How to convert translation memories in Trados 2007 format to TMX format without having Trados 2007

Old Trados 2007 text translation memories can be transformed into the generally accessible TMX format even without Trados 2007

Back in the day, Trados 2007 was the leader in the market of CAT-tools. It consisted of a whole set of powerful programs: TagEditor was used for working with texts, Translator’s Workbench—for working with translation memories, MultiTerm—with terminology, there was a separate module in the form of a Word template and several additional programs. As times go by, Trados 2007 is antique though it is still being used here and there.

In 2009, SDL company launched the first version of a “cat” of the new level—Trados Studio 2009 which broke the neck of Trados 2007

It is remarkable that Trados 2007 still remains a proprietary program. SDL neither releases it nor shifts it to the category of open software—probably, that is because it is perfectly functional and able to compete with the major SDL product—Trados Studio.

However, many translators of classic vintage still keep some translation memories in Trados 2007 text format, and sometimes there arises a need to convert them to TMX (translation memory exchange) format for importing into any other “cat” or CAT-system. But how to do it if you got rid of Trados 2007 long ago?

Very easy:

  • Start Xbench. Every technical translator is familiar with this tool. What is more, its free version is perfectly enough for the convertation (you can download the installer from here).
  • Create a new project in Xbench and upload the Trados 2007 text translation memory:

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  • Choose Tools > Export Items (or just press CTRL + R):

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An Export Items window appears:

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  • Here fill out all the necessary fields—specify TMX format, languages of the source and target texts, the name and path to the TMX file—and press ОК.

You get a TMX file containing all segments of the old Trados 2007 text translation memory. As long as TMX is a generally accepted international format, this file can be imported into any “cat”.

There are two notes:

  1. To perform this kind of transformation, the old translation memory is to be a text one—i.e. of TXT format. Unfortunately, Xbench appears back-strapped when facing a 5-file memory.
  2. If you need to apply an old translation memory in Trados Studio, all these operations won’t be necessary. An heir of Trados 2007Trados Studio supports this format directly. To do this, enter Trados Studio project settings: Project Settings > on the left panel Language Pairs > All Language Pairs > then in the right part of the dialog box press the Add key > File-based Translation Memory...:

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A window appears in the bottom right corner; choose the type of Legacy Trados Translation Memory (*.tmw):

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State the path to the Trados 2007 5-file translation memory TMW file. Then press Quick Upgrade, wait for all segments to transform, agree to delete temporary files and press OK.

As a result, the old Trados 2007 5-file translation memory is transformed into Trados Studio format. Another file with SDLTM extension will appear in the same folder where files of the translation memory have been stored—this is the very old TM in the new format.

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