CAT Tools for translators
What are CAT tools?
What are CAT tools (Computer – Assisted Translation)?
They are simply programs that support translation. They make a translator’s work more efficient, shorten their workload, make the translation process more enjoyable, and ensure high translation quality. CAT software’s features simplify a translator’s work, whether they are translating a document or a website. A CAT program can prove to be an indispensable support tool for a translator.
There are many CAT software options available on the market. CAT programs are available in both free and paid versions. However, all CAT programs, regardless of price, serve their purpose. CAT software can be used by both translation agencies and freelance translators – both experienced and beginners. These days, it is hard to imagine a translator’s work without a CAT program. Every professional translator uses such a program.
What are the characteristics of CAT tools?
They say that CAT tools make work easier, but what does that actually mean? Translation assistance programs offer features such as translation memory (TM), a term base, segmentation of the source text, the ability to work with any format, a personalised text editor, and even quality control. All of this makes computer-assisted translations much faster and ensures high quality. CAT programs are ideal for written translations, but they are not designed for literary texts.
CAT translation is not machine translation
CAT translation should not be confused with machine translation. Some CAT software offers machine translation functionality, but it is not standard in most CAT programs. Translations performed using CAT tools are therefore entirely the work of a ‘human’ translator, whose input is still irreplaceable. So, does a computer program replace a human translator? Absolutely not.
How do CAT programs work?
The principles of CAT tools are not as difficult as they might seem. A CAT program loads the uploaded file, and then the computer program divides the source text into smaller text fragments (called segments), allowing the translator to focus on translating one fragment at a time. Segments entered by CAT software can be edited, approved, and revisited at any time. When translating documents, CAT tools provide access to translation memories or terminology databases. Translation memories simplify translation and significantly improve translation quality.
CAT software suggests a translator’s approach to previous computer-assisted translation when a phrase, part of a sentence, or even an entire sentence is repeated in the new file. These segments can overlap completely or partially, known as fuzzy matches.
CAT tools use a database that is constantly updated. By searching the database in the CAT software using appropriate keyboard shortcuts, the translator can find the appropriate terminology. This ensures that each subsequent translation will be easier to complete. CAT programs maximize the use of previous translations stored in the translation database, significantly streamlining a translator’s workflow.
Furthermore, CAT programs provide excellent quality control. This is another feature of CAT tools that ensures the quality of the written translation. The CAT program reads the translated text and marks where it detects errors. This makes it easier for the translator to spot them. As you can see, CAT software is not just a translation tool; it is the ultimate form of support for a translator’s work.
Computer-assisted translations - how to choose the right CAT software?
Using CAT tools offers many advantages. Every translator should find the right CAT software for their needs to ensure the best possible translations. Furthermore, using CAT software simplifies a translator’s work. Translation agencies recommend using CAT tools. With CAT tools, agencies can handle complex translation projects or perform group translations with the assurance of consistent results. Therefore, if you work in a team, it is worth using a single, specific CAT software. This will simplify and streamline your collaboration!
Below you will find a list of free and paid CAT software programs that support the translation process, along with a brief description.
Free CAT tools
CafeTran Espresso:
Offering numerous advanced features, such as MT integration, one-click suggested text replacement, intelligent autocomplete, and a customizable interface, CafeTran Espresso is a unique CAT tool that can be obtained for free. The free version of CafeTran Espresso provides unlimited access to the program. It allows you to work with TM files up to 1000 TUs and glossaries with fewer than 500 terms. CafeTran Espresso can be used on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers.
Across:
Across is a CAT tool offering a variety of features to meet all your translation needs. In Across, translation memories, terminology, and project data are stored centrally to ensure consistent translations. It also offers a project management feature where you can easily specify source texts, deadlines, target languages, and quality criteria.
The basic version of Across is free, with some limited features. The premium version costs €24.50/month (28,46 USD; 21,58 GBP). However, if you are a student, you can access all premium features for free.
OmegaT:
OmegaT is a free, open-source program that provides the basic features (fuzzy matching, TM, glossary, multi-file projects, etc.) needed for translation projects. The software runs on Windows, Linux, and MacOS and is compatible with Trados files. Although OmegaT’s interface may seem a bit outdated, it performs significantly better than any other free program on the market. This is why OmegaT has been one of the most popular CAT tools since its introduction in 2000.
Wordfast Anywhere:
Wordfast Anywhere is the web-based version of Wordfast Classic and Pro. Because it runs in a web browser, individual users can easily collaborate and create translation projects together. The biggest drawback of this free CAT tool, however, is its slowness and error-proneness.
SmartCAT:
SmartCAT has huge advantages: it is free, user-friendly, and versatile. It is an open-source solution that offers a CAT tool, a collaboration space, and a freelance marketplace – all in one program.
Paid CAT tools
SDL Trados Studio:
SDL Trados Studio is the most widely used CAT tool among both translation agencies and freelance translators. The tool is comprehensible and feature-rich, allowing for easy creation, management, and editing of terminology. One drawback of SDL Trados is that it only runs on Windows. Pricing starts at €695 (807,38 USD; 612,16 GBP) for freelance translators and €2,495 (2,900 USD; 2,200 GBP) for translation teams, with a free 30-day trial.
MemoQ:
MemoQ is also a significant player in the CAT tool market. It is a direct competitor to SDL Trados, with many similar features and capabilities. A special feature of MemoQ is its ability to accept other translation tools, making it easier for translators to work across various translation platforms. You can start with a 30-day trial before purchasing a lifetime license for €620 (720,25 USD; 546,10 GBP) or $700 (602,56 EUR; 616,56 GBP).
XTM Cloud:
For a monthly subscription price of $61 (52,51 EUR; 46,25 GBP), two users can translate up to 20,000 words per month using XTM – a fully featured web-based CAT tool. For unlimited access, you can choose the Enterprise version, which starts at $359 (463,97 EUR; 408,67 GBP) per month. XMT Cloud also offers a 30-day free trial.
Déjà Vu:
Another popular paid CAT tool option is Déjà Vu, which can be purchased from €420 (487,91 USD; 369,94 GBP) for access to unlimited resources and features. Déjà Vu allows users to share TMs, TBs, and translations in real time, saving significant time and increasing the consistency of results.
StarTransit:
StarTransit was created by STAR Group, with over 30 years of experience and success. It includes all the essential tools for an effective translation project, such as a translation memory, translation editor, subtitle tool, quality control, terminology, and project manager. After the 30-day trial period, an annual or monthly subscription is required.
Is it worth investing in CAT programs?
CAT software is available in free and paid versions. Working using CAT tools is characterized by the highest quality of translations and shorter translator work time, so it is worth considering choosing the right CAT software. Both free and paid programs adequately support a translator’s work, but in the case of professional translations, it is worth choosing the best CAT software we can afford. A good paid CAT program allows you to use more useful functions, thanks to which the translated texts will be of better quality. By investing in the best CAT software, translators can boast of working at the highest level.
Is it worth using translation assistance programs in your work?
CAT tools should be considered the best support for a translator’s work. By using CAT tools in your work, you have constant access to previous translations and translation projects, and each new translation is saved in a database. Translation support tools are fundamental to a translator’s work today.