5 Productive SDL Plugins To Improve Your Performance
While working with different CAT tools, we still need some add-ons to extend the performance of our software. No matter how convenient your tool is, you still need additional functionalities to adapt your work for better performance.
Any program performance may be enhanced by plugins which are small supported applications. SDL offers about 300 free plugins from the online SDL APPStore. These small programs are designed to make SDL Trados usage more extensive and convenient. Here 5 SDL plugins that impact your Trados productivity
1. Glossary Converter
Glossary Converter allows to convert between MultiTerm base files to other formats such as xls, xlsx, csv, txt etc:
Once installed, you may open the Converter from the desktop shortcut. It is opened as a stand-alone app outside of SDL Trados Studio.
You may use the add-on with minimal user interaction. The method is very simple, you drag and drop the file from MultiTerm Base folder into the Converter.
In most cases, The Glossary Converter works with any problem and it handles the main fields. For .tbx file format anyway, if the label fields are too long, not any field from the defined table is preserved. Glossary Converter supports the following file formats: sdltb, xls, xlsx, csv, txt, tbx, utx, glo, tmx.
Remember: this small add-on is not a replacement for MultiTerm Convert or other commercial converters.
2. Rapid Add Term
RAT is one of the interesting SDL plugins. The plugin name hints itself the activity of this add-on.
In case of large term base, this add-on is very helpful as you need simply to click on the selected terms and add them to your term base. SDL has another similar feature “Quick ADD Term” which is less performant when you want to work faster. Anyway, if you need to add duplicates, you may not use the RAT. Only “Quick ADD Term” function allows inserting the terms twice.
3. MXLIFF File Type
The plugin allows adding Memsource file type to Trados Studio.
What is the purpose of the plugin? There are several translators working with Memsource or MemoQ CATs. The file type of the last ones differs from Trados, hence by using the plugin, you add the Memsource file type to your Trados. Once the plugin installed, you may find it under: File->Options->File Types-> Memsource MXLIFF
4. SDL Number Verifier
While the standard number verification in SDL Trados Studio may often be sufficient, there are some occasions when a bit more control would be preferable. For instance, when translating documents that contain lots of numbers, the plugin is of usage, especially when the numbers are non-standard.
This plugin allows playing with your settings to control better your errors. Once the plugin is installed, you need to lunch your SDL Trados Studio and you will find the settings under Options menu.
5. Qualitivity
Qualitivity is a plugin for SDL Trados Studio that fully integrates through the API. The plugin is a wonderful way to manage the data related to productivity & quality. It allows tracking the time spent on translating, reviewing or post-editing the segments from the documents. Moreover, working on a very subtle level, the functionality allows tracking every single change.
Based on the changes, it may generate reports structured in a detailed and readable format.
The add-on supports the Quality Metric standards and allows for infinite customization to suit any rules you like.
The qualitivity works in the background with no interaction with the linguist and gathers the info of the activity; hence this add-on is a wonderful cross-road between the quality and quantity.
