What Is DTP, LSO, and Testing in Translation?

The translation and localization industry comes with a lot of jargon. To make it easier for you, in this article we are going to explain the processes of desktop publishing, linguistic sign-off, linguistic localization testing and functional testing.

What is DTP?

Desktop publishing (DTP) is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer. In translation, it is the formatting of the localized text so that it matches the source text and is delivered to the customer ready to print/use. 

Depending on the file format, during DTP we check the following: 

• The layout of the localized document needs to reflect the styles, layout guidelines, etc. of the source language documents
• A QA check is performed against the original language including format, layout, styles, fonts etc
• There is no non-translated text on images or in the body
• The hyperlinks function properly
• There are no cut off translations or hidden/overlapping text behind images etc.
• There is no inconsistent appearance or usage
• The formatting of bullets, numbering, boxes, graphics etc. is correct
• Localized graphics/screenshots need to be included in the localized version of the file

For more info on DTP, read our article Desktop Publishing: Why do you need it in translations?

What is LSO?

The LSO (Language Sign-Off) is the final quality check stage, when a target language linguist checks the translated content in final design format, aiming to validate it in the context where it will be used. It takes place after the Desktop Publishing (DTP) stage when the text has already been translated, edited, proofread and formatted. The purpose of this procedure is to perform a last QA control on the localized file before delivery to the client to ensure that the translation fits perfectly into the final version of the file.

In this step, all visual elements such as layout, fonts, headings, images, etc. are checked thoroughly to improve the users’ experience when reading and using the final product. The LSO task is not designed to address translation issues. Significant changes to the translation are not expected to be made at this stage since they should have been resolved during the previous linguistic stages.

Here are some issues that the LSO process could reveal: 

• Linguistic and typographical errors
• Missing or wrong functionality of hyperlinks
• Missing translated text
• Mistranslations based on the context in the user interface
• Translations that are cut off or wrapped to the next line

The LSO is usually performed by native linguists that live in the country of the language in question. 

What is Linguistic Localization Testing?

Linguistic testing confirms that the text in the user interface appears correctly and completely and is not truncated, mistranslated, or misapplied.  

The linguistic testing could reveal some of the following issues: 

• Linguistic and typographical errors
• The cultural inappropriateness of UI in terms of color, design, etc.
• Improper functionality of hyperlinks
• Missing translated text
• Mistranslations based on the context in the user interface
• Translations that are cut off or wrap to the next line
• Inconsistent appearance or usage

What is Functional Testing?

In functional testing, testers follow prescribed test scripts to run through all aspects of the product to make sure it functions as designed in the localized environment. Often functional testing includes verification that the localized product is compatible with various operating systems and third-party products.  

Need more information on the above mentioned processes? Contact our friendly team now and they will be happy to provide more information and guidance.