HTML Editors

When translating html files, a common format for delivering instructional content, using an html editor is a realistic option to using translation software. Although there are differences, in many respects text handling in these specialized editors designed to build web pages is similar to any word processor. This makes them friendlier and easier to learn than TM tools.

Still, they will require at least some time to become familiar with their use, and working with text surrounded by html code can be quite distracting, at least until one gets used to it. It is also advisable to provide some training on proper setup, but a basic webinar and some targeted instructions can be sufficient.

Resist the temptation to work with html files in MS Word, or other word processors, even though it is possible. This introduces unwanted codes in the html files that will not be apparent until you attempt to use them in a browser, causing links and programming to malfunction, format to be lost, and text not to display properly. While the code in these files can be cleaned up, the process can be time consuming, to the point that fixing them using cut and paste may become a better option. When translating html files without translation software, your best bet to preserve the format and links is to use a good html editor.

There are many html editors, and some are free. Regardless of which you choose, it should allow you to create a local project, and to preserve internal and external links.

On Demand Access

Some companies now offer the interesting possibility of low-cost subscription-based access to excellent tools. For example, for a modest monthly fee you can access the applications in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (the software is actually stored locally), which includes Dreamweaver, a popular html editor. This allows you to pay a low-cost temporary license just for the duration of your project.

Even when you factor in the cost of providing some beginner training, it can become an affordable expense that could easily offset the cost of having to cut and paste or reformat an entire lesson. And by saving needless work, it also frees up resources for other tasks. Allowing for translation in a friendly format may also reduce the chance of introducing errors, as long as the translator is careful not to alter the code in the file.


Last modified: Friday, October 21, 2016, 2:04 PM