Preflight is the initial analysis and preparation phase that occurs before any translation or DTP work begins on a project. In the context of translation DTP, preflight serves the same purpose as in print production — it is a systematic inspection of source files to identify potential problems, assess complexity, extract accurate metrics, and establish the technical parameters for the project.
During preflight, our engineers open every source file in its native application and evaluate several critical factors. First, we verify file integrity: Can the file be opened without errors? Are all linked assets (images, fonts, placed files) available and correctly referenced? Are there any corruption issues or version incompatibilities? Second, we assess editability: Is the text live or flattened into images? Are layers locked or organized? Is the file structure clean enough for efficient DTP work, or does it require reconstruction?
Third, we extract word counts and character counts from the editable text, which directly drives translation cost and timeline estimates. For complex files — such as InDesign documents with anchored text frames, FrameMaker books with multiple chapters, or Illustrator files with text on paths — accurate word count extraction requires opening the file in the native application rather than relying on file-size estimates or automated parsers that may miss embedded text.
Fourth, we identify technical risks: font licensing issues, color space mismatches, text that will expand beyond available layout space, right-to-left language requirements that may need layout mirroring, and any elements that will need cultural adaptation beyond pure translation (such as images containing text, locale-specific icons, or measurement units).
The preflight report we deliver includes file inventory, word counts per file, identified risks, recommended workflow (one-step or two-step DTP), and an accurate cost and timeline estimate. This upfront investment in analysis prevents costly surprises during production and ensures that project managers can quote their clients with confidence.
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