Overview of the Localization Process in Author-it

Each localization is stored in a separate Author-it library known as a Target Library. Localization Manager then controls the flow of information (new and modified content) from the Source Library to the Target Libraries, and manages the translation of that content.

Target Libraries are essentially created as a copy of the Source Library. Content is then translated in the Target Library in one of two ways:

1. Directly in the Target Library with objects being opened, modified and saved using Author-it.

   -or-

2. Translating the content externally by:
   1. Exporting the translatable content as XML from the Target Library.
   2. Translating the XML with a translation memory tool (such as TRADOS).
   3. Importing the translated XML into the Target Library, overwriting the original content.

      

When changes are made in the Source Library, updates can be sent to the Target Libraries and the new and modified content examined and selectively imported using the Library Compare functionality.

The localization process within Author-it can be broken into three main areas:

1. Setting it up:

   Defining the localizations you will work with and creating a Target Library for each localization ready for translation.

2. Translating the Content:

   Translation can be done directly in the Target Library, but in many cases it is outsourced to an external agency. Localization Manager is used to export content as XML for translation, then to import it when translation is complete.

3. Managing updates to the content:

   Translation is not just a one off process and any updates to the content in the original library normally require modification and retranslation in the target language. By reusing content, the amount of data requiring retranslation is reduced. Rather than sending the translators an entire document, only the content that is changed is sent.

You can also use the Translation Export Wizard to manage updates to content and send translation jobs for multiple locales in one go.