Trick or Treat? Common Pitfalls When Translating InDesign® Files and How to Avoid Them

Adobe® InDesign® is the go-to tool for creating professional layouts, from sleek brochures to corporate reports. But when these documents need to be translated, especially for multilingual markets, even small mistakes can snowball into major design issues.

Translating InDesign® files isn’t just about swapping words; it’s about balancing language, design, and cultural nuance. Here are some of the most common pitfalls—and how professional services help avoid them.

1. Ignoring Text Expansion

One of the first challenges in multilingual design is text length. French, for example, typically expands 15–20% compared to English. Without planning for this, translated text can overflow boxes, break layouts, or create awkward spacing.

The solution is to design with flexibility in mind: use dynamic text boxes, allow breathing room, and work with translators who understand how to adapt content for different languages without disrupting the design’s flow.

2. Forgetting Embedded Text

InDesign® projects often include images or graphics with embedded words. If these aren’t identified early, they remain untranslated, creating a jarring mix of languages in the final document.

Professional teams check every layer, linked file, and image to ensure nothing is missed. This thorough approach keeps the final version consistent and professional in every language.

3. Losing Formatting During Export/Import

Exporting text from InDesign® for translation and re-importing it can sometimes strip formatting, leading to extra work and design inconsistencies. Using proper workflows, such as IDML files and style-based templates, preserves formatting and reduces errors.

4. Cultural Oversights

Translation isn’t just linguistic; it’s cultural. A color scheme, image choice, or even a phrase that works for an English-speaking audience may need adjusting for a French market.

French design preferences often lean toward clean, balanced layouts with precise language. Working with linguists and desktop publishing (DTP) experts familiar with these nuances ensures that both text and visuals feel authentic and engaging.

PoliLingua and French Expertise

Avoiding these pitfalls requires a combination of technical skill and cultural understanding. Agencies like PoliLingua, with their French Translation Services and DTP expertise, ensure that InDesign® projects adapt seamlessly for francophone audiences.

Their teams handle both the linguistic and design sides, making sure the translated content reads naturally in French while maintaining the integrity of the layout. From marketing materials to corporate documents, PoliLingua helps brands create multilingual content that feels native and professional in every version.

5. Overlooking Terminology Consistency

In multilingual projects, brand terminology and style must remain consistent across all materials. Without a managed glossary and style guide, different translators might use varying terms, weakening brand identity.

Professional services maintain terminology databases and coordinate across teams to keep every version aligned—critical for building trust in French and other markets.

How to Avoid the Pitfalls Altogether

• Plan early: Design templates with multilingual expansion in mind.

• Use professional workflows: Export using IDML and apply style sheets to maintain formatting.

• Check every layer: Ensure no embedded or hidden text is left untranslated.

• Work with experts: Combine translation and DTP specialists who understand both language and design.

Turning Tricks Into Treats

“Trick or Treat?” sums up the reality of translating InDesign® files. Without planning and expertise, small issues can turn into big problems. But with the right approach, these challenges become opportunities to create polished, professional multilingual content.

For companies targeting the French market, attention to cultural and linguistic nuance is key. With support from professional agencies like PoliLingua, businesses can confidently deliver InDesign® projects that maintain design integrity, adapt to language differences, and resonate with audiences seamlessly.

When translation and design work hand in hand, every version of a document becomes more than a copy—it becomes a true reflection of the brand, tailored for every language and culture it reaches.