Machine Translation Post-Editing (MTPE) is the process of reviewing and improving machine-generated translations by professional linguists. While machine translation (MT) can produce translations quickly, human post-editing is often required to ensure accuracy, correct terminology, readability, consistency and appropriate use of language. MTPE is therefore particularly suitable for businesses that need to translate large volumes of content efficiently while maintaining professional translation quality.
LMI Translations is certified according to ISO 18587, the international standard covering full human post-editing of machine translation output and the competencies of professional post-editors. Our ISO-certified MTPE processes help ensure that machine-translated content is systematically reviewed and refined by qualified language professionals when full post-editing is required.
To ensure consistently high quality and data security, we exclusively use paid, secure machine translation engines rather than public, free machine translation services. These professional MT solutions offer advanced capabilities and can be better suited to specific industries, language combinations and types of content. We also select technologies with particular attention to data protection, confidentiality and information security, helping protect sensitive client information throughout the translation process.
The success of an MTPE project depends not only on machine translation technology and professional post-editing, but also on effective project management. At LMI Translations, our experienced project managers coordinate large-scale multilingual translation projects, manage complex files, help preserve layout and formatting, and work closely with linguists to ensure terminology and language remain consistent across multiple languages and deliverables.
Ideal for less critical content, Light Post-Editing focuses on correcting only the most significant errors in machine-translated text. This service is perfect for clients who need translations quickly and at a lower cost, where speed and volume are prioritized over perfect linguistic quality.
The post-editor will review the machine-generated translation and correct major errors such as incorrect word choices, grammar issues, and awkward phrasing. The goal here is to ensure that the meaning of the text is clear but without focusing on fine-tuning every sentence.
Light Post-Editing ensures that the text is understandable and coherent, even if it doesn’t read as naturally as a fully human-produced translation. The emphasis is on functionality—making sure the message is clear and understandable.
This service typically involves minimal rewriting of sentences, mostly focusing on correcting machine-generated mistakes that could lead to misunderstandings. It is not intended to refine every stylistic nuance.
Full Post-Editing involves a much more thorough revision of machine-generated translations. It is designed for content that requires high quality and accuracy, ensuring that the translation is as fluent, precise, and culturally appropriate as if it were translated by a human from scratch. This is ideal for content where errors could have significant consequences or where the final output needs to meet high professional standards.
Full Post-Editing goes beyond simple grammar and spelling checks. Post-editors focus on refining sentence structure, improving phrasing, and ensuring the text flows naturally. The aim is to make the translation sound fluent and natural while preserving the original meaning.
Full Post-Editors consider the cultural context of the target audience and ensure that the translation is not just linguistically accurate but also culturally appropriate. This includes adjusting idioms, regional differences in language, and ensuring that the tone of the content matches the original.
This service involves significant rewriting of sentences where needed. Post-editors may restructure entire passages to improve readability, enhance tone, and maintain the professionalism of the translation. The final output should sound like an original, human-produced translation.
For technical, legal, or marketing content, full post-editing ensures that specialized terminology is used consistently across the translation. This is particularly important for documents that require industry-specific language, such as legal contracts or scientific research papers.
