In the translation process files change format frequently: a scanned document into text, a text into the tool format, the tool format into the delivery file. Every conversion carries a risk of loss, and these losses accumulate. This section describes how conversion is carried out in a controlled manner.
Why conversion is unavoidable
Translation tools work with particular formats, and the incoming file is not always in that format. This is why conversion is necessary. It is carried out in a controlled manner.
Types of loss
In conversion, formatting, embedded objects and special characters may be damaged. The type of loss varies with the formats. It is known in advance.
Irreversibility
An element that is lost does not come back in the next conversion. That is why the original file is always kept. Work is done on a copy.
The risk of round-trip conversion
In conversions made back and forth, the loss increases with every round. The number of rounds is kept to a minimum. The method is planned at the outset.
Storing the original file
The original file is archived unchanged and conversions are made on the copy. If the original is damaged, there is no possibility of comparison. The rule is applied.
Conversion record
Which file was converted into which format is recorded. The record shows the way when a problem comes up later. The date is kept.
Character encoding
If the encoding changes in conversion, the letters specific to Turkish are corrupted. This corruption sometimes appears only in particular environments. A check is made.
Preserving table structures
Tables are the structures damaged most in conversion. Merged cells may break. The result is checked by eye.
Carrying over images
Embedded images may lose resolution or become detached in conversion. Their presence and quality are checked. Anything missing is reported.
Font dependency
If the font changes after conversion, line lengths and page layout shift. An effort is made to keep the font. The result is checked.
Page numbering
When the layout shifts, the page numbers change too and the cross-references break. This risk is known in advance. It is put on the checklist.
Preserving links
Internal cross-references and links may break in conversion. The broken links are listed. The client is told.
Choosing the conversion tool
Which tool is used for the conversion affects the result, and tools behave differently. Tried and tested tools are preferred. The result is verified.
Limits of automatic conversion
In bulk conversions files cannot be checked one by one, and sampling is used. The sample is chosen from the risky files. The method is defined.
Return to the delivery format
When the translation is complete, the file is converted back into the delivery format, and this step is the risky one. The result is always checked by opening it. The test is not skipped.
Checking in a different environment
The file produced is tried out by opening it on another computer. A file that looks right in its own environment may break elsewhere. The check is mandatory.
Reporting the losses
Losses that could not be prevented in conversion are stated in the delivery note. A loss passed over in silence is taken for a translation error. Transparency is kept.
The next step
Once the files are ready, the non-text content is listed. Text in images is a separate work item. The order is kept.