Post-editing
The term "post-editing" refers to the process of having human translators revise or rewrite machine-translated texts. It starts with generating a machine translation, often produced using artificial intelligence and neural networks, to speed up the translation process.
Our approach
For intermediate-complexity content: pre-processing by approved professional tools, followed by a thorough, complete human revision. Assessed case by case.
Case-by-case assessment
Reserved for content with low linguistic risk. Never for institutional, strategic or high-visibility documents.
Secure pre-processing
Approved professional tools in a controlled, secure environment. Production of a confidential working version.
Full human revision
Meaning validation, terminology consistency, stylistic quality, institutional tone and client preferences respected.
Final quality control
Consistency check, formatting, final QC. Delivery only once the document is fully finalized.
When post-editing is a good fit
Post-editing is suitable for…
- Operational, low-risk content
- High volume, tight deadlines
- Internal or technical documentation
- Efficient work that still gets a human review
- Tight budget
For critical or high-visibility documents, choose fully human translation instead instead.
Content suited to post-editing
Post-editing suits intermediate-complexity content, where pre-processing by approved tools is followed by a complete human revision.
- Internal documentation
- Knowledge bases
- Catalogues and product sheets
- Repetitive content
- Frequent updates
- Online help
- Reference documents
- Operational communications
- Non-public documents
- Support content
- Basic technical documentation
- Internal exchanges
Case studies
Most of our clients have been with us for years: we’ve become a true extension of their team. Here is what that looks like in practice.
High-volume documentation
A company needs to translate a vast document base on a controlled budget.
Pre-processing by approved tools, followed by a complete human revision.
Large volume handled faster, without giving up human oversight.
Frequent updates
Content changes constantly and translations have to keep pace.
Agile post-editing of new versions, with terminology preserved from one round to the next.
Content that stays current, at a controlled cost.
Volumes that grow with you
Your operational content doubles—your translation budget doesn’t.
Large-scale post-editing: pre-processing by approved tools, full human revision, with the same language professionals batch after batch.
Millions of words delivered per year, at a controlled cost, without sacrificing quality.
Frequently asked questions
What is post-editing?
Pre-processing by approved professional tools, followed by a complete human revision by a certified language professional.
How is it different from fully human translation?
Post-editing suits operational, lower-risk content, for greater efficiency. For critical documents, we recommend fully human translation.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Pre-processing takes place in a controlled environment, with approved tools and a confidential working version.
Is there human oversight?
Always. Even with post-editing, a language professional revises, validates and stands behind the final product. The whole process is documented and traceable end to end.
Is post-editing cheaper?
Often, yes, for intermediate-complexity content. It offers a good balance between cost, deadline and quality, without having to sacrifice the need for human revision.
When should post-editing be avoided?
For texts with high legal, financial, health or reputational stakes, or high public visibility, where fully human translation is preferable.