# 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](https://help.supervertaler.com/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)](/help/translation-memory/trados-sdltm.md). :::

### 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

***

### 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. :::

***

### 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.

***

### See Also

* [CAT Tool Overview](/help/cat-tool-integration/overview.md)
* [Import/Export Formats](/help/import-and-export/formats.md)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://supervertaler.gitbook.io/help/cat-tool-integration/trados.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.