Why can SDLXLIFF source files be merged, but not un-merged (i.e. "save as target")

Question

Dear all, 
 I'm struggling with Studio 2017 being unable to save the target files, when the source files are SDLXLIFF files to begin with and have been merged into a single SDLXLIFF. 
 
 The normal process is: Multiple source files (*.abc) -> merged to a single SDLXLIFF -> save target as multiple *.abc source files 
 However, if abc = sdlxliff, this strangely doesn't work. 
 
 I need the merging process in order to be able to generate a single word file for external review. 
 Anything I can do? Shouldn't this be possible? 
 Kind regards, 
 Erik

Paul · Answer

Hi Erik Freitag , 
 
I'm afraid this has never been possible. Merging SDLXLIFF files as source files was never envisaged when Studio was first created and it does have some additional complexity that has never had enough priority to spend time resolving. 
 
Perhaps you can try the "good bug, bad bug" article for some ideas on how to use the Virtual Merge to create one sdlxliff file you could use for review: 
 
 multifarious.filkin.com/.../ 
 
I haven't tried this since writing the article so I have no idea if the "good bug" has been fixed... but you may be lucky. 
 
Alternatively you'll need two projects so you can use your TM to update the non-merged sdlxliff files after you have completed the process with the merged one.

Trados Studio > 1. Trados Studio

Why can SDLXLIFF source files be merged, but not un-merged (i.e. "save as target")