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Using callouts is not an imperative for localization. Some translation
firms can handle source graphic files with multiple layers; one simply
separates the text layer from the graphics layer. This technique may
require you to re-create an image for the localized book, though.
I myself use callouts. We don't have any plans to localize our
documentation any time soon, but I prefer callouts to text, for these
reasons:
* for a screenshot, it's easier to differentiate between the "screen"
text and and notation.
* Callouts are more flexible. You can edit the text without having to
edit the graphic.
* Callouts are less cluttered.
* Callouts allow you to refer to part of an image later on in your text.
It seems to me that callouts may cause some accessibility issues,
though.
Joe Malin
Technical Writer
(408)625-1623
jmalin -at- tuvox -dot- com
www.tuvox.com
The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not
necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jmalin=tuvox -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
Of CB Casper
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 10:27 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Callouts in Graphics
Our documents are translated into multiple languages and we are making a
major change in going from FM+SGML to XML.
One area that is highly affected is graphics. We are being asked to
include no text in any graphic, but to include bubble numbers with lead
arrows anywhere we want to include text.
We then include a list to provide text for each callout.
The reason for this change is to provide for easy translation without
affecting the graphic itself. The localizers only have to work with
text, not with the graphic itself, which can be expensive.
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