Due to the increased demand for translation services, more adaptable workflows and systems that can easily handle numerous languages have been developed. In order to translate a given sentence word-by-word or even phrase-by-phrase, machine translation programs compare two different languages using algorithms. A computer program has a better chance of translating a sentence correctly the more of it it examines. On the other hand, CAT tools help human translators complete their work more quickly and accurately.
1. What is CAT tools?
The CAT tool, or computer-assisted translation tool, is crucial productivity-enhancing software that provides translators with a number of benefits over the more conventional manual translation process. CAT tools can be used by translators to speed up time-consuming operations within a project, like looking up words in two different languages or translating text strings that are similar into a third language.
CAT tools are software applications that support translators throughout the translation process. By focusing on text parts at once, eliminating duplicates, and determining context, they can speed up the translation process. These tools enable a more accessible and cooperative working environment that can reduce the amount of time needed for translation by hours or even days.
2. The benefits of using CAT tools
Many factors influence the popularity of CAT tools among translators. Simply said, these tools streamline the process of translating by requiring less time and effort from each translator. However, to be clear, let’s examine the capabilities of a CAT tool and how precisely it might be helpful:
- Integrated methods for importing reference materials such as dictionaries and term bases
- Monitoring for writing faults that frequently occur due to human error
- division of text
- Complete implementation of translation memory, enabling consistency in the generation and redefinition of words, phrases, and sentences for upcoming translations
- Exporting translations in the same file format as the original document
- Features that enable collaboration between multiple linguists working on the same project at once
3. Top 10 CAT tools for translators in 2023
Desktop CAT tools
Although many developers and translators choose cloud-based CAT solutions due to some obvious benefits, you should still be aware of some desktop options if they can be useful for your project.
Trados Studio
Trados software is widely used in the translation industry to translate many languages simultaneously and boost productivity. It is commonly used by independent contractors, linguists, and localization experts, primarily in the business world. Beyond translation, the program provides a wide range of features, including dictionaries, terminology management tools, glossaries, and project management tools.
OmegaT CAT
For desktop PCs running Windows, macOS, or Linux, translators can utilize the totally free CAT tool OmegaT to translate documents into other languages. It has a user glossary feature, offers generic translation capability, and supports roughly 30 file formats.
Poedit
For Windows, macOS, and Linux users, Poedit is a practical desktop program. It features a conventional but approachable user interface that makes it easy for you to get started translating right away. Additionally, it ranks among the most often used WordPress translation tools.
Cloud-Based CAT tools
Any internet browser can be used to access cloud-based CAT tools, enabling you to work from any location and live the life of a digital nomad if you so choose, or to remain at home permanently if you don’t feel like leaving.
OneSkyApp
A translation management solution for mobile apps, websites, and games is called OneSkyApp. The OneSky platform enables translation collaboration across the engineering, marketing, and localization teams. The glossary and translation memory are just two of the many elements that this translation management system offers. These tools should improve the quality of the translation.
Phrase
For software localization projects, Phrase (formerly PhraseApp) is a rather well-known translation management system. The time spent on engineering and translation should be reduced, and it promotes team collaboration. With its integrated translation memory and quality controls like missing placeholders or incorrectly translated phrases, Phrase can also be regarded as a CAT tool. They have an auto-complete feature that you could find useful as a translator.
Because Phrase is primarily designed for teams, it could seem unnecessarily complicated if you’re translating on your own. Users who switched to Localazy cited a number of factors, including the cost per seat.
Lokalise
The localization and translation tool Lokalise was created especially for project managers that enjoy having complete control over the work that needs to be done. The translation user interface (UI) of Lokalise is simple at first, but it may eventually feel crowded.
Start by connecting or uploading any supported iOS, Android, or other files to Lokalise’s system. You might enjoy their automated QA checks and built-in grammar and spelling checks. To help you translate more rapidly, it also offers machine translation ideas. Additionally, it allows you the option to ask for the aid of qualified translators if you need assistance completing the assignment.
Smartcat
A platform called Smartcat has a lot of functionality centralized on it. By joining the network of translation professionals, it facilitates commercial connections for translators.
To boost your productivity as a freelance translator, sign up for the largest marketplace for translation projects, utilize Smartcat as a free computer-aided translation tool, and be paid wherever you are. The idea behind Smartcat is that modern technology allows many individuals to work together in a collaborative setting without having to worry about the larger picture. Additionally, it aids in automation, data inspection, quality assurance testing, etc.
Smartling
The platform Smartling is designed to offer language and translation services. Numerous B2B and B2C companies, including well-known software companies like Shopify, Slack, and SurveyMonkey, have chosen Smartling as their platform of choice. For Medium and Large Sized Businesses wishing to translate their material, Smartling may be a smart alternative.
Weblate
A set of tools called Weblate is intended for software developers and professional translators. The open-source community particularly enjoys its popularity. An online application for managing glossaries and collaboratively modifying translation memories is called Weblate CAT. For richer context, it also allows for the uploading of screenshots.
Transifex
Another well-known platform, Transifex, helps businesses penetrate foreign markets by translating their digital goods and material, such as websites, mobile apps, help center articles, games, videos, subtitles, and many more, continuously. Transifex is used by well-known businesses like Atlassian, Eventbrite, Salesforce, HubSpot, Waze, and Microsoft to maintain their multilingual, global presence.
4. Conclusion
Although there are numerous inexpensive translation programs available online, finding them is not difficult. With any luck, this article has given you a basic understanding of the most common tools you might come across in the workplace.
If you choose to utilize CAT tools for your document translation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right now!
