7 CAT Tools That Will Make a Translator’s Life Easier

A ProZ.com report found that 35% of translators struggle most with client pressure to deliver work quickly (see infographics below).

That’s no surprise — companies rely on translations and localization to expand into global markets.

CAT tools can take the pressure off by speeding up the translation process and making life easier for translators.

CAT tools are special applications designed to automate the translation process. These services operate similarly to text editors, but they have a few important differences. CAT tools provide access to dictionaries, glossaries, and remember the translator’s choices, automatically suggesting previously made translations in similar files.

Furthermore, CAT tools help reduce grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors.

What are CAT tools for translators and how do they work?

CAT stands for Computer-Aided (or Assisted) Translation. It’s not the same as machine translation. These tools remember past translations or segments and reuse them in new documents. That means less repetitive work for the translator.

CAT tools are useful for:

• translating documents;
• localizing software;
• managing terminology;
• creating and organizing translation projects;
• checking translation quality.

They also work for creative texts — including jokes, idioms, and stylistic choices.

Automated translation enhances the management of large volumes of information and facilitates the creation of a specialized database with terminology specific to a particular field of activity.

What are the main advantages of CAT tools in a translator’s work?

Modern CAT tools let you build your own translation memory. This is especially helpful when the same phrases or sentences appear many times. The CAT tool will suggest previous translations, so you don’t need to repeat your work.

Key features include:

• building custom glossaries by subject (finance, law, marketing, medicine);
• keeping the formatting of the original document — helpful with complex lists;
• creating personal glossaries with terms, acronyms, and special expressions from your field.

How to Choose the Right CAT Tool

The best CAT tools give you control. Not sure where to start? Here’s a simple guide:

Know your needs. What kind of texts will you translate —  literary, marketing, technical? How much do you translate monthly? Will the free version be enough? (Smartcat offers unlimited words in its free version, but private glossaries require a paid plan.)

Decide what features matter most:

• Translation memory.
• Terminology management.
• Integration with machine translation.
• Support for multiple file types.
• Cloud sync and collaboration.

Try before you commit. Most tools offer demo versions — test the interface to see if it fits your workflow.

Read reviews. Check feedback from professionals who’ve used the tool.

7 Best CAT Tools for Business

Since the initial concept of automated translation in 1933, numerous useful tools have emerged. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Trados Studio

A professional tool with many advanced settings. Great for working with Word, PowerPoint, and HTML files. Ideal for large projects and often used by LSPs.

SmartCAT

A user-friendly, modern tool. Best for smaller projects. Popular among freelancers and teams with occasional translation needs.

MemoQ

Great for software localization. Handles documents of any size and format. Favored by developers and localization experts.

Wordfast

This CAT tool offers TM features for MS Word. It offers an easy interface, customization options and external dictionary support. Good for freelancers, LSPs, and corporations.

OmegaT

Free and intuitive. Good for freelancers and localization studios. Compatible with over 30 file formats, this tool features spellcheck and integration with Google Translate.

DéjàVu

Simple interface and supports 32 common file types. Great for working with glossaries. Good for freelancers and LSPs.

Transit NXT Professional

Designed for localizing products, websites and apps.  Keeps full context, not just phrases. Ideal for marketing texts where stylistic choices are a priority. It is a convenient and user-friendly service offering various packages, making it useful for both individual freelancers and large companies.

CAT tools are helpful for everyone — from beginners to seasoned pros. They may seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of them, you won’t want to go back.

Need help learning? Consider taking a CAT tool course or exploring free tutorials on YouTube and translation forums.

CAT tools = The Future of Translation. They cut down on time and effort — all while keeping the translator in control.