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Guide · by the NativePortuguese team

How to Prepare Documents for Translation (and Save Time and Money)

Simple steps before you send files for translation: editable formats, final versions, glossaries, reference material and clear instructions.

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Stack of printed business documents on a wooden desk
Photo: 2H Media / Unsplash

A little preparation before you send files can cut cost and turnaround time and improve quality. Here is the checklist our project managers would give you.

1. Send the final version

Changes after translation starts mean rework. If edits are likely, tell us — we can wait, or translate in stages.

2. Send editable files when possible

Word, Excel, PowerPoint or the original design export are faster and cheaper to translate than a PDF, because the layout can be kept automatically. If you only have a scan, make sure it is flat, sharp and complete.

3. Tell us the purpose and audience

Is it for a Brazilian customer, a court, an embassy or internal staff? Brazil or Portugal? The purpose decides tone, terminology and whether any certification is needed.

4. Share reference material

Previous translations, glossaries, brand guidelines or a list of terms that must not be translated (product names, slogans) help keep everything consistent.

5. Check names and numbers

For personal documents, send the spelling of names exactly as in the passport. For technical texts, mark units and values that must stay unchanged.

6. Mention the deadline and format

Tell us when you need it and in which format (same as original, PDF, SRT, JSON…). Realistic deadlines allow a full review step.

7. Large or confidential files

For files over 3 MB, share a cloud link in the quote form notes. If the material is sensitive, ask for an NDA before sending.

Ready? Send your file for a free quote, or see our document translation service.

Frequently asked questions

What file format is best for translation?

Editable files such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint or the original design export. They are faster to translate than a PDF because the layout can be kept automatically. If you only have a scan, make it flat, sharp and complete.

What should I tell the translator?

The purpose and audience (customer, court, embassy or internal staff; Brazil or Portugal), the deadline and the output format.

How should names be spelled in personal documents?

Send the spelling of names exactly as in the passport.

How do I send large or confidential files?

For files over 3 MB, share a cloud link in the quote form notes. If the material is sensitive, ask for an NDA before sending.

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Layla Correa Mishra, lead native Brazilian Portuguese translatorThe NativePortuguese teamNative Brazilian Portuguese translatorsStart a project

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