It’s great when you’ve perfected the copy for your next creative campaign, or perhaps you’ve created your latest product label, all the right words are down on a page, and you’re ready to launch – but wait right there. Although the words you choose are important, they can easily be lost in translation by subtle nuances, whether it be the margins, the line spacing, font, hyphenation, and more. Differences such as these are involved in typesetting, the process of putting text onto a page, so it’s ready for printing or publishing.

When a reader looks onto a page, product or website, they’re not only reading, but they’re subconsciously processing the overall look of the page. The headings, fonts, spacing and tracking and padding of the page can impact the way the reader perceives the information presented to them.

Typesetting (or setting type) can often be confused with typography. The simple difference is that typography is all about the visual designs of the font and making the text look appealing, whereas typesetting is the process of arranging the text and images on the page.

Multilingual Typesetting

When globalising or localising a product, website, or service, you must consider multilingual typesetting. Translating one language to another goes well beyond word-for-word translation, as there are many different rules for grammar and layout. Using multilingual typesetting services ensures your words work effectively in whichever language you’re targeting. Below are some changes translation services UK may implement to ensure your text will be received by your target audience seamlessly.

• Text space: When translating from one language to the other, the length of text will differ, for example, Spanish and French language will typically be 25% longer than in English.

• Punctuation: Each language comes with its own set of punctuation rules. A typesetter will not only change the words of your text, but they will also adapt the grammar and punctuation. For example, in some languages, hyphenation is not used.

• Accents and capitalisation: A misused capital or an absent accent can distract the reader from your text, typesetting services will ensure your text uses the correct way according to the language.

• Text direction: The aesthetic or layout of your document or campaign may need to change to suit the direction of which the words will be read.

• Fonts: Some fonts will only be accessible in certain languages, typesetting services will help keep your brand image consistent, whilst also ensuring it’s supported in each language.

Multilingual Typesetting Services

Working with experts that understand the importance of correct and reliable translations is key for localising your campaign, product or service. Not only are accurate translations of your words a must, but also the unspoken words – the little things that can cause distraction from your message. Whether it’s the font, the line spacing, or the punctuation, these things can massively impact your success of targeting a different language. At our typesetting services, we will ensure your words are translated and presented in a way that resonates with each culture and language. The best use of typesetting is proven when a reader doesn’t even acknowledge it!

If you still have questions on what is typesetting, please contact our specialist team, and we can provide all the information you need.