Top 5 Mistakes in Multilingual DTP (and How to Avoid Them)

When translation agencies deliver multilingual projects, one of the biggest challenges isn’t the translation itself—it’s the layout. A perfectly translated file can still look unprofessional if the formatting isn’t handled properly. That’s where multilingual Desktop Publishing (DTP) becomes critical.

At WLA SRL, we’ve seen hundreds of multilingual layouts come across our desks, and some issues appear again and again. Here are the five most common DTP mistakes—and how to prevent them.

1. Using the wrong fonts for non-Latin scripts

Fonts that look great in English often don’t support languages like Arabic, Chinese, Thai, or Hindi. Missing glyphs or inconsistent line spacing can break your layout.
How to fix it: Choose fonts designed for each script—such as Google Noto, Source Han Sans/Serif, or region-specific professional fonts—and always test before final delivery.

2. Ignoring text expansion and contraction

Some languages take more (or less) space than English. For instance, German can expand by 30%, while Chinese often shrinks dramatically.
How to fix it: Allow flexible text boxes, avoid fixed heights, and check that elements reflow naturally. Build extra padding into your design templates.

3. Overlooking right-to-left (RTL) rules

Arabic, Hebrew, and Farsi layouts need mirrored alignment, paragraph direction, and reading order. Copy-pasting text without adjusting these settings leads to chaos.
How to fix it: Use native RTL support in InDesign or Illustrator, and verify text order, punctuation placement, and numbering after translation.

4. Breaking links between text and graphics

Manual edits—like converting text to outlines or flattening layers—make future updates almost impossible.
How to fix it: Keep editable layers, link graphics properly, and always deliver open, translation-friendly formats (IDML, AI, INDD, etc.).

5. Forgetting accessibility requirements

As accessibility becomes standard worldwide, agencies need to ensure their PDFs meet WCAG, Section 508, and PDF/UA requirements.
How to fix it: Tag elements correctly, define reading order, add alt text, and test with tools such as PAC 3. Accessibility should be integrated—not an afterthought.

Final thoughts

Multilingual DTP is more than formatting—it’s about respecting every language and audience. By avoiding these common mistakes, translation agencies can deliver professional, accessible documents that truly communicate.

If you’d like expert help ensuring your next multilingual project looks perfect in every language, WLA SRL is here to help.
👉 Contact us for a Free Pilot Project