CAT Tool (Computer-Aided Translation Tool)
A CAT tool (Computer-Aided Translation tool) is software that supports professional translators by segmenting texts and providing features such as translation memory, terminology management, quality assurance checks, and project management. Unlike machine translation, a CAT tool does not produce automatic translations but rather enhances the productivity and consistency of the human translator. Common CAT tools include SDL Trados, memoQ, and Across.
CAT tools are indispensable for IFU translation, as they ensure consistent terminology across all language versions while facilitating compliance with regulatory formatting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes a CAT tool from machine translation?+
A CAT tool supports the human translator with features such as translation memory, terminology management, and quality assurance, but does not replace them. Machine translation (MT), by contrast, automatically generates translation suggestions without human involvement. Modern CAT tools frequently integrate MT as an additional suggestion source, with the final translation decision always resting with the qualified specialist translator.