Design teams increasingly work with translators on websites, packaging, brochures and competition rules. The translations arrive from specialised software, and the results can look confusing to someone who has never used it. Knowing what to trust, what to check and what to avoid makes collaboration with language professionals smoother and protects the final design.
First, understand the tool
If you are asking what is a cat tool, it is software that helps translators work faster and more consistently by splitting text into segments, storing approved translations and suggesting them again. It does not translate by itself; it supports the human who does.
Do read the match information
Each suggestion comes with a match percentage. A full match is a sentence already approved before, while a fuzzy match is similar but needs checking. Designers who understand these labels can see why some sentences cost less and take less time than others.
Don't assume a match is always right
An old sentence may be perfect in one context and wrong in another. A caption for an image or a button label can need different wording from the same words in a paragraph. Ask translators to review matches that appear in new places, especially in short interface texts.
Do share context with the team
Provide screenshots, layouts and descriptions of where each text appears. Translators who see the design make better choices about length and tone. A practical guide on CAT tool results lists common mistakes that arise when context is missing.
Don't force text into tight boxes
Translations are often longer or shorter than the original. Forcing a long phrase into a small space leads to tiny fonts and awkward cuts. Design flexible layouts from the start, and discuss options such as shorter wording with the translator instead of silently trimming text.
Do protect tags and placeholders
Texts may contain codes for bold, links or variables such as names and numbers. These must stay intact. Ask the language team to run automatic checks for missing or damaged tags before delivery, because one lost placeholder can break a template or show strange symbols to users.
Professional guidance
Organisations such as the American Translators Association offer resources on working with translators, including advice for clients about briefs, deadlines and expectations. These materials help creative teams treat translation as a professional partnership.
Do keep a glossary and style note
Names of products, features and competitions should always appear the same way. A short list of approved terms and a note about tone prevents repeated debates. Designers can contribute by flagging words that must never be changed because they appear in logos or trademarks.
Don't skip a visual review
Even a perfect translation can look wrong on the page. After the text is placed in the design, ask a native speaker to look at the final layout. They will notice line breaks in awkward places, missing accents and text that no longer fits the picture, which are problems a text file alone cannot reveal.
Do plan time for revisions
Design is iterative, and text changes during the process. Tell translators early which parts are final and which may change. When updates arrive, send only the changed sentences, so the system can reuse the rest and the cost and turnaround remain reasonable for everyone.
Don't send text in images
When the words are embedded in a picture, the translator cannot work with them in the tool. Keep editable layers and share the text separately. This avoids retyping, prevents errors and lets you reuse the same graphic for several languages without rebuilding it from nothing.
Do respect cultural differences
Colours, symbols and images carry different meanings across cultures. Ask local reviewers to look at the entire design, not only the words. Sometimes a small visual change avoids offence or confusion and makes a campaign feel natural in a new market.
Don't change translated text without telling anyone
Last-minute edits made directly in the layout never reach the translation memory. The next version then reverts to the old wording and the team wonders why. Send changes back through the proper channel, so the stored translations always match what has been published.
Do set up a simple workflow
Agree who sends files, who reviews them and who approves final proofs. A short checklist reduces confusion and gives everyone clear responsibilities. Using a shared workspace rather than email attachments keeps comments and versions together and avoids the loss of important decisions.
Do measure and learn
After each project, note how many segments were reused, how many corrections were needed and how long the process took. Use these numbers to improve briefs and templates. Teams that learn from each project steadily reduce costs and improve quality across every language they publish.
Don't forget accessibility
Translated designs should remain readable. Check contrast, font size and alternative text in every language. Different alphabets need suitable fonts, and long words may require different spacing. Accessible multilingual design reaches more people and also performs better in search results.
Final thoughts
CAT tool results are a collaboration between software and people. Design teams that provide context, respect the translator’s expertise and plan flexible layouts end up with multilingual designs that look good and read naturally.
