In the past, the translation process required plenty of time for extensive research about numerous topics. Nowadays, thanks to the revolution of technology, translation software is developed as powerful tool that helps reduce the workload and increase consistency and quality. This article will introduce top 6 translation tools.

Why Do We Need Translation Tool?

Translation tool is also known as CAT (computer-aided translation) tool. This tool is the interaction process connecting people and computers to support text translation from one language to another. Especially, CAT is mostly cloud-based and can be accessed from anywhere, anytime, creating a perfect environment for submitting, editing, managing, and storing translations.

The translator inputs the text into CAT tools that divide it into segments (a phrase, sentence, or paragraph) and save each source segment as an entry database called translation memory and Termbase (TB) to ensure consistency with past translations.

6 Best Translation Tools in 2022

SDL Trados Studio

SDL Trados Studio is one of the most popular translation software with over 270,000 translation professionals worldwide. This tool is the main program in the Trados suite providing users with the perfect environment on desktop and cloud that allows flexible and efficient management. Moreover, SDL Trados Studio supports your connection to other translation platforms like Google Translation.

Key functions:

• Terminology management
• Managing translation projects professionally
• Integrating with other machine software

MemoQ

Another great tool is MemoQ, a professional translation tool chosen by many translators, editors, and localization experts. MemoQ helps them improve their workflow and simultaneously ensures the quality and efficiency of translation work. Not only does MemoQ have similar to Trados’ functionality and performance, but also its interface is friendlier to users.

Key functions:

• Terminology management
• Localization automation
• Workflow management
• Project management

Wordfast

Wordfast is designed for anyone from project managers to freelance translators. More importantly, it has various versions suitable for different purposes, like Wordfast Classic, Wordfast Pro, Plus Tools, VLTM, etc. It also allows for collaboration with other users. However, the only limitation of this CAT tool is roughly the size of Translation Memory (TM), approximately 500 units.

Key functions:

• Terminology management
• Integration platform
• Translation quality assurance

XTM Cloud

XTM Cloud offers all essential functions and a solid support team. The only downside of working on this tool is that it hasn’t had a corresponding mobile editor, making it hard to review and manage projects without a desktop.

Key functions:

• Terminology management
• Workflow management
• Integration platform

Memsource

Memsource is seen as a simple, intuitive translator and editor. It is the complete translation solution for global enterprises, LSPs, and freelance translators. However, according to some linguists, the only weakness of Memsource is that it lacks terminology management functionalities, resulting in handling large projects slowly.

Key functions:

• Terminology management
• Workflow management
• Translation quality assurance

Wordbee

Wordbee is a comprehensive translation tool based on one cloud environment to edit, review, and manage translation projects. It facilitates the translation process and assists the collaboration between key players. Wordbee also can help translate a long-form text within 5000 words.

Key functions:

• Terminology management
• Workflow management
• Team collaboration

Most Popular Cat Tools Comparison Table

Which one is best suitable for your project? We’ve put them side by side in the following table for your reference.

FEATURES	SDL TRADOS STUDIO	MEMOQ	WORDFAST	XTM CLOUD	MEMSOURCE	WORDBEE
Price (Yearly)	$755	$770	$550 for Pro versions Free for Wordfast Anywhere	$359	$348	$300
Free trial	30 days	45 days	30 days	30 days	30 days	15 days
Supported file formats	54	29	19	38	25	37
Translation Memory (TM)
Termbase (TB)
Desktop Editor
Browser Editor
Mobile Editor
User-friendly Interface

WRAPPING UP

CAT tools play a crucial role in ensuring an efficient translation process and leveraging your quality of translation.

As a leading language provider, MOBICO team masters various CAT tools depending on clients’ requirements. With more than 40 years of experience in translating and localizing Asian languages, our linguists are committed to providing prime-quality translation. We offer accurate and speedy professional translation services in 180 languages and more. Contact us today for further information!