Discover how image localization enhances your visual content for international markets. We adapt texts, layouts and designs precisely so that your message is understandable, appealing and culturally appropriate everywhere—efficiently, automatically and in the highest quality.

Localization of Images

Optimizing Visual Content for International Markets

Precision Down to the Smallest Detail

Translating graphics with text is a special challenge. Texts in images must not only be linguistically correct but also culturally and visually fit the target market. Our localization services ensure that your advertising graphics, infographics, and presentations remain understandable and appealing in every market.

Why Image Localization is More Than Just Translation

Visual content is essential for marketing, e-learning, product presentations, and digital communication. However, images often contain embedded texts that cannot be easily translated. The localization of images therefore requires a structured, technical approach to ensure your content appears professional in every language.

Efficient Editing of Common Formats

1. Editable File Formats

In order to easily adapt texts and visual elements, all images should be available in editable formats.

Recommended Formats:

Adobe Photoshop (.psd): Ideal for complex graphics with layer structure
Adobe Illustrator (.ai): Perfect for scalable infographics and icons
Adobe InDesign (.indd): Ideal for brochures, presentations and e‑learning material
Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx): Easily accessible for Microsoft 365 users and ideal for presentations

Not Recommended Formats

PNG, JPG, TIFF—raster graphics without editable texts
PDF with embedded images—texts are difficult to extract

Our service: If the original files are not editable, we simply recreate them—optimized for future translations and localizations.

2. Automation Saves Time and Costs

Manually transferring texts into graphics is time-consuming and error-prone. That’s why we rely on automated processes to optimize the export and import of texts.

Text extraction from non-editable files
Direct integration of translations into the design
Fewer errors and faster workflows

This efficiency is particularly valuable for large-scale projects—reducing costs and freeing up time for what truly matters.

Perfect Layout Adaptation for Every Language

Each language has its own space and typeface requirements. A short English sentence can be significantly longer in German—conversely, Asian languages can take up less space but have wider characters.

English → German: Up to 30% longer texts
English → Chinese/Japanese: Shorter texts, but wider characters
Arabic and Hebrew: RTL font (layout must be mirrored)

Best Practices:

Flexible text boxes instead of rigid graphics
Dynamic text fields to avoid layout problems
Sufficient space for longer translations

These measures ensure that translations fit perfectly into the design and no manual post-processing is required.

Cultural Adjustments for Maximum Impact

In addition to pure text translation, we also check whether a graphic is culturally appropriate. If symbols, colors, or designs are unsuitable for certain target markets, we suggest appropriate alternatives. This ensures that your message is understandable and effective everywhere.

Color Symbolism in Different Cultures

Red

West:
love, danger

Asia:
happiness, wedding

Middle East: mourning

White

West: purity, peace

Asia:
mourning, death

Middle East: spirituality

Black

West:
mourning, elegance

Asia:
wealth, seriousness

Middle East: spirituality

Green

West:
nature, sustainability

Asia: fertility

Middle East: Islam, sanctity

Color

Western meaning

Asian meaning

Middle East

Red

love, passion ❤️; danger, warning ⚠️

happiness, prosperity 🎉 (China); marriage 💍 (India)

danger, caution ⚠️ (Middle East); mourning (South Africa)

White

purity, innocence 👶; peace ☮️

mourning, death ⚰️ (China, India, Japan)

purity and spirituality 🕊️ (Islamic Culture)

Black

grief, elegance 🖤; power, authority 👑

formality, wealth 🏛️ (Japan)

dignity, spirituality 🌿 (Islamic culture)

Green

nature, environment 🌿; freshness, sustainability ♻️

fertility 🌱 (China)

Islam, sanctity 🕌 (Iran, Saudi Arabia)

Case Study:

A Western company used white packaging during its expansion into China, without considering that white is associated with mourning in China. After changing to red and gold (symbols of luck and prosperity), sales increased significantly.

Gestures, Symbols, and Visual Metaphors

Thumbs up (👍)

Positive in the USA, Germany, France
Offensive in Iran, Afghanistan and parts of Southern Europe

OK sign (👌)

“All good” in the USA
Offensive in Brazil
Symbolizes “money” in Japan

Animal representations (🐷🐄)

Cows are sacred in India (🛕)
Pigs are considered taboo in Muslim countries (🚫)

Practical Tip:

For each country, a cultural checklist is recommended to avoid misunderstandings.

Learn more and get in touch

Do you want to optimize your graphics for international markets? We’re here to assist you! Get in touch today to explore our services..

