The Challenge: Multi-Format Medical Device Localization

Modern medical device localization involves multiple content layers. In this case, the source materials included:

• Instructions for Use (IFU) in Adobe Illustrator
• Quick Start guide in Adobe Illustrator
• User interface strings in JSON format

Each of these requires a different technical approach. Treating them separately often leads to inconsistencies. GTS handled them as a single integrated workflow.

IFU Translation in Adobe Illustrator

Many providers claim to offer medical device IFU translation, but few deliver production-ready files. At GTS, we work directly in editable design formats such as Adobe Illustrator.

For this project, we preserved:

• Original layout and formatting
• Technical illustrations and labels
• Typography and spacing
• Consistency across all document sections

This ensures that translated IFUs are ready for regulatory submission and production without additional desktop publishing work.

Learn more about our medical translation services.

Quick Start Guide Translation with Layout Preservation

The Quick Start guide is often the most visible document for end users. It must be clear, concise, and visually accurate, including proper handling of graphics, diagrams, icons, and annotated illustrations.

Our team translated and formatted the Quick Start guide directly in Illustrator, ensuring alignment with both the IFU and the software interface, while also localizing embedded text within diagrams and graphical elements.

This is a key component of high-quality medical device localization, especially for products deployed across multiple markets.

Medical Device UI Localization (JSON)

Software is now a core component of many devices. In this project, UI strings were provided in JSON format, requiring careful handling to avoid breaking the structure.

Our medical device UI localization process includes:

• Protection of code syntax and structure
• Preservation of variables and placeholders
• Terminology alignment with IFU content
• Clean, implementation-ready output files

Improper handling of JSON files is a common issue with general translation vendors. GTS ensures that localized files are technically correct and ready for deployment.

Aligning UI and IFU: A Critical Step

After localizing the UI, we inserted the translated interface text into the IFU. This step is often overlooked but is essential for usability and compliance.

Consistency between UI and documentation helps:

• Reduce user confusion
• Improve training and onboarding
• Minimize support requests
• Ensure alignment across multilingual deliverables

In addition, we established a dedicated terminology base (termbase) derived from the UI elements, ensuring that key terms such as menu items, buttons, and system messages were standardized across all deliverables. This termbase was used in conjunction with a translation memory (TM), allowing us to maintain full consistency between the UI, IFU, and Quick Start guide.

The use of a TM also provides long-term value for medical device manufacturers. As documentation is updated over time—whether due to product revisions, regulatory changes, or new market requirements—previously translated content can be leveraged, reducing costs, shortening turnaround times, and ensuring continuity across versions.

Common Pitfalls in Medical Device Localization

• UI and IFU translated separately
• Broken JSON files after translation
• Inconsistent terminology across assets
• Non-editable or poorly formatted deliverables
• Generic translation without domain expertise

GTS addresses these challenges through structured workflows and experienced subject-matter linguists.

Why Choose GTS for Medical Device Translation Services?

• ISO 17100-certified translation workflows
• Specialized medical device translators
• Expertise in Illustrator, JSON, XML, and structured formats
• End-to-end localization (UI + documentation)
• No machine translation in production workflows
• Production-ready deliverables

We support medical device manufacturers across all major markets, including Europe, North America, and Asia.

Explore our technical translation services for additional capabilities.

Case Study Summary

For this UK-based medical device manufacturer, GTS delivered:

• Translated IFU in Adobe Illustrator
• Localized Quick Start guide
• JSON-based UI localization
• Integrated UI content within IFU
• Consistent terminology across all materials

The result was a complete, production-ready localization package with no additional rework required.

Get a Quote for Medical Device Localization

If you need IFU translation, medical device localization, or UI localization services, GTS can deliver a fully integrated solution tailored to your workflow.

Request a quote today and get expert guidance on your project.

FAQ: Medical Device Translation Services

What is IFU translation?

IFU translation refers to the translation of Instructions for Use documents that accompany medical devices. These documents must be accurate, consistent, and formatted correctly for regulatory compliance.

Can you translate Adobe Illustrator files?

Yes. GTS works directly in Adobe Illustrator and other design formats to deliver fully formatted, production-ready files.

Do you support software localization for medical devices?

Yes. We localize UI strings in formats such as JSON, XML, and other structured file types while preserving code integrity.

Do you use machine translation?

No. All translations are performed by professional linguists and reviewed according to ISO 17100 standards.

Which languages do you support?

We support over 100 languages, including all EU languages required for MDR compliance.