InDesign Localization and Translation With AI Agents

An IDML (InDesign Markup Language) file is a format used by Adobe InDesign to create and share print and digital media layouts, such as brochures, eBooks, posters, and more.

IDML was built for structured, automated workflows and is an open, XML-based format designed so that third-party systems can programmatically create/modify InDesign documents.[1] It’s commonly used in the graphic design, marketing, and desktop publishing industries to localize content in different languages for target audiences.

Smartcat is an AI-powered content platform that helps enterprises scale globally and reduce costs through expert-enabled AI agents, multilingual content creation in 280+ languages, and efficient AI-human workflows.

These AI Agentscontinuously learn from human-in-the-loop workflows to understand your brand voice, ensure compliance, and maintain quality.

Smartcat’s combined AI-human workflows ensure faster translations while maintaining consistent quality and accuracy. Built-in QA tools like Translation Quality Score (TQS), translation memory, and glossary integrations enhance translation quality, learning from your preferences and use over time, freeing up reviewers to focus on the most critical edits.

Smartcat offers a comprehensive solution for translating InDesign files. It combines AI-driven translation with human expertise to deliver accurate, on-brand results. The Document Translation Agent translates editable documents—like InDesign, Word, or Google Docs—while preserving formatting, structure, and brand voice.

Smartcat AI Agents handle repetitive tasks and streamline everyday workflows, helping teams produce and launch content faster with less manual work and fewer tools.

Our all-in-one platform operates under an unlimited-seats pricing model, which means no additional cost per user. As a result, you can invite as many co-workers or human reviewers as you like and collaborate in real time inside your private Smartcat workspace for project management.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to break down language and geographic barriers, which is crucial for expanding global communication and trade, including document translation, making content accessible across different linguistic contexts.[2][3]

Documents power nearly every workflow, but translating them manually is time-consuming and error-prone. AI-powered translation tools, like Smartcat’sDocument Translation Agent, remove the copy-paste, formatting fixes, and back-and-forth so teams can move faster and scale without sacrificing quality.

Due to formatting and layout constraints, translating InDesign files can be complex. The traditional method is costly and slow, sending files to agencies, waiting for the translation, and then spending time reapplying layouts. But there’s a better way.

Smartcat’s Document Translation Agent streamlines the InDesign localization process. Simply upload your IDML file, use the AI agent for instant translation, review the translated content, and export your translated document—all while preserving your original layout.

Besides IDML and INDD files, Smartcat’s AI agents support 80+ file formats including DOCX, Excel, PPTX, PNG, XLSX, HTML, SRT, and PDF files, for your translated document.

Ensure high-quality, design-consistent translations when using translation tools like Smartcat’s AI agents, by following these tips:

• Implement version control: Organize with clear file names and backups.

• Apply paragraph and character styles to text: This helps ensure consistent font formatting and organized layers for easier translation.

• Avoid local formatting overrides: Lean on style-based formatting to keep copy consistent and cut rework.

• Leave flexible text frames: Account for text expansion or contraction.

• Use soft returns instead of hard returns: Forced line breaks (hard returns) can cause your text to split into multiple segments for reviewers. Using soft returns ensures content flows naturally and is parsed consistently.

Smartcat offers over 30 integrations, seamlessly connecting with popular software, from coding platforms like GitHub to popular workplace productivity and web publishing apps such as Google Workspace or WordPress.

If you don’t see your preferred workspace tools on the list, you can use Smartcat’s custom Application Programming Interface (API) access for specific development needs, ensuring smooth integration with your existing tech stack.