Desk Top Publishing and Foreign Language typesetting

Sam Rhodes Design has 8 years of extensive foreign language DTP/typesetting experience.
Working on Apple Macintosh and Windows computers, we are equipped with:

  • A vast collection of fonts for most languages
  • All relevant software such as QuarkXpress, FrameMaker, PageMaker, AutoCAD, Illustrator, Photoshop, Freehand etc.
  • Colour and black and white printing available

What is DTP or typesetting?

DTP (Desk top publishing) refers to specialised formatting in basic desk-top publishing software such as Word. Typesetting refers to professional setting in specialised publishing software such as QuarkXpress.

Design of multilingual documents

It is wise to consider the final format of your language versions from the start of your project, especially where multiple languages are involved.
Allowing extra volume for the word-swell of translated text is something, which reduces problems at the DTP stage. For example, German text can swell up to 30% compared to English.
Another concern is the area of compatibility issues that may occur. Early on we can discuss how your documents will be delivered so that all end users do not have a problem viewing certain fonts. Using Acrobat to create a PDF is a good way of embedding fonts within a document, effectively turning it into a picture so that fonts are not required.
Whether print or digital, your project will also benefit from clear translation-approved text. Any language issues should ideally be resolved before the translation is placed on the page. Amending text in the final layout stage will carry great time and cost implications.
To discuss any of the above issues or any other queries email us at dtp@samrhodesdesign.com or alternatively use our enquiry form.

What you should supply

  • Send only finished documentation/graphics to be typeset.
  • Provide all relevant graphics etc when requesting quotes as this enables us to quote accurately. We may not be able to quote accurately from a PDF.
  • Ensure that all assets function correctly, e.g.
  • Links are not broken for imported graphics.
  • Provide any specific instructions and associated files (e.g. fonts, printer drivers, Distiller Job Option files) with the originations, preferably for quoting but definitely before any work commences.
  • All fonts, linked graphics and text insets (if used) should be provided.

It is possible that we may need to ask technical questions so it will be beneficial to have a contact in your or your clients Electronic Publishing department who can answer production related questions.
To discuss any of the above issues or any other queries email us at info@samrhodesdesign.com or alternatively use our enquiry form.

How work is returned

We are able to provide either electronic (PDF) or hard-copy proofs for your signed approval before sending the documents to print or final output to EPS etc.
Work can be returned on CD, by E-mail, FTP, hardcopy or final printed versions may be available.
To discuss any of the above issues or any other queries email us at info@samrhodesdesign.com or alternatively use our enquiry form.