Our Translation Process
From your initial enquiry and tailored quote through to translation, quality assurance, delivery and ongoing aftercare
At Anglia Translations, every project is carefully managed from the moment you get in touch. Whether you need translation of a certified document, technical manual, website, legal document or multilingual marketing content, our process is designed to ensure accuracy, consistency, confidentiality and a high-quality final result.
We do not treat translation as a simple word-for-word task. Every project is reviewed by our in-house team, matched with the right linguist and checked before delivery, giving you a clear and reassuring process from start to finish.
Our Step By Step Translation Process
Step 1: Send Us Your Documents
The first step is to send us the document or files you need translated. We work with most file formats, including:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- XML
- SRT subtitle files
- InDesign files
- JSON
- XLIFF
- YAML
- AutoCAD
Once received, our project management team reviews the content in-house. We look at the file format, language combination, subject matter, level of technicality, formatting requirements and whether the content is general, specialist, creative, business critical or suitable for AI-assisted translation.
At this stage, we will also run your document through our licensed translation memory software to analyse the word count, repetitions and (if relevant) previously translated content to identify potential translation savings. For returning clients, reusing your previously translated content can help reduce costs and keep terminology consistent across future projects.
Step 2: We Prepare a Tailored Quote
Your quote is based on the specific requirements of your project, including the language combination, word count, subject matter, complexity, required service level, timescale, formatting needs and whether previous translations in our translation memory software can be used.
We will also advise whether your project is best suited to Essential, Professional or High Impact translation. This will depend on the intended use and audience for the content. Some content is internal, functional and lower risk, while other content is public-facing, brand critical or safety critical.
For example, internal communications may be suitable for Essential, while websites, manuals and business-critical documents are usually better suited to Professional. Creative, emotive, medical, legal, financial or highly technical content may need High Impact.
We will never use AI-assisted translation without your knowledge. If it is suggested, we will explain why it may be suitable and where the limitations are.
Step 3: We Match and Brief the Right Translator
Your quote is based on the specific requirements of your project, including the language combination, word count, subject matter, complexity, required service level, timescale, formatting needs and whether previous translations in our translation memory software can be used.
We will also advise whether your project is best suited to Essential, Professional or High Impact translation. This will depend on the intended use and audience for the content. Some content is internal, functional and lower risk, while other content is public-facing, brand critical or safety critical.
For example, internal communications may be suitable for Essential, while websites, manuals and business-critical documents are usually better suited to Professional. Creative, emotive, medical, legal, financial or highly technical content may need High Impact.
We will never use AI-assisted translation without your knowledge. If it is suggested, we will explain why it may be suitable and where the limitations are.
Step 4: The Translation
The translation stage depends on the service level chosen.
For suitable content, professional AI translation software may be used to create a first draft, which is then reviewed and edited by a professional linguist.
For fully human translation, a qualified translator completes the translation from start to finish, supported by translation memory and terminology tools where available.
For brand critical, technical, legal, medical, financial or creative content, we use specialist linguists with relevant sector experience.
Translation memory may also be used during this stage (predominantly for returning customers). This is different from AI translation. It is a secure database of previously approved human translations that are stored on a per client basis. If similar or repeated text appears in future projects for that client, the software highlights this so it can be reused or adapted by the translator. This ensures consistency of style and terminology as well as cost and time savings.
Step 5: Quality Assurance and Project Manager Review
Once the translation is complete, it goes through our quality assurance process. Where required or requested, this may include review by a second linguist.
The translation is then reviewed by our in-house project management team. They check completeness, accuracy, formatting, numbers, dates, terminology, preferred client wording, correct use of translation memory, alignment between source and target and any missing or inconsistent sections.
Once the translation is complete, it goes through our quality assurance process. Where required or requested, this may include review by a second linguist.
The translation is then reviewed by our in-house project management team. They check completeness, accuracy, formatting, numbers, dates, terminology, preferred client wording, correct use of translation memory, alignment between source and target and any missing or inconsistent sections.
If your project requires formatting or desktop publishing, this is also handled at this stage by our design specialists. This may be needed for InDesign files, brochures, manuals, PDFs, catalogues, marketing materials, multilingual layouts or documents where translated text expands or contracts. Once the design work is complete, the final document is reviewed again to ensure the translation is correctly placed and visually accurate.
The project managers also carry out final quality checks before delivery. This includes reviewing the layout, tables, headings, bullet points, special characters, file format and overall presentation.
Where we have in-house language expertise, the project manager may also review the language directly. Our team includes native and bilingual speakers across several languages, including Dutch, Hungarian, Ukrainian and Russian, with additional language knowledge across French, Spanish, Arabic, Polish and others.
Step 6: Delivery, Client Review & Aftercare
In most cases, we return the translation in the same format you sent it to us. Bilingual files can also be supplied where needed.
Most projects are delivered by email, but we can also work with your preferred secure file transfer process, including SharePoint, shared drives, Dropbox, WeTransfer, secure company portals or other agreed systems.
After delivery, we recommend that you review the translation internally, especially if you have in-market teams, distributors or colleagues who use specific preferred terminology. This is particularly useful for product names, sector-specific wording or terms that may have more than one valid translation. If you prefer a specific term, we can update the translation and save that preference for future work.
Our support does not end once the translation is delivered. If you have feedback, terminology preferences or small amendments, we will review them and update the file where appropriate. Most projects only need one round of feedback, but we are happy to work with you to make sure the final version meets your needs.
Why Our Process Matters
Translation is about more than language. It is about accuracy, clarity, consistency, sector understanding and cultural relevance.
Our process gives you a clear quotation, the right service level, a qualified translator, professional project management, terminology consistency, human quality checks, secure file handling, formatting support and ongoing aftercare.
Whether you need a single document or ongoing multilingual support, we make the process straightforward from start to finish.
FAQs
Q. How much does translation cost?
Translation costs vary depending on several factors, as every project is different. Pricing is typically based on a per-word rate, and starts from 10p per word; however, the final cost will depend on:
- The language combination
- The word count
- The complexity and subject matter
- Any formatting or design requirements
- The turnaround time
For an accurate quote, we recommend sending your document to our team. We will review the content and provide a tailored price and service recommendation based on your specific needs.
Q: How long does translation take?
Timescales depend on the word count, language, complexity and service level.
As a general guide, a professional human translator can translate around 1,500 to 2,000 words per day. We also need time for project setup, translator allocation, in-house review and final checks.
For documents up to around 2,000 words, we would usually recommend allowing two to three working days from start to finish.
If you have an urgent deadline, let us know. We cannot guarantee every short-notice request, but we will always do our best to help.
Q. Can I request a free sample?
For some new clients, we can provide a short sample translation. This is particularly useful for brand critical or business critical content where tone, style and terminology are important.
We may be able to provide a free sample of around 300 to 500 words, depending on the project, language and requirements.
Q. How many rounds of amendments are included?
We understand that feedback and small adjustments are sometimes needed once your translation has been reviewed internally.
We include up to 5 rounds of amendments within 3 months of delivery, although in most cases, only one round is required to finalise terminology or minor preferences.
Our approach is always practical and transparent. If any requested changes fall outside the original scope, such as significant updates to the source content, we will let you know in advance so there are no unexpected costs.
