Key Graphic & DTP Software Companies’ Insights for Translation Companies

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Marketing – Foliage Solutions
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Recognizing the importance of staying ahead in the evolving landscape of design and localization, we have compiled a collection of insightful reports from leading graphic and DTP software companies, including QuarkXPress, Adobe, and Corel. This analysis highlights key trends and capabilities, with our team carefully selecting the most relevant information for translation companies and LSPs.

With the increasing demand for high-quality multilingual content, understanding the tools used in graphic design and technical documentation has never been more essential for Translation Companies (TCs) and Language Service Providers (LSPs).

We’re excited to share our findings with you and we hope you find this resource helpful.

IDC InfoBrief sponsored by QuarkXPress – “Unleashing the Power of Automated Enterprise Content in Today’s AI Era Report”

  • Nearly 60% of documents managed by enterprise ECLM solutions are highly regulated and/or must be compliant.

  • Half of survey respondents noted that document complexity is driven by industry or government regulations.

  • Respondents overwhelmingly agree that tight integration with Microsoft O365 applications is critical for efficient document life-cycle processes.

  • Respondents identified improved content workflow management and better compliance management as the top benefits of adopting a CCMS.

  • Almost all respondents (89%) believe AI will benefit from their content strategy by offering competitive advantage.

Content Complexity and Regulation

  • Adherence to regulations

    Nearly 60% of documents managed by enterprise ECLM (Enterprise Content Lifecycle Management) solutions are highly regulated or subject to strict compliance requirements. Given that over half of survey respondents identified industry and government regulations as primary factors contributing to document complexity, translation companies play a crucial role in ensuring the precise management of regulated content.

  • Specific Standards

    Technical illustration professionals must comply with various industry standards, such as ATA Spec (Air Transport Association Specifications), CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile), and DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture). These standards are essential for maintaining consistency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance in technical documentation.

  • Factors driving complexity

    Content writers often cite frequent updates and a high volume of repeatable content as key contributors to document complexity. In this context, comprehensive glossaries and well-maintained translation memories (TMs) are essential tools. Partnering with a desktop publishing (DTP) provider experienced in a range of platforms—including QuarkXPress—and attuned to the importance of clean TMs offers a distinct advantage in maintaining consistency and accuracy across projects.

Technology and Integration

Integration with Microsoft O365

Respondents overwhelmingly agree that tight integration with Microsoft 365 applications is critical for efficient document lifecycle management. As Microsoft 365 has become the standard across organizations for working with formats like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, selecting tools that offer seamless integration with this ecosystem is essential for streamlining workflows and ensuring operational efficiency.

Component Content Management System (CCMS)

Improved content workflow management and enhanced compliance oversight are among the top advantages of adopting a Component Content Management System (CCMS)

AI Adoption

Nearly 89% of respondents believe AI will enhance their content strategy and provide a competitive advantage. For translation companies, AI presents valuable opportunities to boost productivity—by assisting with translation generation, content summarization, and for Sales teams in delivering tailored AI-assisted solutions.

Challenges and Pain Points

  • Quality Control and Consistency

    Almost half (48%) of enterprises struggle with the quality control and consistency of their documents.

  • Data Security and Compliance

    Data security and compliance are top concerns across all roles. Translation companies must ensure their processes are secure and compliant.

  • Impact of AI Understanding

    Highlight that nearly half (48%) of organizations find understanding the impact of AI a top business challenge.

  • Barriers to AI Adoption

    Address barriers to AI adoption, such as concerns about brand and regulatory risks, lack of AI skills, and concerns about data control.

Adobe Creativity Report

Increased Workload and Demand

  • Pressure to deliver faster
    The pace of work is accelerating, placing greater pressure on teams to deliver content more quickly. This underscores the need for efficient translation processes. As Lewis Oliver, Senior Designer at Havas Play, notes, “everything is about being quicker,” driven by the ease and speed at which content can now be created and shared.
  • Rising volume of work
    Both creative and non-creative teams are being tasked with producing more content in less time. For translation companies, this growing demand highlights the importance of streamlining workflows to manage higher volumes without compromising quality or turnaround times.

Generative AI and Automation

  • Creatives using AI
    A significant 82% of creatives are currently using—and plan to continue using—generative AI, with 74% stating it helps them work more efficiently. This trend signals a growing, often overlooked demand for image localization. As machine-generated visuals may lack cultural accuracy or context, translation companies have an opportunity to bridge this gap by offering image localization services that ensure visuals are both accurate and culturally relevant.
  • Upskilling non-Creatives
    Non-creatives are increasingly turning to AI as a means to upskill in today’s technology-driven landscape. While acquiring new capabilities is important, maintaining quality remains equally critical.
  • Time savings
    Generative AI drastically saves time, allowing more focus on strategic tasks. For example, Adobe Firefly helps creatives by allowing simple text prompts to quickly alter images, backgrounds, colors, and elements. In addition, Adobe Firefly can also translate videos and audio recordings in an instant into multiple languages.

