6+ Best Professional Translation Software

Translation software is the core tool in the language conversion process to increase efficiency. Follow this article by Thao & Co. to learn more about the world of language translation software.

What is translation software and how many types are there?

Translation software is any program that supports translating various content types from one language to another or multiple languages. In general, there are 2 types of translation software: auto-translation programs and computer-assisted translation tools.

Auto-translation software

These programs produce translations for any source text you provide. A prime example and household name when it comes to auto-translation software is Google Translate.

Pros: 

1. • Provide immediate results.
2. • Support many languages.
3. • Free for use or available at a low cost.
4. • Can be integrated into websites and devices for on-the-go translation.

Cons:

1. • Translation is done completely by AI so accuracy is not guaranteed.
2. • Cannot convey the tone and register of the source text.
3. • Translation results are not appropriate for the context of use.
4. • Risk of data breaches.

Computer-assisted translation tools (CAT tools)

Unlike auto-translation software, CAT tools do not perform language conversion. Instead, they provide an optimized workplace for translators to do their jobs efficiently.

With these tools, translators can input the target content, create translation memories, manage projects, and collaborate. A prime example of CAT tools would be Trados.

Pros:

1. • Translations are done by human translators so accuracy can be guaranteed.
2. • Save time thanks to translation memories.
3. • Support collaboration, boost work efficiency.
4. • Allow for progress tracking.
5. • Able to detect spelling and grammar errors, typos, and more.

Cons:

1. • Takes time to get familiar.
2. • High cost, including operations and maintenance costs.
3. • Cannot replace human translators.
4. • Overreliance may result in rigid translations.

Online auto-translation software

Various auto-translation software are available on the Internet without any paywall or access restrictions. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Google Translate

With Google Translate, you can easily translate text, images, or even audio content. That said, the results are not completely accurate, especially for complex and context-reliant source content.

Microsoft Translator

Microsoft Translator can be integrated into other Microsoft programs for multi-language conversion. Like Google Translate, however, accuracy is not guaranteed. In addition, users might have to make payments to unlock premium features.

Yandex Translate

Yandex translation software supports both online and offline usage. This program also includes auto-correction and term suggestion features to improve translation results.

CAT tools – Translation software for translators

Here are some of the most widely used CAT tools for your reference:

Trados

Trados can help streamline translation progress management and quality assessment. However, the price of this program is quite high, which makes it a not very cost-efficient solution for casual translation needs.

Smartcat

Smartcat enables collaboration during the translation process, facilitating easy communication among project members. The price for this program is quite competitive compared to other translation software. There is even a free version for small organizations.

WordFast

WordFast offers 3 different versions tailored to different usage: Classic, Pro, and Anywhere. Overall, it has a user-friendly interface and affordable prices.

How much does translation software cost?

Translation software prices depend on the version and the features each program offers. 

Auto-translation programs are typically online-based and free to use. Some tools might offer paid features at a very small price.

In contrast, professional CAT tools are quite costly. Here are the prices of some common CAT tools:

1. • WordFast: $400 for the Classic version. $499 for the Pro version. WordFast Anywhere’s basic features are available for free.
2. • SmartCat: Subscription plans cost $15 per month or $120 per year.
3. • Trados: Freelance translator might want to consider the Trados Studio Freelance plan, available at $450 per year. There is also the Trados Studio Professional plan available at $1500 per year and the Trados Team available at about $4500 per year.

Thao & Co.’s proprietary translation platform

Data security is one of the top priorities when choosing a translation service provider. Knowing that concern, Thao & Co. has developed our Translation Platform, a proprietary translation platform tailored to handle all of our translation projects.

✅ Our linguists are required to work on this platform throughout the whole translation process.

✅ Translation Platform supports project creation for many file formats. Multiple linguists can collaborate on a single project to increase work efficiency and reduce time spent.

✅ Every action is logged into the project’s history in real time. Clients can also track completion progress and manage data conveniently.

Explore how :Translation Platform works.

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