A CAT tool breaks texts into segments (sentences, sentence fragments or paragraphs) and presents the segments in a convenient way, to make translating easier and faster. In most tools, each segment is presented in a special box, and the translation can be entered in another box right below or next to the source text. The translation of each segment is saved together with the source text. Source text and translation will always be treated and presented as a translation units (TU). You can return to a segment at any time to check the translation.

By using translation memory systems, the translation process is optimized, consistency is maximized and quality is improved.

The use of databases and translation memories allows the use of specialized terminology, idioms and phrases taken from existing translations and therefore provide the base for future translations.

Advantages for clients

• The translation can be completed in a reduced timeframe without compromising quality.
• Documents and translations have a higher consistency.
• A large database can be developed for future translation projects.

As of February 2009, the only translation memory tool in use is across. All other tools used previously have been phased out.

This blog contains a variety of technical information related to translation, translation technology and related processes for the translation memory tool across, which is useful for clients and translators alike. While the focus of this blog is on the Personal Edition, the information presented is also useful for server implementations.