Overwriting Word documents Thread poster: Lia Fail (X)
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Lia Fail (X) 
Spain
Local time: 12:48
Spanish to English
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I have seen this question a number of times (in applications to agencies).
What are they really asking? What is the significance of chosing to overwrite or not overwrite?
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| Retaining the original formatting | Mar 29, 2002 |
The company probably wants you to make a copy of the document and type your translation into it to retain the original formatting. I do this as a rule. I also like this method because I copy proper names and numbers to minimize the chance of making a mistake (by retyping), thereby also decreasing proofreading time.
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Erika Pavelka (X)
Local time: 06:48
French to English
It\'s basically to keep the same formatting. Strange question, though.
Erika
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Basically, when you receive the file, you make a copy of it and then write over the original text. This means you keep the exact same formatting etc. If there are many words, figures, tables etc. which don\'t need translating, this is a plus as they are already in the file for you. If you employ CAT tools you can also translate many of the terms directly. Of course overwriting a file can also be more time consuming as you have to constantly cancel bits at a time instead of commencing with a bla... See more Basically, when you receive the file, you make a copy of it and then write over the original text. This means you keep the exact same formatting etc. If there are many words, figures, tables etc. which don\'t need translating, this is a plus as they are already in the file for you. If you employ CAT tools you can also translate many of the terms directly. Of course overwriting a file can also be more time consuming as you have to constantly cancel bits at a time instead of commencing with a blank sheet. But in the end its quicker and more efficient: that\'s why I hate translating non-electronic source material like faxes etc. ▲ Collapse
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| True, mainly formatting... | Mar 29, 2002 |
but it is also much easier to overwrite than not.
If you don\'t overwrite you have to print the document, set it on the copy holder, and move your head away from the screen a hundred times, taking the risk of losing track... 
Whenever possible, I prefer to overwrite.
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Jerzy Czopik
Germany
Local time: 12:48
Member (2003)
Polish to German
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| Overwritting is the only way to use CAT-tools | Mar 29, 2002 |
If you do overwrite a file in Word, you can do it in many ways, but the best way is to start using TRADOS or an other CAT-tool. After all, working for the same client next time this tool will use your previous translation and help you to translate a new file.
On the other hand, creating a new document in Word and formating it so that it meets all the customer needs is not so easy - especially if the layout is a bit complicated.
So I mean overwritting files is an advantage.... See more If you do overwrite a file in Word, you can do it in many ways, but the best way is to start using TRADOS or an other CAT-tool. After all, working for the same client next time this tool will use your previous translation and help you to translate a new file.
On the other hand, creating a new document in Word and formating it so that it meets all the customer needs is not so easy - especially if the layout is a bit complicated.
So I mean overwritting files is an advantage.
Regards
JC ▲ Collapse
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Lia Fail (X)
Spain
Local time: 12:48
Spanish to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | But it seems so obvious! | Mar 29, 2002 |
That\'s why it seems a strange question to ask! It seems logical to overwrite so as to ensure exactly the same format.
The question still puzzles me, is there any possible reason why overwriting might in fact be a bad thing?
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| Needless to say, ... | Mar 29, 2002 |
but you have to make a copy of the original document first, a then not to forget to change the language and maybe also font settings for the whole document.
Martina
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Werner George Patels, M.A., C.Tran.(ATIO) (X)
Local time: 06:48
German to English
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| ... and that is the function of CAT software | Mar 29, 2002 |
This is, in essence, what SDLX and other CAT software does for you: you \"overwrite\" Word files via the SDLX, Trados, DV, etc. interface.
In my view, the most useful (and time-saving) feature of CAT software: this way, you don\'t have to type/delete in the original file - and go crazy in the process  .
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Werner George Patels, M.A., C.Tran.(ATIO) (X)
Local time: 06:48
German to English
+ ...
Quote:
On 2002-03-29 19:42, Ailish wrote:
That\'s why it seems a strange question to ask! It seems logical to overwrite so as to ensure exactly the same format.
The question still puzzles me, is there any possible reason why overwriting might in fact be a bad thing?
... if you\'re not careful, you may delete certain codes or hidden text contained in the origina... See more Quote:
On 2002-03-29 19:42, Ailish wrote:
That\'s why it seems a strange question to ask! It seems logical to overwrite so as to ensure exactly the same format.
The question still puzzles me, is there any possible reason why overwriting might in fact be a bad thing?
... if you\'re not careful, you may delete certain codes or hidden text contained in the original Word file. ▲ Collapse
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| Overwriting word files | Mar 30, 2002 |
As far as translation job applications go, I think what they are asking is do you have Microsoft Word, and know how to use it to open files, translate what needs to be translated, and then send the file back to them.
Pretty much everyone has Microsoft Word, I guess, but not everyone has powerpoint, etc, which is why they ask these questions in a series.
That\'s my understanding, anyway.
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