The "Upload Files" option in TextUnited is a versatile tool that allows you to import documents, images, or any other type of file from your local storage or network for translation. This feature is particularly useful when you have pre-existing content that requires translation, giving you the flexibility to handle your translation projects efficiently.

Why Use This Option?

Choosing the "Upload Files" option can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Direct Access: If you have documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or other files ready for translation, uploading them directly saves time and effort.
• Custom Projects: For projects where the source material is already prepared, this option allows you to get started quickly without needing to reformat or re-enter your content.
• Versatility: Whether you're dealing with text documents, multimedia files, or even entire folders of content, the "Upload Files" option accommodates a wide range of formats and sizes.

How to Use the "Upload Files" Option

To start translating your files, follow these steps:

Step 1: Initiate the Upload Process

1. Click to Begin: Start by clicking the "Upload files" button on the dashboard. This action opens a modal window designed for easy file management.

2. Provide Project Name: At the top of the interface, you'll find an input field where you can enter a name for your project. This name will help you identify the project later on.

ℹ️

Note

The interface outlines four sequential steps that you must follow. Completing one step before moving to the next ensures a structured approach to setting up your project.

Step 1A: Select Files or Folders

1. Click the "UPLOAD FILES" button:

2. Choose Type: Inside the modal, you're presented with two main choices: "Files" and "Folders.":
   • Select "Files" if you're uploading individual documents or media files.
   • Opt for "Folders" if you need to upload an entire directory of content at once.

3. Upload Method: Click the central button to upload or drag and drop your files or folders into the designated area. This method offers convenience and ease of use, allowing you to upload multiple items simultaneously.

3. Confirmation and Continuation: Upon successful upload, a confirmation message appears, marked with a checkmark icon. This indicates that your files or folders have been uploaded successfully. Click "Continue" to proceed to the next phase of the process.

Step 1B: Configure File Processing

1. View Uploaded File: After uploading, you'll see essential details about your file(s), including the file name and the total word count (volume).

2. Select Appropriate Filter: The "Filters" section is crucial for ensuring TextUnited processes your content accurately. Depending on the file type, select the appropriate filter. This step is vital for maintaining the integrity and formatting of your original content during translation. Click "OPTIONS" to see the filters available:

ℹ️

What are Filters?

Filters help categorize and process your content based on its format or characteristics. They play a crucial role in ensuring that your content is handled apropriately during the translation process. For instance, if you're uploading a document formatted in HTML, selecting the HTML filter ensures that TextUnited recognizes the structure of your content, preserving links, headings, and other elements that are unique to HTML documents.

Similarly, if your file contains code snippets or technical terms, choosing the appropriate filter (such as Code or Technical Terms) can help maintain the accuracy and specificity of the translation. By carefully selecting filters, you ensure that your content is translated with precision, taking into account its specific format and context.

• Once you click the "OPTIONS" button, a modal will open where you can select the filter(s) you'd like to apply to the content of your uploaded file. Then, click the "SELECT NEXT FILTER" button:

• When you click the "SELECT NEXT FILTER" button, you will see a long list of filters available:

The table below shows a description and use cases of each of these filters. Understanding these will help you determine which filter to apply to your file:

3. Text Splitting Options: TextUnited gives you the option to split your text into sentences or paragraphs for better readability and organization. Make your selection based on your preference or the requirements of your project.

4. Save as Template: If you anticipate using similar settings for future projects, consider saving these preferences as a template. Click "SAVE AS TEMPLATE" to apply these settings automatically to future uploads.

5. Finalize Settings: Click "Apply" to apply your chosen settings to your project. This action finalizes your preparation for the translation process.

Step 1C: Review and Adjust

1. Preview Content: Before moving forward, you have the opportunity to preview how your content will be processed. Click "PREVIEW" to see a sample of how your text will be split (into sentences or paragraphs). This step helps ensure that the processing aligns with your expectations.

If your text is split into sentences, once you click the "PREVIEW" button, you'll see something like this:

2. Remove Unwanted Files: If you decide that you no longer need a particular file after uploading, you can remove it from your project. Click "REMOVE" to initiate the deletion process.

• A confirmation dialog box will appear, asking if you're sure you want to delete the file. Choose "YES" to confirm or "NO" to cancel the operation.

3. Proceed to Next Step: After reviewing your selections or making adjustments, click "Continue" to advance to the next step in the process.

Step 2: Choose Languages

After configuring the file processing settings, the next step is to select the languages for translation. This decision is pivotal as it determines the direction of your translation project.

