Format Retention
Format Retention from a translation team that treats the source document as the spec: every paragraph, table and page element rebuilt in the target language before delivery. Firm quotes come from the actual file, so there are no surprises on price or deadline.
The file is the starting point
Every format retention job begins by reading the actual source, not a category label. A translator who knows the subject handles the file, terminology is kept consistent, and the layout is rebuilt so the delivered document reads as if it were written in the target language.
The same standard applies whether the request is a one-page personal document or a large project routed through a document translation service. Steps are fixed: review the source, confirm scope, translate, check, deliver.
- Native-speaking, subject-matter translators
- Confidential, secure file handling
- Review pass before delivery
- Clear quote and delivery date up front
What we translate, end to end
Clients send format retention work across cross-border deals, regulatory filings, applications, litigation and everyday documents. Rush delivery is available when the deadline is fixed.
Native documents
Digital files translated directly with formatting preserved.
Scanned & image pages
Scanned and image-only pages are recovered through OCR before translation, so nothing is skipped and every figure is preserved.
Tables & forms
Columns, fields and page structure kept aligned in the target language.
Mixed scripts
Right-to-left and CJK scripts are reflowed correctly in the layout, so tables and numbering stay aligned.
A straight answer before you upload
The honest boundary matters more than a blanket yes. A clean ocr-scanning quotes lower and returns faster than one with complex layout, embedded charts or strict branding. We tell you the difference before you commit.upload the actual file and the answer is concrete.
Real scenarios, real files
Most format retention work falls into a few recognisable situations. Find the one that sounds like yours.
Legal
Scanned contracts and court records recovered to text.
Format Retention
Immigration
Old certificates and letters scanned, read and translated.
Format RetentionMedical
Handwritten and archived records digitised safely.
Format Retention
Academic
Historical and archived documents made searchable.
Format RetentionThe practical step is always the same: upload one file through the free-quote form — the reply names the price and the delivery date, and the free trial makes the first evaluation cost nothing.
Quotes, quality and confidentiality
The price is set from the actual file, not a guess — language pair, complexity and turnaround are the inputs behind any quote request. If a deadline is tight, rush and same-day delivery are available, and the delivery date is stated before work starts.
Quality is checked by a reviewer before delivery, files move over encrypted channels, and certified or notarized output is available wherever the receiving office requires it.
“(varying success - usually 70% and then I have to play around with the word doc to see how badly it will affect timing), or (3) trying the DeepL PDF > editable translated word doc feature (generally the same success level as (2)) - trying t…”
— From a translator, on why the source file shapes the result
Request a Free Quote
Upload your file — we reply with a firm price and delivery estimate, based on the actual document.