Project Management and Collaboration

  • Project management challenges – 71% of creatives say one of their biggest challenges is project management-related, such as tracking feedback and sharing files.
  • Translation companies can address these issues by providing translation project management tools that offer project tracking and document sharing. Always highlight the ease of project management, whether it’s for clients or providers.
  • Collaboration issues – 5 in 10 non-creatives struggle with collaboration, citing long waiting times and version control issues.
  • Streamlining feedback – The need for better feedback mechanisms is also on the rise. For example, 76% of creatives want collaborators to draw directly onto video frames to clarify feedback, and 71% want comments directly within their editing tool.

Technology Investment and Solutions

Investment in Tools

Three out of four decision-makers are confident they will invest in tools and software to boost productivity. However, adopting new tools often demands specialized expertise. For translation companies, a practical alternative is to partner with DTP providers who are proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud applications—such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro—to ensure high-quality visuals and precise document formatting throughout the localization process.

Cloud Integration

The demand for cloud-based solutions is rising, with 79% of creatives preferring cameras that can upload footage directly to the cloud for seamless access and workflow efficiency.

Challenges and Pain Points

  • Repetitive tasks

    Note that 44% of creatives spend half their working week on repetitive design tasks.

  • Brand consistency

    Maintaining brand consistency remains a top priority for organizations. One effective strategy is to ensure clients provide well-defined, up-to-date brand documentation. This serves as a vital reference for both Creative teams and Desktop Publishing (DTP) providers, helping to maintain visual and messaging consistency across all languages and markets.

  • Skils gap

    With 79% of non-creatives saying not everyone in their team has the same level of creative skills.

Adobe Creative Cloud – Fast Facts

Adobe is a global leader in digital experience solutions, emphasizing creativity and transformation across various industries. Its Creative Cloud for business, now integrated with Adobe Firefly generative AI, provides best-in-class solutions for creative professionals.

Key highlights

  • Adobe offers tools for creating, editing, and sharing digital content, ensuring secure communication and collaboration.

  • Adobe Stock provides access to over 450 million assets, streamlining workflows for design teams.

  • Adobe is recognized as a leader in over 60 analyst reports for digital experience and content management.

  • Adobe’s acquisition of ContentCal (2021) expanded its capabilities in content creation and management.

Relevance to Translation Industry

  • Adobe’s tools are widely used in localization projects, especially for marketing materials, brochures, and digital content.

  • Integrating AI-powered tools like Firefly, especially through an API, can streamline workflows and enhance efficiency.

CorelDRAW Technical Suite

CorelDRAW is a leading solution for technical illustration and documentation, offering robust tools for creating technical drawings, diagrams, and manuals.

  • User satisfaction

    90% of users express satisfaction with CorelDRAW, often due to familiarity or a lack of awareness about alternatives.

  • Compatibility concerns

    Compatibility with other software remains a significant concern among users.

  • Virtual collaboration

    Virtual collaboration is crucial for 73% of users, highlighting the need for seamless integration with cloud-based solutions.

  • 3D capabilities

    The latest CorelDRAW Technical Suite can convert 3D engineering data into technical illustrations.

Relevance to the Translation Industry

Technical Collaboration

Technical illustrators collaborate with documentation professionals to create expository content for technical drawings.

Industry Standards

Adherence to industry standards (CGM, ISO, DITA) is a top priority for 71% of respondents, necessitating solutions that support these frameworks.

TMS Compatibility

Compatibility with Translation Memory Systems (TMS) ensures accurate multilingual content within technical documents.

Conclusion

As the demand for high-quality, multilingual content continues to rise, translation companies and language service providers face growing pressure to deliver faster, manage increasing volumes, and maintain accuracy across formats. The insights from leading industry reports underscore the importance of adopting efficient tools, integrating with widely used platforms like Microsoft 365, and leveraging AI responsibly to streamline processes.

From ensuring compliance in regulated content to maintaining brand consistency and adapting to evolving client needs, the role of DTP and technical expertise has become more essential than ever. By embracing strategic partnerships, investing in the right technologies, and aligning with evolving content workflows, translation companies can not only meet industry demands but also deliver added value and competitive differentiation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Resources:
ICD InfoBrief sponsored by Quark – Unleashing the Power of Automated Enterprise Content in Today’s AI Era
https://www.quark.com/idc-survey

State of Creativity Report 2024 https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/cct/creativecloud/business/teams/whitepapers/dotcom-116728/Adobe_StateofCreativity_Report_2024_FV_UE.pdf

Adobe Firefly
https://firefly.adobe.com/upload/translate

Adobe Fast Facts
https://www.adobe.com/content/dam/cc/en/fast-facts/pdfs/fast-facts.pdf

The state of technical illustration and documentation
https://www.coreldraw.com/en/learn/webinars/ebook-state-of-tech-design/

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