Step 2A: Source Language Selection

• Automatic Detection: TextUnited automatically detects the source language of your file, aiming for accuracy with most common languages.
• Manual Correction: If the detected language is incorrect or if your file contains multiple languages, you can manually adjust the source language from the dropdown menu.

Step 2B: Target Languages Selection

• Select Target Languages: Choose the languages you wish your content to be translated into. You can select anywhere from 1 to 20 languages for your project.
• Language Tone Preference for French and German: If French or German is among your target languages, you'll have the option to choose between "No preference", "Formal", or "Informal" tones for your translation. This option allows you to tailor the tone of your translation to match your project's requirements.

Step 2C: Proceed to Next Step

• Confirm Language Choices: After selecting your source and target languages, and making any necessary adjustments for French or German, click the "CONTINUE" button. Your language choices will be confirmed, and you'll proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Choose How to Translate

Deciding how your translation project will be handled is the focus of the third step. TextUnited offers both self-service and managed service options, catering to different needs and workflows.

Step 3A: Self-Service Option

• Benefits:
  • Automatic translation and post-editing by AI.
  • Option to use your team for post-editing.
  • Capability to use your team for translation and revision.

• Selection: Click the "SELECT SERVICE" button to explore the self-service options, which include automatic translation, post-editing of automatic translation, human translation, and human translation with revision.

Step 3B: Managed Service Option

• Benefits:
  • Post-editing of automatic translation by a professional translator for consistency and accuracy.
  • Fully human translation supported by translation memory for quality and consistency.
  • Fully human translation with a revision by a second translator for enhanced quality and compliance with ISO 17100 requirements.

• Selection: Choose the managed service option if you prefer having TextUnited handle the translation process, including finding the right translators and managing the project.

Step 3C: Finalize Your Choice

• Decision Time: Decide whether you want to manage the translation process yourself (self-service) or have TextUnited handle it (managed service). Click the "CONTINUE" button to finalize your choice and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Add Details

Before finalizing your project setup, take a moment to add any additional details that might be relevant to your project.

Step 4A: Total Words and Remaining Words

• Project Scope: View the total number of words in your project and the number of words remaining within your subscription limit. This information helps you stay informed about your translation capacity.

Step 4B: Additional Details

• Project Note: Add a note to your project if there are specific instructions or requirements you'd like to highlight.
• Deadline Setting: Set a deadline for your project completion to keep track of your timeline.
• Reference Number: Input a reference number for your project if applicable, helping you easily identify and manage your projects.

Step 4C: Create or Go Back

• Final Action: Once you've entered all necessary details, click the "CREATE A PROJECT" button to officially start your translation project. If you're not satisfied with your selections, click "GO BACK" to revisit and adjust any settings.

Step 4D: Start the Project

Upon clicking the "CREATE A PROJECT" button, a modal will open, providing you with instructions on how to commence your project. Here, you have two primary options to choose from: "DEFAULT" and "MANUAL".

Starting with Default Settings

• Click DEFAULT: Choosing this option starts your project with the default settings. Translators assigned to your project will receive their tasks and can begin translating immediately. This option is ideal for straightforward projects where minimal customization is required.

Customizing with Manual Settings

• Click MANUAL: If your project necessitates customization beyond the default settings, select this option. You'll have the ability to:
  • Add or Change Translators: Customize the list of translators or their rates according to your project's needs.
  • Utilize Advanced Features: Access advanced features for file allocation, allowing for more precise control over how files are distributed among translators.
  • Modify Linked Translation Memories: Adjust linked translation memories for the project, enhancing consistency and quality across your translations.

Additional Resources

• "More Info Here" Button: For further guidance on project preparation and accessing advanced settings, click the "More info here" button. This will redirect you to the TextUnited Help Center article on Project Preparation, providing comprehensive information on:
  • Accessing Advanced Settings for Ongoing Projects
  • Project In-Preparation Features Available After Accessing Advanced Settings
  • Managing Source Files
  • Work Allocation Strategies
  • How to Allocate Files Efficiently

Preventing Future Prompts

• "Don't Ask Me Again" Checkbox: If you prefer not to be prompted with these options again in the future, check the box labeled "Don't ask me again". This will prevent the modal from appearing in subsequent projects.

Final Actions

• Choose Your Path: Ultimately, click either the "MANUAL" or "DEFAULT" button to proceed with your chosen method of starting the project. Each button represents a distinct approach to managing your translation project, allowing you to tailor the process to fit your specific requirements.

After completing all the steps, you will see the following:

Once your translation project is created, you can find it in your dashboard as follows: