the human translation workflow while improving the quality and consistency of translations.

4. Artificial Intelligence

The best way to translate text files online with repetitive text is to leverage translation memory and Dynamic Machine Learning. These are both forms of AI.

A translation memory is a bilingual repository that consists of sentences, phrases and segments that have been previously translated from one language into another. Translation Memories can deliver nearly-instant quality improvements and reduce translation costs and effort, especially for text files. Translation Memories can be used to train machine translation engines to produce custom translations.

Translate once and never translate the same online content again.

Watch the 2-minute video below to get a better understanding of translation memory and Dynamic Machine Learning.

5. Text Translation Editing

Choose text translation software that has a translation editor. This way, you can improve machine-translated segments that require quality improvements. 

At the same time, you automatically store them in a translation memory for future re-use. 

When you leverage the power of translation editing along with Dynamic Machine Learning, your productivity improves. For example, you can automatically find and replace all repetitions of a low-quality translation across a file when you edit just one instance of it. 

You can produce custom translations with just a glossary and use your translation memory for on-the-fly machine translation training. In effect, you train your translation engine over time to deliver continuous quality improvements.

6. Translates Text Files Online (Always)

In today’s world, using software with web-based access is vital to working productively and with ease. 

There are simply too many obstacles you can encounter when using a desktop-based program you need to download, or a solution that offers a desktop-first hybrid. That’s why we highly recommend you choose an online translation solution for text file translation. 

We’ll recommend a web-first solution at the end of this post.

7. Encrypted Cloud Storage

Encrypted cloud storage is an important part of translating text files online more securely and efficiently. You will eliminate confusion over which file version is the most current while creating centralized access for your authorized colleagues.

8. Translates More than .TXT Files

If your company also translates non-.TXT files, find text file translator software that also performs file translation for other formats. This way, you avoid the use of separate solutions and build and leverage a larger translation memory in one place.

9. Collaboration

Does your team collaborate on text file translation? Does someone review and approve translations? You’ll want features that help your team work together efficiently. 

Look for a .TXT file translator with functionality such as translation history tracking, instant messaging, file sharing, bookmarking and user permission controls.

10. Compatible with 100+ Languages

It’s one thing to just translate a text file to English from Spanish, for instance. It’s another thing to translate a text file to multiple languages. 

Therefore, it’s important to use a translator tool that has all the language pairs your company needs now and will anticipate needing in the future.

Recommended Text File Translator Tool Online

Now that you know the best way to translate text files online, are you wondering how to find the best text translation software with all these capabilities? 

Try Pairaphrase. It’s the AI-powered translation management system for teams who value safer, smarter and faster translation.

Schedule a demo or share this article with a colleague.