solutions / technical translation
Accurate technical translation services for your complex documents, specifications and safety-critical content
We combine sector specialists with AI-supported workflows to deliver precise, consistent translations for manuals, specifications and engineering documentation ready for global release.
Trusted by technical teams
What makes a good technical document translation?
Technical documentation must be precise, consistent and safe to use. Even small errors can introduce risk, disrupt product launches or create costly rework.
Technical terms carry specific meaning. When they’re misused, components can be assembled incorrectly or systems may not function as intended.
If the translation is unclear and steps are ambiguous or out of order, operators may follow the wrong procedure which can create safety and compliance issues.
Readers rely on predictable terminology across manuals, datasheets and updates. Inconsistent wording undermines trust and clarity.
Engineers choose their language carefully and deliberately. Even a small change in tone or meaning can affect how a component or procedure is used in practice. A translation must preserve that precision, so the document works exactly as intended.
Structured documents rely on variables, markers and metadata. When these are changed or corrupted, content won’t publish cleanly into your CCMS, CMS or downstream systems, leading to extra work for your team.
Why choose us
Technical content is detailed, structured and often used in safety-critical environments. When it’s translated, the terminology, formatting and intent of the original must stay intact. Technical document translation requires a partner who understands both the language and the engineering logic behind the material. Our ISO-certified processes combine human insight with translation memory and AI systems to keep content consistent across languages.
Specialists in technical content
- Linguists with engineering and technical backgrounds
- Experience with specifications, manuals, safety documentation and product content
Controlled terminology and style
- Project-specific glossaries and style guides
- Consistent wording across documents, versions and product lines
ISO-certified quality processes
- ISO 9001, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 workflows drive quality and continuous improvement
- Expert review protects accuracy, intent and technical precision
Support for technical formats and structure
- Expertise in structured content translation, including XML, DITA and similar formats
- Tags, variables and layout preserved so you can publish without rework
Human expertise supported by AI
- AI used where it accelerates technical workflows
- Human-in-the-loop review ensures terminology, precision and safety stay intact
If you need to improve your original documents before translation, we can help with editing, transcreation and authoring
What our customers say about us

I find The Translation People, thoroughly professional and approachable, they react immediately to requests and provide a full and comprehensive service, which for me is valuable to the success of my end product and service. I would fully recommend The Translation People to all who are considering their services. They produce an excellent service year on year, thank you.
technology
We translate any file format
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Standard document files
Word, PowerPoint, Excel
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Design and publishing formats
• Adobe InDesign • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe FrameMaker • PDFs
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Structured formats
• XML • DITA • XLIFF
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Engineering and CAD-adjacent formats
• Engineering drawings • CAD-adjacent exports
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Multimedia and supplementary formats
• Graphics and diagrams • Audio and subtitles
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Web and software formats
• HTML • JSON • Resource files
technology
We translate any file format
-
Standard document files
• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
-
Design and publishing formats
• Adobe InDesign • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe FrameMaker • PDFs
-
Structured formats
• XML • DITA • XLIFF
-
Engineering and CAD-adjacent formats
• Engineering drawings • CAD-adjacent exports
-
Multimedia and supplementary formats
• Graphics and diagrams • Audio and subtitles
-
Web and software formats
• HTML • JSON • Resource files
What technical documents can we translate?
Technical content varies widely in format and purpose. We match each project with linguists who understand how it is used.
Don’t see your document listed? We’ve translated thousands of technical files over 40 years. Contact us to learn how we can help.
How do we translate your technical document?
Structured content translation designed for precision, consistency and control.
Step 1 Send us your files
Tell us about your documents, deadlines and publishing systems. We review your materials and confirm the scope.
Step 2 Receive your quote
You get straightforward, transparent pricing based on the most effective workflow, using translation memory and AI where they reduce cost and speed up delivery.
Step 3 We get to work
Subject-matter linguists translate your content using AI-supported systems that protect terminology, formatting and structure.
Step 4 Review & approve
Your files are formatted, checked and delivered in the formats required by your CMS, CCMS or other publishing systems.
FAQ about technical translation
What is technical translation?
Technical translation covers manuals, datasheets, specifications and other documents that explain how a product or system works. These materials often contain detailed instructions and structured layouts, so the translation must preserve the logic and terminology of the original.
What is an example of an engineering translation?
We provide both engineering and manufacturing translation services. One example is our work with Hydronix, a manufacturer of digital microwave moisture measurement sensors. We built a tailored translation memory and translated complex engineering materials — from technical manuals and software to website content and adverts — into German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Russian and Turkish, ensuring each document was ready for use across global markets.
How much do technical translation services cost?
Technical translation costs depend on the document’s type, complexity, format and language pair. We review your files to provide an accurate quote, and where suitable, translation memory and AI-supported workflows can reduce the cost of future updates.
To get an estimate, share your project details through our contact form and we’ll confirm next steps.
How do you ensure accuracy and consistency in technical terminology?
We use approved terminology and translation memory to keep phrasing consistent across all documents and versions. Every technical manual translation project is reviewed by specialist linguists with technical backgrounds to ensure terms, units and variables are applied accurately throughout.
Can AI support technical translation?
Yes, where appropriate. AI can accelerate repetitive or high-volume content, but critical technical documents always include human oversight. We’ll advise on the most suitable AI approach, and every AI-supported output is reviewed by specialist linguists to ensure accuracy, clarity and safety.
Can you work with our structured authoring system (XML, DITA, CCMS)?
Yes. We work with structured authoring formats such as XML, DITA and CCMS, preserving tags and variables throughout the process. We deliver files that reintegrate cleanly into your publishing environment without disrupting layouts or workflows.
How do you protect confidential technical information?
We use encrypted file handling, controlled access and GDPR-compliant processes. Only authorised linguists and reviewers have access to your files.
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