When we say, “Don’t make assumptions in a translation project,” what do we really mean?
Assumptions about the project? Assumptions about the tone? Assumption about the deadlines? Or maybe assumptions about the DNT (do not translate) terms?
In reality, we mean everything.
Professional translation services engage with several clients who have diverse requirements. However, the one golden rule every translation company follows during this engagement is creating or having a translation checklist. But why?
Translation and localization projects may look straightforward on the surface, but behind the scenes, they involve several entities, tools, restrictions, and expectations. One missing detail can snowball and result in delayed delivery, rework, poor client feedback, and uncontrollable costs.
That’s why all professional translation services need a simple yet effective tool called a checklist.
So, what is this translation checklist?
A translation checklist is a structured, thought-out project map that involves the expectations, procedures, and best practices to ensure high-quality translations.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of checklists in translation and localization project management services.
Complexities of Translation and Localization Projects
Translation projects are not just about converting the language of content to another language; there are a lot of moving parts. A truly effective translation project includes context, audience, usability, and accuracy across different languages.
A multilingual content translation project often includes:
- Multiple file types, such as .docx, .pdf, .idml, .jpg, etc.
- Structured stages, such as project analysis, translation, editing, QA, and final delivery.
- Professional translation services also work with linguists from different time zones in foreign language projects.
- Contribution and input from teams of different domains, such as marketing, legal, and technical.
- Region- and market-specific localization requirements.
These expectations increase significantly if a global brand tries to enter a multilingual and diverse market, such as India.
Without well-defined localization project management services, global brands can face many challenges while entering the Indian markets. Explore what these challenges are in our related blog: 5 Localization Hurdles Brands Trip Over in India.
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What Does a Translation Checklist Include?
Although different translation services follow different formats for checklists, there are some elements that are common to all.
The following is a common template for what to include in a professional translation checklist:
Project Overview
- Number of Files
- Total Word Count
- Required Subject Matter Expertise (Marketing, Legal, Technical, or Medical)
- Deadlines and Delivery Expectations
File and Format Details
- File Format of the Source File (.docx, .pdf, .idml, .jpg, .indd, and .html)
- Editable and Non-Editable Files
- Required Delivery Formats
- Method of Delivery (Email, Cloud, CMS Upload)
Language and Localization Specifications
- Source and Target Languages
- Language Dialect (Hindi for India, Spanish for Mexico, French for Canada, or Arabic for Egypt)
- Any Spelling or Terminology Requirement
Target Audience and Purpose
- End Users (Customers, Legal Teams, or Healthcare Professionals)
- Intended Use (Marketing, Tourism, Compliance, or Internal Communication)
Style and Brand Guidelines
- Tone of Voice (Formal, Casual, or Technical)
- Any Pre-Existing Style Guides
- Brand-Specific Terminology or Glossaries
- Keywords for Local SEO (For Digital Files)
Content Scope
- Identification of Elements/Strings that Need Translation
- Identification of ‘Do Not Translate’ (DNT) Terms
- Localization of Images, Graphics, Charts, and UI Elements
Technical and Operational Requirements
- CAT Tools or Software Preferences
- Desktop Publishing (DTP) Requirements
- QA Expectations (For example, Back Translation for Medical Content)
- Revision or Update Policies (For Apps and Websites)
Compliance and Confidentiality
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
- Data Security Requirements
- Certification Needs (If Applicable)
Why Are Translation Checklists So Important?
- Clear Project Visibility: A checklist provides a clear map of the entire project. Clients can outline their expectations, while professional translation services can create a plan to ensure every requirement is met. A translation checklist basically provides complete clarity when managing multilingual content translation projects for several regions.
- Keeps Every Stakeholder on the Same Page: When everyone—from translators to project managers—refers to the same checklist, the scope of misunderstanding drops. Decision-making becomes faster, while accountability improves.
- Better Workflow, Less Chaos: In complex projects that involve several languages and files, a translation checklist becomes vital for a smooth workflow.
- Time and Cost Saving: Several studies show that reworking on translation and localization projects can increase costs significantly. A checklist, however, minimizes rework, hence reducing the back-and-forth emails between clients and translation agencies and improving time for project delivery.
- Better Quality Translation: When translators are fully aware of the expectations, audience, tone, and technical requirements, the final output improves automatically.
A Simple Tool with Serious Impact
A translation checklist may look simple, but its impact is way more serious.
When assumptions turn into clarity, translation of content becomes structured and efficient. And most importantly, it helps professional translation services like us, Somya Translators, deliver exactly what the client wants. That too without rework, higher costs, and avoidable delays.
As one of India’s leading technical and document translation services, we believe every project must be thorough and well-defined. And this only happens with a planned and structured checklist.
So, if you are planning a translation or localization project, start with a checklist. And if you want a partner who knows how to turn that checklist into flawless project execution, start with Somya Translators!
Reach out to us today for a free quote!
Call: +91-9990094796
Email: info@somyatrans.com