The full list of CAT tools on the market. From translators to translators: the ultimate updated list

What is a CAT tool?

The “CAT” in CAT tool stands for “Computer Aided Translation” or “Computer Assisted Translation” but, as you might already know, it doesn’t mean that a computer is actually completing the translation for you. CAT tools are different than “machine translation”  – they assist a human translator in doing their work more quickly and in managing their translation projects. CAT tools typically contain a translation memory, which stores previous source and target translations for easy reference while working. Term bases are also an integral part of translation tools, giving translators the ability to develop their own bilingual glossaries in their subject areas.

CAT tools can include a wide range of different features. Some can work with different types of documents, such as Powerpoint presentations, without needing to convert the text to a different file format. Some provide access to online terminology databases or help the translator to better manage translation memories. Some are software-based and some operate entirely in the cloud.

There is an incredible variety of CAT tools available on the market. As a translator, you could go crazy trying to find the perfect CAT tool, but really there is no single perfect CAT tool. Your choice will depend on a number of factors. What CAT tools do the agencies you work with want you to use? What is your budget? How technically minded are you? Which features will you really use?

We’ve created a comprehensive list of the many CAT tools available on the market right now, including a run-down of their features. If you’re thinking to yourself “How will I ever find my perfect CAT tool,”  just read on:

The big players

These are a few of the most popular and well-known CAT tools. Many agencies will expect you to have a working knowledge of and/or license for at least one of these:

SDL Trados Studio

Trados might be the biggest of all the big players in the CAT tool market. It is a complete translation software solution for translating, managing terminology, editing, and running LQA. Various versions are available for freelance translators with yearly or perpetual licenses.

memoQ

memoQ is another major CAT tool, although not as well-known as Trados. It offers many or most of the same features, and has some useful extras such as the translation preview pane that allows you to see the segment you are translating in-context. memoQ can accept Trados and other packages, meaning that translators can usually work together with agencies who use other translation software. memoQ has a free version that is suitable for personal use or small projects, and the pro version is available with a perpetual license.

Wordfast (Classic & Pro)

Wordfast Classic is a macro that runs within Microsoft Word, temporarily turning any document into a bilingual document. Wordfast can work with any format that Microsoft Word can handle, including plain text files, Word documents (DOC/DOCX), PowerPoint (PPT/PPTX), Microsoft Excel(XLS/XLSX), Rich Text Format (RTF), tagged RTF and HTML.

Wordfast Pro is a more complete solution that includes terminology management and translation memory management. It also includes more project management features and supports additional file formats such as  Java, InDesign (INX/IDML), InCopy (INC), FrameMaker (MIF), Quark (TAG), Xliff (XLF/XLIFF), SDL Trados (SDLXLIFF/TTX) and editable PDF.

Both versions of Wordfast are available with a perpetual license, and even offer a discount to users in developing economies.

Déjà Vu

Déjà Vu is another popular CAT tool that offers a full host of terminology management and translation memory features. It prides itself on an especially customizable and user-friendly interface and can handle a wide variety of file formats, including Trados and memoQ. It is available with a perpetual license.
 

Across

Across is another fully-featured CAT tool that ticks all the boxes. It offers a complete translation environment including translation memory, terminology management, quality assurance and project management. The basic edition is available only for online use at no cost, while the premium version can be used stand-alone and charges a monthly fee. Across also features an online job portal called crossMarket.

Free CAT tools

CafeTran Espresso

CafeTran Espresso is a unique translation tool that can be used on Windows, Mac, or Linux. It handles most major file formats and is compatible with other major translation programs. It is available for free until translation memories or glossaries reach a maximum size.

OmegaT

OmegaT might be the most popular free CAT tool out there. It is an open-source program that offers a full range of features and runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. It is also compatible with Trados files.

Similis

Similis is a less-known CAT tool that provides users with a translation memory and supports HTML,XML, PDF,MS Word, OpenOffice, and Trados files.

Wordfast Anywhere

Wordfast Anywhere is another fully-featured, yet free, CAT tool. It must be used online, but allows users to create private TMs, TBs, etc. It also offers connection to public translation databases.

MateCat

MateCat is a free online CAT tool that offers users a variety of features. It is particularly focused on giving users access to machine translation databases to improve their working speed. It also serves as an outsourcing platform for LSPs.

SmartCAT

SmartCAT is a CAT tool that also provides a platform for translators and clients to find each other. It even provides ratings systems and handles the payments. It charges a commission on top of the rates set by the freelancers.

Virtaal

Virtaal is a simple, free translation tool tool written in the Python programming language. It is developed and maintained by Translate.org.za. It includes translation management tools and access to machine translation.

