Translating a document might seem simple until you have hundreds of pages, multiple languages, and tight deadlines. Translating by hand, sentence by sentence, quickly becomes boring, especially when the same terms and phrases keep coming up.
That’s where CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools come in. CAT tools make translators work faster and more consistently without taking the human translator out of the process.
They can hold past translations, suggest terms used in previous jobs, and make it easier to manage large translation jobs. But with so many tools at our fingertips today, it can be difficult to choose the right one.
In this blog, we will explore some of the best CAT tools on the market and what makes each one useful for translators and localization teams.
What Are CAT Tools?
CAT, or Computer-Assisted Translation tools, are software designed to make a translator’s work faster, more organized, and consistent. Instead of starting each translation from scratch, translators can use translation memory, terminology databases, and quality checks to reuse previous translations and ensure correct terminology throughout a project.
Crucially, a CAT tool does not replace the translator; it supports the human translation process by handling repetitive tasks. They are also quite common in professional translation. A survey of over 3,000 full-time translators conducted by ProZ revealed that 88% used at least one CAT tool at least some of the time.
How Do CAT Tools Work?
CAT tools help to organize the translation process by splitting a document into smaller parts, usually sentence by sentence. As the translator translates each section, the tool searches its translation memory to see if it has already translated the same or a similar sentence.
If a match is found, it recommends the previous translation, which the translator can see and modify rather than creating a new translation from scratch. CAT tools also highlight glossary terms and can run quality checks for missing numbers, tags, or inconsistent wording.
The translator thus stays in charge, while the software does much of the repetitive work.
Best CAT Tools for Translators
There are many CAT tools available today, and it all depends on the translator’s workflow, budget, project size, and whether they prefer desktop or cloud-based software.
Here are some of the popular options to consider:
1. Trados Studio
A popular professional CAT tool with powerful translation memory, terminology management, quality checks, and support for a variety of file formats. This is especially helpful for translators working with agencies and large localization projects.
2. memoQ
Known for its intuitive user interface and robust translation memory and terminology features. It is a good option for freelancers and even better for teams working on bigger translation projects.
3. Smartcat
A cloud-based platform that allows translators, agencies, and clients to work on the same project. It also includes translation memory, terminology management, and machine translation integrations.
4. Phrase
Phrase is designed for localization teams and businesses and offers cloud-based translation and project management tools. Its cloud-based environment makes it easier to manage multilingual projects and keep translation workflows organized across different languages.
5. Wordfast
Flexible, popular CAT tool among freelance translators. It offers both desktop and web-based versions, with features such as translation memory and terminology management. Wordfast Anywhere, its browser-based version, can also be used for free.
6. OmegaT
If you are looking for a free CAT tool that is open-source, then OmegaT is worth having a look at. It supports translation memory, glossaries, fuzzy matching, and a number of common file formats. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, so it is a practical choice for translators who do not want to invest in a paid CAT tool.
7. MateCat
MateCat is a browser-based CAT tool that can be useful for freelancers, beginners, and translators working on smaller projects. No software to install, plus translation memory and machine translation integrations. Its simple interface also makes it quite easy for new users to begin using it.
8. Crowdin
Crowdin is more focused on localization rather than typical document translation. This is especially useful for software, websites, apps, and other digital products that need regular content translation and updates. Its integrations can also connect localization workflows to development platforms.
CAT tools have changed the daily working routine of translators. These tools can save time without taking away the translator’s control over the final content, from reusing previous translations and maintaining terminology to checking consistency and managing large projects.
But there is no single CAT tool that is best for everyone. The right choice will depend on your projects, your workflow preferences, your budget, and the features you really need. Take some time to explore the options, try out those that meet your needs, and choose a tool that makes your translation process easier and more efficient.
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