Technical Translation Services UK

A: No, you really need a specialist. A general translator might get the language right, but engineering manuals are full of technical terms, part names, and exact instructions. If those get mixed up, it can confuse the person using the manual, or even cause safety problems. We only give engineering manuals to translators who understand engineering, not just language.

A: We work with the text inside the drawing, not the drawing itself. Labels, dimensions, notes, and callouts get translated and placed back exactly where they were, so the layout of the blueprint stays the same. The drawing itself doesn't change, only the words on it.

A: You need a team that understands software, not just words. Buttons, menus, and error messages are often short, so the wording has to be exact and still make sense on screen. We handle this kind of software translation regularly, working with the actual text strings developers give us.

A: We use a glossary for every project. Before we start, we agree on the right French term for each piece of IT vocabulary, and then we keep using that same term all the way through the document. This way, the same word never gets translated two different ways in the same project.

A: Yes, we can. Many software and technical projects come in XML or JSON files, and we're used to working inside them without breaking the code structure. Only the actual text gets translated, so the file still works properly once it's back in your system.

A: Yes, and we're one of them. Aerospace and defense documents need very precise language, because a small mistake in a maintenance manual can cause real problems. Our translators working on this type of content have experience with aviation and engineering terms.

A: The text sitting on top of the diagram, like labels and component names, gets translated carefully and placed back in the same spot. We make sure the diagram itself stays exactly as it was, so an electrician can still follow it easily in the new language.

A: You can get in touch with us directly. Patent filings need a translator who understands both the science and the legal side of patents, so the wording holds up if it's ever checked. We can talk you through what's needed for your specific filing.

A: The biggest risk is confusion, and with medical devices, confusion can be dangerous. A general translator might not know the exact medical or technical term, which can lead to unclear instructions. That's why medical device manuals should always go to someone with real technical translation experience.

A: Yes, we do. If your project involves private research, formulas, or sensitive data, we're happy to sign a confidentiality agreement before we even look at the files. Your information stays protected the whole way through.

A: We work to keep translations accurate and consistent with the kind of language MHRA submissions expect, but we always recommend checking the specific regulatory requirements for your product with your compliance team, since rules can vary by device type.

A: SDS translation is usually priced per word, similar to our other technical translation work, though it can cost a little more because of the safety terminology involved. Send us the document and we'll give you a clear quote before anything starts.

A: Yes, patent translation is something we can help with. What matters most is accuracy, since the wording in a patent needs to match the original meaning exactly. We use translators who are comfortable with both the technical subject and patent language.

A: Technical translation takes more time and more checking. The translator needs subject knowledge, not just language skill, and every term has to be correct and consistent. That extra care is what makes the price a bit higher than general or marketing translation.

A: It really depends on the manual, the language, and how technical the content is. As a rough guide, our standard technical translation starts around €0.12 per word. Send us your document and we'll give you an exact price, not just an estimate.

A: Sometimes, yes, especially if the document needs heavy layout work after translation. Simple formatting is usually included, but for detailed design work, we'll tell you upfront if there's an extra cost, so there are no surprises.

A: A document that size usually takes a couple of weeks, depending on how technical it is and how many languages you need. We'll give you a clear timeline once we've reviewed the file, so you know exactly when to expect it back.

A: Yes, urgent turnaround does cost a bit more, since it means pulling in extra resources to meet your deadline. Our express technical translation option is built for this, and we'll always tell you the price before we start.

A: The easiest way is to build a glossary and keep working with the same translator over time. This cuts down on repeated questions and rework. Bulk projects also usually qualify for a lower rate than one-off small jobs.

A: Yes, many of us do, including us. If a document repeats the same phrases or sections often, that repeated text can usually be priced lower, since it takes less new translation work.

A: Our technical translations are done by real people, not machines. Engineering and technical documents need judgement that AI still gets wrong too often, especially with safety instructions. A human translator with real subject knowledge handles every project.

A: It's simply a list of your company's preferred terms, like product names or specific technical words, translated the way you want them. If you have one, it helps us keep your wording exactly the way you like it. If you don't have one, we can help build one for you.

A: A translation memory tool remembers sentences and phrases we've translated before, so the same term or sentence gets translated the same way every time. This is especially useful for manuals that get updated often, since it also saves you time and cost.

A: Every project goes through two people, not one. The first translator does the initial work, and then a second specialist checks it for accuracy, wording, and formatting. Nothing gets sent to you without that second check.

A: We wouldn't recommend it for anything important. It can be fine for a quick, rough idea of what a document says, but it often gets technical terms wrong, and it isn't private. For anything you're relying on, a human technical translator is a much safer choice.

A: We ask for context, or a glossary if you have one, so we know exactly what an acronym or slang term means in your industry. Our translators also have real experience in these fields, so most of the time they already know the term.

A: This is exactly why we take technical accuracy so seriously, with subject-matter translators and a second review on every project. If you ever have a concern about a delivered translation, get in touch straight away and we'll look into it with you.

A: ISO 17100 is the main one to look for, since it's specifically for translation services and covers things like translator qualifications and quality checks. It's worth asking any agency you're considering whether they follow this standard.

A: It depends on your industry and the country you're selling to, so it's not always a strict requirement. That said, working with an agency that follows ISO 17100 standards is a good sign of quality, even where it isn't legally required.

A: The UK Intellectual Property Office does accept certified translations for certain filings, but the exact requirements depend on what you're submitting. It's best to check with them directly, or ask us, before you send anything in.

A: It isn't a legal requirement, but membership with bodies like the ITI or CIOL is a good sign that a translator takes their profession seriously and keeps their skills up to date. Many of the translators we work with hold this kind of membership.

A: A certified translation comes with a signed statement saying it's accurate and complete. A notarized translation goes a step further, where a notary confirms the identity of the person who signed that statement. Which one you need depends on where you're submitting the document.

A: Ask for their qualifications, their experience in your specific industry, and maybe a couple of past projects or references. It's also worth checking if they belong to a professional body like the ITI or CIOL, since that's a good sign of a serious, qualified translator.

A: We try to keep the layout as close to the original as possible. Some small changes can happen naturally, since translated text is sometimes longer or shorter than the original, but we adjust the formatting so the final document still looks clean and professional.

A: Yes, we offer DTP as part of our service. Once your document is translated, we can also format it so it looks exactly right in the new language, matching your original layout as closely as possible.

A: Yes, we can work with scanned or image-based files. We'll extract the text, translate it, and then place it back into the document so it reads correctly, even if the original file wasn't editable.

A: Honestly, you don't need to do much. Just send us the file in its original format, along with any glossary or reference material you have. If there's anything unclear on our end, we'll ask you directly instead of guessing.

A: Yes, we can. If there's text inside an image or screenshot, we translate it and either replace it in the image or provide it separately, depending on what works best for your document.

A: Some can, and it depends on the specific system you use. If you let us know which CMS you're working with, we can tell you exactly how we'd handle your project, whether that's working inside the platform or with exported files.

A: Send us the original, editable file if you have it, like a Word document, InDesign file, or XML file. That gives us the clearest picture of your document and the quickest, most accurate quote. If you only have a PDF or scanned copy, that's fine too, just let us know.