Pootle
 

Pootle is  a free translation management tool and interface. Unlike most CAT tools, it is specifically designed for translating apps rather than documents.

Lokalize

Lokalize is a CAT tool focused on productivity and quality assurance. It is designed especially for software translation but also integrates external conversion tools for document translation.

GlobalSight

GlobalSight is an open-source translation management system that automates, streamlines, and manages the localization process. It can be used by project managers, translators, and editors.

gtranslator

gtranslator is a specialized translation tool for translating software that uses the gettext system. It is is programmed for use on the GNOME desktop environment.

 

Other paid CAT tools

XTM Cloud

XTM Cloud can process most common file formats by converting them to XML before adding them to the translation memory, then reformatting the file once the translation is complete. XTM is available as two different licensing models - a traditional software licence called XTM Suite or as a SaaS solution via an online subscription called XTM Cloud.

Phrase

Phrase helps businesses scale their localization processes through smart automation on a single platform so that translators can create high-quality translations, developers eliminate manual tasks, and project managers cut localization costs.

Star Transit
 

Transit is unique in that it retains the source document's overall structure even in the translation memory. This means there are no segments stored out of context. Any You can display and check the original context of a reference segment at any time. In doing so, you ensure an easy-to-understand translation that is suitable for its purpose. This also avoids a collection of context-free text segments. It is available as a monthly or yearly subscription.

Poedit

Poedit is a translation tool designed specifically for translating and localizing interfaces. It extracts strings from the source code and provides a variety of translation and quality-control tools. It can even be fully integrated to work on Wordpress. It is available for perpetual license.

MetaTexis

MetaTexis is another translation tool available for free or in various paid versions with different features. It prides itself on it’s comparatively low price point, even for the most advanced version.
 

Pairapharase
 

Pairaphrase is a web-based translation system that combines machine and human translation. It features a unique voice-over translation capability. A free version with very limited features is available. Various paid subscriptions are available for a monthly fee.

 

What’s New in CAT Tools Since 2019-2020?

In 2019 and beyond, translation technologies are becoming increasingly advanced and user-friendly. With AI-driven software translating text more accurately than ever before, online dictionaries offering audio recordings of words and phrases, and interactive language learning apps providing personalized lessons tailored specifically to each user's needs, there has never been a better time to bridge linguistic divides through modern technology!

New features in CAT tools

In the last years, there have been several new features and updates to CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools that have improved the translation process for translators. Here are some of the new features:

• Improved machine translation (MT) integration - Many CAT tools have improved their MT integration, allowing for better suggestions and more accurate translations.
• Advanced quality assurance (QA) tools - CAT tools now offer more advanced QA tools, such as automatic error detection, terminology consistency checks, and style guides.
• Customized translation workflows - CAT tools now allow for customized translation workflows, enabling users to tailor their translation process to their specific needs.
• Enhanced collaboration - Many CAT tools now offer enhanced collaboration features, such as instant messaging, real-time editing, and feedback tools.
• Greater compatibility - CAT tools now offer greater compatibility with other software and file types, making it easier to integrate with other translation tools and technologies.
• Mobile access - Some CAT tools now offer mobile access, allowing translators to work on the go and access their translation memories and projects from their mobile devices.

 

These are just a few examples of the new features and updates that have been implemented in CAT tools since 2019. With the ever-evolving landscape of translation technology, translators need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to improve their efficiency and productivity.

 

New CAT tools released in last years

Since 2019-2020, there have been several new CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tools released in the market. Here are some of the new CAT tools:

• Lilt - Lilt is a cloud-based CAT tool that uses AI to assist translators in the translation process. It offers real-time translation suggestions and quality checks.
• Transifex - Transifex is a cloud-based CAT tool that offers translation memory, terminology management, and project management features. It also integrates with a range of third-party tools and offers real-time collaboration features.
• Wordbee - Wordbee is a cloud-based CAT tool that offers translation memory, terminology management, and project management features. It also has a range of productivity features, such as automatic quality checks and invoicing tools.
• Memsource - This cloud-based CAT tool is designed for medium to large translation companies and offers a range of features including translation memory, terminology management, and project management.

 

Each tool has its unique features and capabilities, so it's important to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs.

CAT tools continue to evolve every year as new technologies emerge and existing ones become more advanced. In recent years we have seen advances such as neural machine translation, translation memory tools, and post-editing machine translation which have revolutionized how linguists work today. All of these innovations make it easier for translators to produce high-quality translations quickly and cost-effectively - something that was not possible before! If you want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to CAT tools, make sure you keep an eye out for new developments in this field so you can start using them as soon as they become available!