What does an SDL Passolo specialist do?
An SDL Passolo specialist translates software user interfaces by editing visual elements directly within the application environment. This role focuses on adapting dialog boxes, menus, and buttons so they function correctly in target languages while maintaining the original layout. The specialist manages translation memory connections to reuse approved terms and runs automated checks to catch interface errors before delivery.
- Import source code resources or UI data into the Passolo platform and translate text strings using the WYSIWYG editor to see how changes affect the visual layout. Adjust string lengths and positioning to prevent text overflow or truncation in dialog boxes and menus for each target locale.
- Connect external translation memory databases and terminology lists to the project to ensure consistent use of technical terms across all software modules. Review suggested matches from previous translations and update termbases with new approved vocabulary to maintain accuracy throughout the localization lifecycle.
- Execute built-in quality assurance monitors to identify broken hotkeys, missing translations, or formatting issues that could crash the application or confuse users. Export validated language files and resource packages in the required formats for engineering teams to compile into the final software build.
How to hire an SDL Passolo specialist on Upwork
Step 1: Post a job
Define your localization needs clearly to attract qualified candidates who understand visual UI translation. Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI to draft a precise description in seconds. Describe your project requirements in a few sentences, and Uma creates a tailored post for this role. You can write a new post, update a saved draft, or reuse an existing post to save time.
- Specify the software resources you need localized, such as dialog boxes, menus, or help files, so candidates know the scope of visual editing required.
- List required integrations with translation memory systems like Trados Studio or termbases to confirm the freelancer can manage terminology consistency across projects.
- State whether you need automation via the Passolo SDK or command line tools to handle large batches of resource files efficiently.
Step 2: Evaluate candidates
Look for portfolios that demonstrate experience with WYSIWYG visual context editing and QA validation. Uma can run instant video interviews and build shortlists with side-by-side comparisons to help you assess technical fit quickly.
- Check for examples of localized user-interface strings where text fits correctly within GUI elements without truncation or layout breaks.
- Verify experience exporting translation results into supported formats for downstream engineering teams to integrate into the final software build.
- Review past work for evidence of running built-in quality assurance checks to catch translation errors before delivery.
Step 3: Interview your top choices
Discuss specific workflows to confirm the candidate can handle your technical environment. Schedule and conduct interviews within Upwork Messages, which generates an immediate transcript and summary after each session.
- Ask how they manage translation memory matches and terminology updates to maintain consistency across multiple software versions.
- Request details on their process for parsing resource data into Passolo and handling complex UI elements like dynamic text fields.
- Clarify their approach to collaborating with engineers when exported files cause compilation issues or display errors.
Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work
Set clear milestones for delivering localized resource files and QA reports. Use Upwork Messages and the contract workroom for communication and project management, plus identity verification, payment protection, hourly tracking, and project funds for security.
- Define deliverables such as updated language files for specific locales and QA test results validating text entries.
- Establish a timeline for importing source data, translating in visual context, and exporting final packages for integration.
- Agree on criteria for accepting work, such as passing all built-in QA monitors and confirming correct UI rendering in the target application.
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