Use LingoBridge to translate the Story text in IDML files while preserving layout, images, layers, and styles for continued editing in Adobe InDesign. This workflow is for designers and localization teams that need an editable IDML result, not a rebuilt design file. Review the final document in InDesign before delivery.
Translate Story content
The workflow extracts and writes back translatable Story text, so your team can continue reviewing language in the InDesign file.
Leave the visual system unchanged
It does not intentionally change page geometry, images, layers, object placement, or style definitions.
Keep the result editable
Open the translated IDML in Adobe InDesign for final proofreading, copy fitting, and production checks before export.
Prepare the right source file
- Start with an
.idmlfile. If you have an.inddfile, export it to IDML from Adobe InDesign first. - Keep linked assets and the original project available for final design review.
- Use clear, editable text where possible. Outlined text, text inside images, and unusual embedded content need separate review.
What remains for the designer to check?
Terminology and source meaning
Check product names, trademarks, numbers, tables, hidden text, and recurring terms in the context of the complete layout.
Copy fitting and overflow
Translated text can expand or contract. Inspect overset text, line breaks, text frames, hyphenation, and page balance in InDesign before release.
Translate the IDML, then finish the layout in InDesign
This keeps the automatic translation step separate from the designer's final language, typography, and prepress review. For recurring multilingual manuals or catalogs, send a sample file and requirements for a workflow assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Check the current file boundary and the review steps before processing a full document.
Can I upload an InDesign INDD file directly?
Use an .idml file. Export the INDD document to IDML in Adobe InDesign first, then upload the IDML source for translation.
What does IDML translation change?
It translates and writes back Story text. It does not intentionally change layout, images, layers, object placement, or style definitions, and the result remains available for editing in InDesign.
Why should I still review the translated IDML in InDesign?
Translated text can expand or contract. A designer should inspect terminology, overset text, line breaks, text frames, copy fitting, and final production details before delivery.