Using the Autotext feature in Trados Studio 2009 SP1

This is the first of a series of notes with the intention of reviewing the new and old features, as well as the performance of the new version of SDL-Trados, Trados Studio 2009 SP1.

Autotext is a very handy feature and it feeds to the Autosuggest prompt. You can add manually entries (not recommended), import autoTxt files, import them from Trados TMs (the new format), or tmx files.

Toggle field codes in Word

Problem:
Word displays field codes (like this: {page\*mergeformat}) instead of interpreting them and displaying a proper hyperlink, page number, Table of Contents, etc.

Solution:
Select Tools -> Options -> View tab and uncheck the Field Codes box.
Also, Alt+F9 toggles field codes.

Permanently toggle field codes in Word

Sorting a column on the number of characters in cells (Excel)

If you have 2 columns with data, say A and B. On column C, cell 1 enter =LEN(B1) if you want to count on the basis of the number of characters in column B, or =LEN(A1) if you want to count on the basis of the number of characters in column A.

After you enter that on the cell, press ENTER and then place the mouse on the corner of the cell and drag down to copy the formula.

Then select the column with the counts and click Sort.

Translate Trados TagEditor ttx files with OmegaT

Toxic is a utility for converting Trados Tag Editor (TTX files) to an intermediate format, enabling them to be translated in OmegaT.

Shortcuts for n-dash and m-dash (Word, IE, Firefox or any other Windows application)

Shortcuts for n-dash and m-dash in Word, IE, Firefox or any other Windows application

For Word, use the minus symbol on the numeric pad of your keyboard:

Ctrl+minus symbol = en-dash,
Alt+Ctrl+minus symbol = em-dash

To produce them on any program (even a web browser)

en-dash = Keep pressing ALT and enter (numeric keypad) 0150,
em-dash = Keep pressing ALT and enter (numeric keypad) 0151

Or, copy from the following list.

List of dashes:

- = hyphen
– = en-dash
— = em-dash

Originally posted: Shortcuts for n-dash and m-dash in Word, IE, Firefox or any other Windows application