Glossary

Document translation

Document translation is the process of converting written content from one language into another while preserving its meaning, tone and formatting. It enables organizations to communicate clearly and consistently with audiences across global markets, ensuring that every document – from legal contracts to marketing collateral – is accurate, compliant and culturally appropriate.

Description

Document translation goes beyond replacing words. It combines linguistic expertise, subject-matter knowledge and advanced translation technology to ensure accuracy, readability and local relevance.

Professional document translation covers a wide range of materials – including product manuals, legal agreements, financial reports, HR policies, eLearning content and marketing content. Each document type requires specialized terminology management and formatting to meet regulatory and brand requirements. Modern document translation uses Translation Management Systems (TMS), Translation memory (TM) databases and Machine translation (MT) with Machine translation post-editing (MTPE / post-editing) to improve speed and consistency. Quality assurance processes such as terminology validation and linguistic review guarantee precision, while automation tools streamline file preparation, version control and delivery.

Example use cases

  • Documentation: Translating product documentation, manuals and user guides for multiple markets.
  • Localization: Localizing marketing, legal or HR materials for regional compliance.
  • Technical reports: Converting technical and scientific reports for global research and collaboration.
  • Tendering: Supporting multilingual tendering, training and regulatory submissions.
  • Automation: Managing high-volume translation projects through automated workflows.

Key benefits

Accuracy
Ensures terminology and meaning are consistent across languages.
Compliance
Meets industry, legal and regulatory standards worldwide.
Efficiency
Combines automation and human expertise for faster delivery.
Cost control
Reuses existing translations through Translation Memory.
Cost control
Supports large-scale multilingual projects across departments and regions.

RWS perspective

RWS delivers document translation solutions that combine human linguistic expertise with intelligent automation. Our teams of specialist translators, project managers and AI-powered tools ensure every document – whether legal, technical or creative – is translated with accuracy, nuance and cultural sensitivity.

By integrating Language Weaver, Trados and advanced quality workflows, RWS provides the speed and efficiency of AI with the precision and empathy of human review. The result is translated content that builds trust, meets compliance needs and drives understanding everywhere your brand operates.