memoQ is a powerful and widely used Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tool, similar to Trados Studio, and is very popular among freelance translators and LSPs (language service providers). Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly guide on how to use memoQ.
What Is memoQ?
memoQ helps translators work more efficiently by:
- Reusing previous translations via Translation Memory (TM)
- Using consistent terminology via Termbases
- Translating a wide variety of file types
- Automating QA checks
Step-by-Step: How to Use memoQ
1. Create a New Project
This is where you start every translation job.
Steps:
- Open memoQ.
- Go to “Project” > “Create New Project”.
- Fill in:
- Project Name
- Source Language
- Target Language
- Click Next and:
- Add a Translation Memory (TM), or create a new one
- Add a Termbase (optional, for managing terminology)
- Click Finish.
Now your project is set up!
2. Import Files to Translate
Add the document(s) you want to translate.
Steps:
- Go to the “Translations” tab.
- Click “Import” and select your files (e.g., DOCX, XLSX, PDF).
- The files will be prepared and listed as translatable.
3. Translate Segments
memoQ splits your file into segments (usually sentences or paragraphs).
Steps:
- Double-click a file to open it.
- The screen is split:
- Left: Source segment
- Right: Target segment (you type here)
- memoQ will suggest matches from your TM, Termbase, or Machine Translation (if set up).
- Use the suggestion or translate manually.
- Press Ctrl + Enter to confirm the segment and move on.
4. Use Translation Memory (TM) and Termbases
- TM matches are auto-suggested as you translate.
- Termbase entries pop up when known terms appear in the source.
These save time and improve consistency.
5. Run QA Checks
memoQ helps catch errors like:
- Inconsistent translations
- Number mismatches
- Missing punctuation
Steps:
- Go to the “Review” tab.
- Click “Run QA”.
- Review and fix any issues found.
6. Export the Translated File
When done, generate the final file in its original format.
Steps:
- Right-click the file name in the “Translations” tab.
- Select “Export (Stored Path)” or “Export (Choose Path)”.
- The translated document will be saved as a regular DOCX, XLSX, etc.
Tips for Beginners
- Press Ctrl + Enter to confirm a segment.
- Use Ctrl + Space to insert a TM match.
- Press Ctrl + P to pre-translate using TM or MT.
- Save your project often!
- Customize your AutoPick and AutoCorrect for speed.
Want to Go Deeper?
Free Learning Resources:
- Official memoQ help: https://docs.memoq.com YouTube: Search “memoQ tutorial for beginners”
- MemoQ Academy: https://academy.memoq.com (some free, some paid)
Would you like:
- A step-by-step guide with screenshots?
- Help setting up a Translation Memory or Termbase?
- A comparison between memoQ and Trados?
Let me know how you’d like to continue!
