File filters

File filters identify the text that needs translation while ensuring that structural and formatting elements are preserved. Unbabel develops default configurations that are able to pick on the most typically important requirements for a certain format and will deliver an expected output based on predefined rules.

Note: Check the behaviour of the default filter configurations, per file type, here.

If you are translating a file with no special requirements, using the standard filters might suffice. The filter will create a translated file per language resembling the original source.

It's possible to have additional configurations for specific use-cases when files require special treatment or logic to produce a specific outcome. The are configurations are called custom filters, and are created upon request. When selecting a filter configuration, all available filters for the file type plus the standard configuration appear available.

Specific configurations don't add to the translation cost of your request, if they are already available. However, creating a new custom filter is a priced service. Talk to your Account Manager to learn more.

Automatic filter selection

Only filters relevant to the file's format are available for selection in any scenario.

New customers who don't have custom filters use the default standard filters and will not see other options selectable.

However, if custom filters are available, the selection will default to the most relevant filter for that file format. If you have more than one custom filter available to you, you may want to double check which one is selected and make any corrections if necessary.

Selecting file filters

Only filters relevant to the file's format are available for selection. To select a File filter:

1 - In step 4 of the Project creation flow, click the File filter field and select the file to which the configuration will apply from the drop down list. A configuration will only apply to the file selected with the radio button on the left panel, which lists all files in the Project - in this example, "DEL_WHMD_Announcement..." would be selected.

Note: The default filter selection will be the one believed to be most suitable to the file format. If your file follows a naming pattern that is supposed to match a certain filter, that filter will be selected.

2 - Once the selection is made, see the button change from Skip to Next. Change any necessary filter for all the project files and click the Next button it to enter the Review step of the flow and submit your Project once you're ready.

You can check on which filter each file used for translation later, by accessing the order's File & Settings tab.