CAD processing
Full-scale support for professional CAD packages — layout and formatting of standard and unformatted technical drawings, prepared for translated text.
In short: We prepare the text in AutoCAD, MicroStation and KOMPAS-3D drawings for translation and lay the target text back in without breaking the drawing. CAD work is billed at €17 per hour; drawings converted to Word or InDesign start at €8.00 per page. A quote usually comes back within 15 minutes; large batches of files take longer.
What we handle
Technical drawings carry a surprising amount of language: callouts, dimension notes, title blocks, legends, and revision tables. We prepare all of it for translation and lay the target text back in without breaking the drawing.
Software
We work in AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, and KOMPAS-3D, covering both current and legacy versions so we can open and process the file your end client actually sent.
Unformatted drawings
Not every drawing arrives clean. Unstructured or unformatted files get cleaned up, organized, and made workable before layout — the kind of preparation that keeps a localization project from stalling on the first technical file.
Formats and delivery
In and out: DWG, DXF, and related CAD formats, or PDF where the workflow calls for it. Delivered by email or into your system, ready for the next step.
What’s included and what it costs
CAD work is billed by the hour, because drawings differ widely in size and density. Drawings converted to Word or InDesign are priced per page.
| Work | Price |
|---|---|
| Drawing preparation and layout in AutoCAD, MicroStation or KOMPAS-3D | €17.00 / hour |
| Drawings converted to Word or InDesign | from €8.00 / page |
The per-page price for converted drawings depends on the sheet size, and drawings are often around one square metre. We recommend InDesign (IDML) over Word: Word limits the sheet size and drawings lose quality.
Included in the price
- Callouts, dimension notes, title blocks, legends and revision tables prepared for translation
- Target text placed back into the drawing without breaking it
- Clean-up of unformatted and legacy drawings
- Delivery in DWG, DXF or PDF, as your workflow needs
Priced separately: urgent jobs, +50% of the project cost. See all rates.
CAD questions
Which CAD formats do you work with?
DWG, DXF, and related formats via AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation, and KOMPAS-3D, including current and legacy versions.
Can you prepare drawings for translation?
Yes. We isolate callouts, dimension text, title blocks, and legends so they can be translated, then place the target text back into the drawing.
Do you handle unformatted or legacy drawings?
Yes. Unstructured and legacy files are cleaned and organized before layout, which is often the hardest part of a technical localization project.
How much does CAD drawing processing cost?
CAD work is billed at €17 per hour, and the quote gives you the estimated cost before we start. Drawings converted to Word or InDesign start at €8.00 per page, depending on the sheet size.
Can you convert drawings to Word or InDesign?
Yes, from €8.00 per page. We recommend an InDesign (IDML) layout: Word limits the sheet size and drawings lose quality, while in IDML they can be translated without loss.
How long does CAD work take?
CAD programs are complex, and a set of drawings usually takes more than one working day. You get the delivery date with the quote.
Technical drawings heading into localization?
Send the CAD files with your target languages and deadline. Quote usually within 15 minutes; large batches of files take longer.