The translation process, as it should be implemented, involves several stages: analyzing the text, in order to identify any potential issues, determining the terminology, translating and proofreading the target text, editing the translation, validating the final translation after one last proofreading.

The main difference between the two services is that, whereas editing focuses on contextual modifications and on the style of the text, proofreading focuses on identifying grammar, writing and punctuation mistakes.

The quality of a translation is the result of adherence to the translation standard, i.e. following the stages: translation, revision and proofreading.

All translations, regardless of the field, can and should follow these steps is order to achieve an impeccable text in the end.

Proofreading represents the final stage of a translation revision process, and it starts when the revision and the editing of the text are completed, respectively the reviser’s recommendations have reached the translator and the latter has implemented the changes, inasmuch as they were acceptable, and thus attained a version prepared for the final step.

This step involves checking the translation by comparison with the original source text, in order to ensure its accuracy in terms of writing, grammar, syntax, punctuation or other mistakes in the same category. The main objective in this translation proofreading stage is to identify the above-mentioned mistakes, not to check the employed terminology.

Editing or translation revision is the process involving the examination of the text to the purpose of improving it. For instance, in terms of copywriting, of the mode in which it is written, its quality.

The check starts from identifying context and consistency mistakes. Therefore, the role of the reviser is to make sure that the terminology was accurately employed, in keeping with the industry and with other relevant resources.

After examining the text, the reviser provides recommendations regarding the text. The recommendations require subsequent validation by the translator. The revisor may submit recommendations targeting major amendments to the text, having in view the fluency of the text. However, the final decision belongs to the translator, who makes sure that the final text is not altered and that it does not deviate from or change the intended communication.

The editing of documents does not eliminate the need for the final translation check, namely proofreading. As a rule, these are two different and independent activities.