CAT Tools 101: A Beginner’s Guide
- Administrator
- Nov 16
- 2 min read
If you’re beginning a career in localization, learning to use a CAT tool (Computer-Assisted Translation tool) is one of the most practical skills you can build. These programs don’t translate for you — they help you work faster, stay consistent, and manage your projects more efficiently.
What a CAT Tool Does
A CAT tool breaks text into short segments and saves your translations in a Translation Memory (TM). Each project or client usually has its own TM, which stores approved translations for that specific content. When you come across a repeated or similar segment, the tool suggests how you translated it last time.
This helps you keep terminology consistent and speeds up your workflow, especially when dealing with updates or ongoing projects. CAT tools can also handle multiple file types, manage glossaries, and highlight possible errors before delivery.
Why They Matter
CAT tools are now standard in professional translation. Most agencies and direct clients expect translators to know at least one. They don’t just make your work faster — they make it more reliable. You’ll spend less time copying and pasting, and more time polishing meaning and tone.
Where to Start
If you’re new, start small. Learn the basics of one tool before trying others. Here are some good options to begin with:
Trados Studio – An industry leader, widely used by agencies and enterprise clients.
MemoQ – Known for its intuitive design and collaboration features.
Smartcat – Cloud-based and free to use, ideal for beginners.
Phrase (formerly Memsource) – A popular choice for software and web localization.
Most offer free trials or discounted student licenses. Translate a short text, explore how segments and TMs work, and get used to the interface before tackling full projects. Alternatively, You can also search YouTube for tutorials that look interesting.
Final Thoughts
CAT tools don’t take the craft out of translation. They give you structure, consistency, and time to focus on the parts that still need a human touch — the meaning, the voice, and the flow of the language itself.
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