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InDesign translation

Write the translation back into InDesign frames

Mirrors RTL layouts and clears overset when the text grows.

Reviewers work in Excel or XLIFF — they do not need InDesign.

Upload an .indd file to translate

— Core Capabilities —

Write back into the original frames

Parsed by story, so bold, color and other styles return with the translation to the original frame.

RTL mirroring

For Arabic, Hebrew and similar languages, text frames and alignment flip with the translation.

Automatic overset reduction

If longer text oversets, tracking, leading and type size are nudged to fit the original frame when possible.

Bilingual Excel / XLIFF

Export for translators who do not use InDesign, then write the reviewed text back into INDD.

INDDIDML

Cloud processing

No local InDesign install. Supports .indd (CS4–2024) and .idml.

Target-language fonts

Fills font slots for CJK and similar scripts so you see fewer tofu boxes and missing glyphs.

Related Reading

What to do about overset text after translationHow RTL mirroring works for ArabicExport bilingual Excel for translator reviewChoosing between Excel and XLIFF reviewMissing glyphs and font swaps in Japanese and Korean

FAQ

How do you translate InDesign without scrambling text frames?

The system parses .indd / .idml by story, packs styles into safe tags, and writes the translation back into the original frames. Links, master pages and style sheets stay. For complex threaded frames, glance at the file after download.

What if longer text causes overset (the red box)?

When overset is detected, tracking, leading and type size are nudged so the translation fits the original frame when possible. This helps most with languages that expand, such as German or Russian. Frames that still overflow are flagged so you can adjust them in InDesign.

Can translators review without knowing InDesign?

Yes. After translation, export a bilingual Excel with protected formatting tags, or XLIFF for Trados / memoQ. Import the reviewed file to write it back into INDD.

Do I need Adobe InDesign installed? Which versions are supported?

No local install. The cloud handles InDesign CS4 (INDD 7) through 2024 (INDD 19) .indd files, plus .idml. Download the INDD when it finishes, or preview a high-resolution PDF first.

Can I lock terms before translation starts?

Yes. The system extracts terms and suggested translations first. Confirm or edit them before the full run. You can also add your own terms and note tone or style.