Trados Studio Workflow

:::note Using Supervertaler for Trados (plugin)? For documentation on the Trados Studio plugin (TermLens, AI Assistant, Batch Translate), see Supervertaler for Trados. This page covers the SDLPPX round-trip workflow using Supervertaler as a standalone application. :::

This guide covers working with Trados Studio packages in Supervertaler.

:::tip Just want to consult a Trados TM? If you don't need to round-trip a project – you only want to query a Trados .sdltm file from Supervertaler while it stays in use in Trados – you don't need an SDLPPX package at all. See Attaching a Trados TM (.sdltm). :::

Recommended: SDLPPX Packages

The best way to work with Trados Studio is using project packages (SDLPPX files).

Export from Trados

1. In Trados Studio, open your project

2. Go to Project → Package → Create Project Package

3. Configure package options (include all files)

4. Save as .sdlppx file

Import to Supervertaler

1. Go to File → Import → Trados Package (SDLPPX)...

2. Select your .sdlppx file

3. Supervertaler extracts and loads all segments

:::tip Tip: Package paths are saved in your .svproj file, so you can re-export to the same package later. :::

Translate in Supervertaler

1. Navigate through segments

2. Use AI translation (Ctrl+T) or translate manually

3. Confirm each segment (Ctrl+Enter)

4. Tags appear as <1>, </1> - keep them in your translation

Trados Tag Format

Trados uses numbered XML-style tags:

Tag	Purpose
<1>	Opening tag
</1>	Closing tag
<2/>	Standalone/empty tag

These are highlighted in the grid for visibility.

Export as Return Package

1. Go to File → Export → Trados Return Package (SDLRPX)...

2. The return package is created with your translations

3. Segment status is updated to "Translated"

:::note The SDLRPX is created from your original SDLPPX with translations inserted. :::

Import Back to Trados

1. In Trados Studio, go to File → Open Package

2. Select the .sdlrpx file from Supervertaler

3. Trados imports the return package

4. Your translations appear in the target segments

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Alternative: Bilingual Review DOCX

⚠️ Use SDLPPX instead if possible. The Bilingual Review format has limitations.

The Problem

Trados Bilingual Review DOCX is designed for review only, not translation:

• Empty target segments are not exported

• You cannot translate from scratch using this format

Workaround (if you must use it)

1. In Trados: Copy all source to target first

   • Edit → Task → Copy source to target (batch task)

2. Export: File → Export → For Bilingual Review

3. In Word: Delete all target text (cells remain, but empty)

4. Import to Supervertaler: File → Import → Trados Bilingual DOCX

5. Translate and export

6. Re-import to Trados: Merge into project

:::caution This workaround is tedious. Use SDLPPX packages whenever your client provides them. :::

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Complete SDLPPX Workflow

Trados: Create Project Package (.sdlppx)
         ↓
Supervertaler: Import Trados Package
         ↓
Supervertaler: Translate (AI + manual)
         ↓
Supervertaler: Export Return Package (.sdlrpx)
         ↓
Trados: Open Return Package
         ↓
Trados: QA + Delivery

Troubleshooting

"Cannot find SDLXLIFF files"

The SDLPPX might be corrupted or use an unsupported format.

• Try re-exporting from Trados Studio

• Ensure all files are included in the package

Status shows "Draft" instead of "Translated"

Fixed in v1.9.32. Update to the latest version.

Tags not matching

Ensure you keep all <1>, </1> tags in exactly the same positions.

Source files not found on re-export

If you moved your project, use File → Relocate Source Folder to point to the new location of the SDLPPX.

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See Also

• CAT Tool Overview

• Import/Export Formats