Multilingual desktop publishing
Multilingual desktop publishing that keeps your design intact in every language
Brochures, manuals, packaging, and forms, typeset by specialists in 250+ languages, from Arabic and Hebrew to Chinese, Hindi, and Thai. We work in your InDesign, Illustrator, and FrameMaker files and deliver print-ready and accessible PDFs.
- 250+ languagesRight-to-left, Asian, and Indic scripts included
- Your native filesInDesign, Illustrator, FrameMaker, and more
- Proofread in layoutA native linguist checks the finished pages
- ISO 17100 and ISO/IEC 27001Certified quality and security
The problem
Translation changes the shape of your text
The same message runs longer or shorter, flows in a different direction, and needs different fonts. Without a specialist, layouts break in ways only native readers notice.
- EnglishProtect your family from carbon monoxide.
- SpanishProteja a su familia del monóxido de carbono.
- GermanSchützen Sie Ihre Familie vor Kohlenmonoxid.
- RussianЗащитите свою семью от угарного газа.
- Arabicاحمِ عائلتك من أول أكسيد الكربون.
- Chinese保护您的家人免受一氧化碳危害。
Shown at the same type size. How much text grows or shrinks depends on the language and the length of the text.
- Overset textTranslated text no longer fits its frame, and the end of the sentence quietly disappears.Frames, styles, and spacing adjusted by hand, page by page.
- Missing glyphsFonts without the right characters print empty boxes in place of letters.Fonts chosen and checked for every script.
- Broken Arabic and HebrewLetters appear disconnected or backwards, and the layout still reads left to right.Text set right to left with correct shaping, and the layout mirrored.
- Wrong line breaksLines split mid-word in Thai or start with punctuation in Chinese and Japanese.Line breaking set to each language’s rules.
- English left in graphicsCharts, labels, and banners still speak English after the text is translated.Graphics edited or recreated in every language.
- Nobody read the final pageErrors added during layout reach print because the linguist only saw a spreadsheet.A native linguist proofreads the finished layout.
After our layout and in-context review: no errors
Typography
Every script, set the way native readers expect
Each writing system has its own rules for direction, spacing, line breaks, and fonts. Our typesetters follow them, and native linguists check the result.
ArabicRight to left
السلامة أولاً
Reads right to left. Letters join and change shape, and the whole layout mirrors.
ChineseLeft to right
安全第一
No spaces between words. Some punctuation may never start a line.
Hindi (Devanagari)Left to right
सुरक्षा पहले
Letters combine into conjuncts, and a headline bar connects each word.
ThaiLeft to right
ความปลอดภัยต้องมาก่อน
No spaces between words, so line breaks need language rules, not the space bar.
Russian (Cyrillic)Left to right
Безопасность прежде всего
Longer words and different hyphenation rules change how text wraps.
VietnameseLeft to right
An toàn là trên hết
Stacked accent marks need fonts and line spacing that support them.
Right-to-left means mirroring the whole page
For Arabic, Hebrew, Farsi, and Urdu, we reverse reading order, columns, images, tables, and navigation, not just the text, so the page flows the way readers expect.
File formats
Your native files, returned the same way
We work in the files your designers use and return them with styles, links, and layers intact, so your team can keep editing.
- Adobe InDesignINDD, IDML
- Adobe IllustratorAI, EPS, SVG
- Adobe PhotoshopPSD with editable text
- Adobe FrameMakerFM, MIF, BOOK
- Microsoft WordDOCX
- Microsoft PowerPointPPTX
- QuarkXPressQXP
- PDF only?We rebuild an editable layout
Fonts: we recommend fonts that cover each language and match your brand. Some commercial fonts need a license for each language or use, and we will tell you before layout begins.
Our process
From source file to press-ready pages
Translators and designers work as one team, and a native linguist signs off on the finished layout, not just the translation.
- Prepare your filesWe check fonts, links, and styles, and extract text for translation without touching your layout.
- Translate with layout in mindLinguists translate in context and flag tight spaces such as buttons, tables, and callouts early.
- Typeset and mirrorDTP specialists flow the text back, apply styles, adjust for longer or shorter text, and mirror right-to-left layouts.
- Proofread the finished pagesA native linguist reviews the final layout, catching line breaks, hyphenation, and anything changed during layout.
- Preflight and outputWe check fonts, images, color, and bleed, then produce every format you need.
- Deliver your packageNative files, print-ready and digital PDFs, and fonts guidance, ready for your team or printer.
Deliverables
One layout, every output you need
Print, screen, and assistive technology each have their own requirements. We prepare every version to match.
