PDF file to become an InDesign file

Question

Hello all, 
 I would like to ask for advice regarding translating a PDF-sdlxliff file I received from a client who wants to create an InDesign file out of that. 
 How should I proceed in the best way so that the formatting is preserved, please? Just translate the file and expect that the client can open it in InDesign? Or should I rather convert it to another format (IDML)? 
 However, I read a lot of negative experience trying to open the IDML format of the translation in InDesign (where the translation should be imported and opened). 
 
 Thank you for any help!

Miriam · Accepted Answer

Jesús Prieto I have updated Trados and ticked the idml field, and it works now. As simple as that :) Thank you very much!

Annemieke Stössel-Lub · Answer

Hi, as long as you copy over all the existing tags to your target segments, you should be fine. I would never use a pdf file directly for translation but convert it to Word first (or let Studio, Adobe Acrobat or Abbyy Finereader do that for me). Then, the Word file needs to be "cleaned up" (multiple spaces, formatting, etc), which can be very time consuming. So, I would definitely recommend you get back to your customer and ask him for the IDML file. It will save you a lot of time and pain.

Annemieke Stössel-Lub · Answer

Hello Miriam, 
 I see that you use the Default project template. To change the settings, please go to File > Options > File types > Adobe InDesign CS4-CC IDML > Common and activate the first option "Process unsupported file versions": 
 Then try again to create a project with this file. 
 Best regards, Annemieke

Paul · Answer

Miriam 
 Miriam said: I did as you advised, but the added file was not recognized by Trados: 
 Three questions: 
 
 did you make this change in the default project template to make sure that it is picked up when you create your new project, or did you make the change in the project settings for an existing project (which is too late), and 
 what version of Trados Studio are you using? 
 how was the IDML created?

Jerzy Czopik · Answer

Miriam 
 Remove the file from the project. Then click the small symbol beside the text "File Type Identifier". You should see file types installed on your system and a button to reset them to defaults. Do this and add the file again, this should work.

Paul · Answer

Miriam 
 If yo work with InDesign you should only use PDF files for reference. Always translate the IDML and always return a translated IDML.

Annemieke Stössel-Lub · Answer

Hi Miriam, 
 Please ask your customer to provide the original InDesign file. He should export it into an IDML file. INDD files cannot be processed in Studio.

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PDF file to become an InDesign file

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