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What is Opticentre Desktop Publishing Workflow

Desktop publishing (DTP) Frequently asked questions

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What is Opticentre Desktop Publishing Workflow?

Clients are always asking us for our methodology on multilingual desktop publishing (DTP) projects. The correct response is that projects vary in process.
Opticentre is geared towards very large projects with many 100s of pages in many languages so clients handing off volumes like this normally have a bespoke workflow in place. Opticentre then simply plugs into that and goes with the flow.
However, if we were managing a project from scratch, here is a sample process (using FrameMaker):

  • 1. SAVE AS MIF - English FrameMaker files are saved in MIF format and then run through the HEARTSOME/TRADOS filter creating a marked-up RTF file. All character, paragraph and other formatting information is hidden inside of tags (like an HTML file).
  • 2. TRANSLATE - We send back to client for translation (we do not offer translation services).
  • 3. RE-FILTER BACK TO MIF - When we receive back the translations and edits, we process the tagged files back through the HEARTSOME/TRADOS filter and new MIF files are produced. HEARTSOME/TRADOS produces an error log warning us to check any out of place tags before we can move on. This ensures that translated files will have the exact same formatting characteristics as the original.
  • 4. FINAL DTP - After the files are back to MIF, desktop publishing experts will go through FrameMaker (or Quark, PageMaker, etc.) files, page-by-page and line-by-line, to make sure everything looks right. They will regenerate the TOC and Indices, if applicable, and test any hyperlinks in place.
  • 5. PENULTIMATE QA - Our in-house QA team then second-check every outgoing file according to bespoke requirements and/or a standard checklist of over 30 common issues.
  • 6. CLIENT REVIEW - This is the most important step in the whole process. This is where we send you your translated, formatted file(s) for review. Usually, a PDF is created so your overseas customers or colleagues can review the translation and layout easily without the need for FrameMaker installed on their system.

Any changes from your reviewers can be sent to us outlined in a Word file, annotated in the PDF file or marked-up on a hard copy (if the changes are not extensive). Changes are then incorporated and the review cycle continues until the end client is perfectly content.

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