Workflow for Fast and Error-Free Image Localization

Planning

• Define target markets and languages
• Ensure editable file formats
• Define automation processes

Design and preparation

• Use editable text layers
• Flexible layout for different text lengths
• Consistent fonts & colors for all markets

Localization and translation

• Export texts & have them translated
• Layout adjustments for different languages
• Cultural review and adjustments

Quality control

• Review by native speakers
• Technical checks across multiple devices
• Correct implementation of all adjustments

Finalization and publication

• Save files in optimal formats
• Ensure responsiveness for different devices
• Final upload and monitoring of performance

FAQ – Localization of Images

Frequently Asked Questions about Image Localization

Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our image localization services. We’ve compiled the essential information for you. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly.

Why is the localization of images important?

Image localization ensures that visual content is understandable, readable, and culturally appropriate in all target markets. This helps avoid misunderstandings, strengthens your global brand presence, and increases your conversion rates. Especially in marketing campaigns, e-learning modules, or product presentations, a target market-appropriate visual language is crucial to make the right impression on international customers.

Which file formats can you process?

We work with all common editable formats, including: Adobe Photoshop (.psd), Adobe Illustrator (.ai), Adobe InDesign (.indd), Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx), Sketch (.sketch), Figma (.fig), Affinity Designer (.afdesign), CorelDRAW (.cdr). As long as text layers and layouts are editable, we can adjust them quickly and reliably. If you only have raster formats like .jpg or .png, we are happy to reconstruct the graphics.

What happens if there is no editable file available?

Should you only have non-editable files (e.g., scans, screenshots, old PDF versions), we professionally reconstruct the graphics. In doing so, we create editable templates that can be quickly and cost-effectively adapted in the future. This way, you are perfectly prepared for further translations or updates.

How do you ensure that the layout fits after translation?

From the outset, we consider the typical text lengths of each language, such as the fact that an English sentence often becomes longer in German or that Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese) require different character widths. Additionally, we rely on dynamic text fields and sufficient white space to ensure that the design does not “burst at the seams.” Before the final export, we conduct a quality check to ensure that everything is perfectly in place.

Can you also make cultural adaptations?

Yes, we assess symbols, colors, and gestures for cultural relevance where necessary. For example, when expanding into the Middle East, we avoid gestures that are considered offensive there or colors that signify mourning in other countries. This cultural refinement ensures that your message remains consistent and appealing internationally.

Which industries particularly benefit from image localization?

Marketing & Advertising: International campaigns, social media ads, product visualizations. E-Commerce: Product images, online catalogs, offer graphics. E-Learning: Training materials, infographics, presentations for global employees. Software & Tech: UI designs, software documentation, user manuals Corporate Communication: Presentations, brochures, whitepapers. Fundamentally, any industry that offers visual content in different languages or wants to target international markets benefits.

How can the localization process be accelerated?

Automation of text extraction: We import and export text units automatically. Clean file organization: Clear structure in layers and documents to reduce search and loading times. Professional translation tools: Direct connection to translation software shortens processing times and minimizes typos. Consistent style guides: With defined fonts, colors, and layout settings, you avoid inconsistent designs.

What mistakes should be avoided in image localization?

1. Non-editable formats: Using .jpg or .png as the sole source requires much more effort. 2. Text boxes that are too tight: Linguistic expansion can lead to line breaks or unsightly overlaps. 3. Neglected cultural nuances: Certain colors or gestures are inappropriate in some cultures. 4. Lack of quality control: Correct spelling and fit in the layout are essential.

What is the cost of image localization?

The costs depend on the scope, complexity, and number of graphics to be localized. Aspects such as cultural adaptations, creation of new layouts, or integration into existing marketing campaigns also influence the price. We are happy to provide individual advice and create an offer that precisely fits your requirements.

Do you offer quality control?

In any case. All localized graphics are checked for linguistic precision, design consistency, and cultural appropriateness. Where appropriate, we employ native speakers. This way, you achieve maximum professionalism and reliability in all target markets.

TIPS FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF IMAGES

Would You Like More Tips and Tricks?

On our YouTube page, we regularly upload short videos with tips and tricks on topics related to e-learning and translation. We invite you to browse through our content. Maybe you’ll discover some videos that are helpful for you!

TRANSLATION

December 5, 2024 No Comments

“Made in Germany” from Baden-Württemberg stands for quality worldwide, and we are committed to upholding this reputation. A high-quality translation should be easy to read, easy to understand, and indistinguishable from an original text in the target language. That is our standard.

TRANSCRIPTION AND SUBTITLING

Discover how professional transcription and subtitling make your content clearer and more accessible—breaking down barriers and improving comprehension. We combine cutting-edge technology with human precision to create texts and subtitles that are clear and readable—perfectly tailored to your target audience.