Print-ready
- PDF/X files for commercial printing
- CMYK color, bleed, and crop marks
- Packaging, labels, and signage
Digital
- Web-optimized and interactive PDFs
- PowerPoint and Word, ready to edit
- Graphics for websites and social
Accessible
- Tagged PDFs with correct reading order
- Alt text and language tags in every version
- Supports Section 508 and WCAG review
Document types
What we lay out
From a one-page notice to a 400-page technical manual, in English or any language we cover.
- User manuals and guides
- Brochures and catalogs
- Packaging and labels
- Forms, notices, and letters
- Annual and technical reports
- Presentations
- Signage and infographics
- Training handouts and job aids
Client results
Trusted with documents that represent the brand
Technology companies and marketing teams rely on us to deliver guides and collateral that look right in every market.
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Engineering and manufacturing Trimble
We provided comprehensive translation and localization services. Read the case study -
Technology SendGrid
We provided professional translation and localization services for a variety of marketing materials. Read the case study -
Retail and marketing Fast Track Marketing
We provided comprehensive translation and localization services. Read the case study
Get a quote
Send your package. We’ll quote by the page.
DTP is priced by page count, layout complexity, the scripts involved, and the outputs you need. In InDesign, File > Package collects everything we need in one folder.
- Also tell us: target languages, print or digital, accessibility needs, and your deadline.
- No source files? Send the PDF. We will recreate an editable layout.
brochure Folder
- Links/Images and placed graphics
- Fonts/Or a list of the fonts you use
- brochure.indd / .idmlYour source layout
- brochure.pdfA PDF of the original for reference
Related services
See also
One team, one point of contact. Add any of these to your publishing project.
FAQ
Desktop publishing questions, answered
Don’t see your question? A language specialist can answer it in one call.
Talk to a specialist
Get a straight answer
Tell us what you need translated or interpreted, and we’ll scope it with you.
Meet one-on-one with a language services expert, at a time that suits you.
What is multilingual desktop publishing?
Multilingual desktop publishing, or DTP, is the layout and typesetting work that makes a translated document look and work like the original. Specialists flow the translation into your design files, adjust for text that runs longer or shorter, set each language’s script correctly, mirror right-to-left layouts, and prepare files for print or screen. A native linguist then proofreads the finished pages.
Why do we need DTP after translation?
Translated text rarely fits the original layout. It can run longer or shorter, read right to left, or need fonts your designer does not have. Pasting a translation into a layout without a specialist leads to hidden text, broken words, missing characters, and layouts that native readers find hard to read. DTP fixes these issues and makes every language version look as polished as the original.
Can you translate InDesign files directly?
Yes. We work directly in InDesign, using INDD or IDML files, along with Illustrator, Photoshop, FrameMaker, QuarkXPress, Word, and PowerPoint. Text is extracted for translation and flowed back into your layout, so styles, links, and layers stay intact and your team can keep editing the files.
Can you work from a PDF if we don’t have the source files?
Yes. We can rebuild an editable layout from a PDF and then translate and typeset it. Source files are faster and less expensive, so we will ask whether your designer or agency still has them first.
How do you handle Arabic, Hebrew, and other right-to-left languages?
We set the text right to left with correct letter shaping and mirror the layout itself: reading order, columns, images, tables, charts, and navigation. Numbers, brand names, and English terms inside right-to-left text are handled so they display correctly. A native linguist then proofreads the finished pages.
What fonts do you use for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and other scripts?
We choose fonts that fully support each script and pair well with your brand fonts, so headings and body text keep a consistent look. Some commercial fonts need a license for each language or use; we will recommend options and tell you about any licensing before layout begins.
How much does multilingual DTP cost?
DTP is usually priced per page or per hour. The cost depends on page count, layout complexity, whether source files are available, the scripts involved, the number of review rounds, and the outputs you need, such as print, digital, or accessible PDF. Send your files, and we will give you a firm quote before work begins.
Can you make translated PDFs accessible for Section 508?
Yes. We can deliver tagged PDFs with a correct reading order, alt text, language tags, and accessible form fields in every language. Section 508 references WCAG, and PDF/UA is a widely used technical standard for accessible PDFs. We prepare files to support your accessibility review; confirm your specific requirements with your accessibility team.
Do you handle government notices and forms?
Yes. We typeset translated notices, letters, applications, and fillable forms for agencies and organizations serving people with limited English proficiency, keeping the official layout, required statements, and form fields consistent across every language.
Tell us what’s at stake. We’ll show you how we’d handle it.
Send your files or describe your event. A language specialist replies with a fixed quote and a delivery date, with no obligation.
Prefer to call? 720-325-0459