What is a File Format Definition (FFD)

A File Format Definition (FFD) is a set of rules for translating a file. A .FFD file is used by translation editing software to enable it to read different file formats for translation. They’re used to help effectively read any custom file format.

An FFD is a file containing a set of rules to translate a file. It helps translators read file whilst protecting original file format.

What is a File Format Definition file (FFD)?

What FFDs Do

It defines:

  • what text is to be, and not to be translated
  • what character set is to be used
  • which markup tags are allowed to be moved and modified during the translation process

How we create FFDs

It takes us about three days to develop a customized File Format Definition (FFD). The exact time frame will depend on the complexity of the file and, if we have processed a similar file previously. The FFD file is then implemented into our translation editor; therefore, human translators can only see and edit the correct parts of your file. This is a great benefit to you as it means we can translate virtually any file format you send us and we can protect your file formats, too.

After a File Format Definition (FFD) has been completed, we may complete a pseudo translation step to verify that the requirements of the File Format Definition (FFD) are correct.

This will ensure that once a live human translation commences, the translated file will meet your needs.