Articulate Storyline translation and localization: client checklist

Articulate Storyline translation and localization: client checklist

When a new client needs Articulate Storyline translation and localization, we ask these questions to guide the translation process. We also make suggestions for controlling integration costs. Advance preparation can streamline the process and ensure a great outcome.

Estimating cost and turnaround time for e-learning translation:

  • Which version of Storyline did you use to build the module?
  • Did you leave white space in the slide design to accommodate text expansion?
  • Do you need to supply licenses for the fonts you are using? Alternatively, can you provide the source version of your module using only the native Articulate fonts?
  • Unnecessary audio-syncs can significantly increase integration costs. Are all audio syncs necessary for the course or can they be reduced in number?
  • For voice-overs, do you have a clean script with the narration text?
  • If you have embedded video in the module, do you want to localize the images and on-screen text as well as the audio?
  • Is the content highly technical? If so, will you require a termbase or multilingual glossary?
  • Has your content been subject to cultural review for your target locales to extract or adapt jargon, geographical references, idioms, or jokes? Have you used simplified English whenever possible?

Launching an e-learning translation project:

  • If the module includes graphics that require localization, please provide the native design files (for example, InDesign, AI, Photoshop).
  • Does the Storyline file contain all necessary animation-audio syncs defined as cue points in the timeline?
  • Are all layers and objects labeled with their purpose/role in the module? Please avoid, for example, instances of things like “untitled layer-1.”
  • Does the module make references to product names, laws, internal committees/groups or other internal abbreviations. or acronyms? Should we leave these in the source language or should we translate them?
  • For voice-over recordings, are there established pronunciations for your company’s name in the target countries? If not, would you like the voice-over to pronounce your company name in a manner consistent with the target language, or as it sounds in English?
  • Does the module refer to separate documents (procedures, codes, guidelines or internal standards, etc.)? Do these reference documents also require translation? If so, please provide them to ensure consistency of terminology (whether they are already translated or need to be translated by us).
  • Do you plan to have your localized modules reviewed by in-country staff? Be sure to follow best practices for in-country review.

We take a consultative approach to Articulate Storyline translation and localization to ensure that your translated e-learning modules are as effective as the source module.