In the previous articles of this section I explained how to customise user interface with the apps for SDL Trados Studio 2014 and how to tweak your translation memories. Now let’s have a look at apps that can help you use termbases more efficiently.

Glossary Converter

This is definitely one of the most useful apps and its download count at SLD App Store proves that it’s also extremely popular. Glossary Converter converts Excel spread sheets into termbases by just dragging and dropping a file on the application icon. You can also open the app and drag and drop the files there. Similarly, it is possible to convert termbases back into a spread sheet with one simple click. The app supports multiple file formats (such as UTX, TBX, XLS, CSV or SDLTB) and based on the extension decides which conversion should be performed. 

The output file will have the same name as the original file with a different file extension. If your termbase contains multimedia fields, the app will export them when converting from a termbase to a glossary and place the files in a new folder. It is also possible to create a termbase from a glossary and import media files. Another great feature is that the app converts synonyms used in glossaries and termbases together with their assigned status (e.g. “verified” or “forbidden”). You can also define field types of your glossary to add more data to your termbase. 

Excelling MultiTerm

Excelling is a paid app with a 3 day trial version. Its main purpose is to export entries from MultiTerm to Excel to edit data offline and then import them back to SDL MultiTerm. It is also a great help for various maintenance tasks, such as sorting terms according to field values, changing the sequence of fields or terms, checking for duplicates or deleting specific termbase content. The app allows to create a backup copy before running the maintenance tasks.  

Publishing MultiTerm

This app converts termbases to PDF or XML to re-use the terminology lists in other systems or to publish them as a glossary. Before exporting your database you can apply numerous filters, such as status, type, notes or part of speech or skip entries/languages without terms. The downside of the app is the license cost, but you can use it first as a 30 day trial. 

In the next article of this series you’ll find a review of apps related to project packages.

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Dorota Pawlak

Dorota helps digital brands infuse their content with a local touch. She is a localization consultant, translator specialized in IT, prompt engineer, and a book author. Dorota teaches online courses on localization, writes for her blog and a Medium publication. She also runs a Small Biz AI, a Substack newsletter for freelancers and small business owners ready to discover handy AI tools.