Situation
A UK-based agricultural supplies distributor was preparing to expand its sales reach into French and Dutch-speaking European markets ahead of a seasonal product launch. The marketing team had produced a 50-page product catalogue in InDesign — covering product specifications, application guidance, and pricing structures — and needed fully translated, print-ready versions in French and Dutch in time for distribution to their European sales network. Callum, the marketing manager responsible for the launch timeline, contacted LingvoHouse with the InDesign source files and a fixed delivery date tied to the launch.
For context on the multilingual DTP process, LingvoHouse’s brochure and catalogue translation service overview covers the full workflow.
Challenge
The catalogue presented two distinct layers of complexity. The first was terminological: agricultural product catalogues contain sector-specific product names, application rates, and regulatory references that require translators with relevant subject-matter knowledge — not general commercial translators. The second was structural: the InDesign layout used a tightly formatted grid with minimal white space, meaning any text expansion in French would require careful frame and point-size adjustment to avoid reflowing content onto additional pages or compromising the designed hierarchy. The Dutch translation presented a similar, though less pronounced, expansion challenge. Both language versions needed to be returned as packaged InDesign files and press-ready PDF exports.
Approach
On receipt of the files, LingvoHouse assessed the InDesign package for font availability, linked image integrity, and translatable word count across all text frames. The project manager confirmed the timeline was achievable and assigned specialist translators with relevant agricultural and technical product experience to each language — a French native-speaker translator and a Dutch native-speaker translator, each working independently on their respective language version.
Translation was carried out using a CAT tool, ensuring that repeated product names, specification labels, and regulatory references were handled consistently across all 50 pages. Both translations were reviewed by a second linguist before typesetting began, in line with LingvoHouse’s ISO 17100-certified workflow.
During typesetting, the DTP specialist adjusted text frames, tracking, and font sizes in the French version to manage expansion within the existing grid layout, preserving the original paragraph styles throughout. A post-typesetting linguistic review was carried out on both language versions before final files were prepared.
Outcome
Both language versions were delivered by the agreed deadline as packaged InDesign files and press-ready PDF exports. The French and Dutch catalogues were accepted by the client’s print supplier without amendment and distributed to the European sales network ahead of the product launch date. The client retained the editable InDesign files for future version updates.
What This Demonstrates
- ISO 17100-certified translation workflow for technical product documentation, including independent review at translation and post-typesetting stages
- DTP handling for tightly formatted InDesign catalogues across two European languages, with text expansion managed within the original grid layout
- Subject-matter translator matching for agricultural and technical product content
- Delivery of both packaged InDesign files and press-ready PDF exports as standard
- Dedicated project manager coordinating translation, typesetting, and linguistic review within a fixed launch deadline
Work on a Similar Project?
For product catalogue translation with multilingual DTP — in French, Dutch, German, Spanish, or other languages — LingvoHouse can assess source files and confirm timelines before work begins.
Submit InDesign, PDF, or PowerPoint files via lingvohouse.com to receive a project assessment and quote.
Please see detailed information on how we can help with PDF, InDesign & Brochure Translation with Multilingual DTP
For projects involving presentation files rather than print catalogues, the PowerPoint Translation & Multilingual Presentation Formatting page covers the workflow for .pptx files.
Buyers with questions about file formats, text expansion, or how the DTP process works can find detailed answers on the Can You Translate InDesign Files Without Breaking the Layout? FAQ page.
Further reading and useful links
All Content Translation Solutions
Creative Translation for Marketing Teams
Multilingual Leaflet & Brochure Translation for Local Authorities
How to Translate a PDF Brochure Without the Original InDesign Files
