Game Localization · Glossary
CAT Tool — Computer-Assisted Translation Software Explained
A CAT tool (Computer-Assisted Translation tool) is software that helps human translators work faster and more consistently by splitting text into segments, displaying Translation Memory suggestions from past translations, and managing terminology glossaries — all in a single interface. CAT tools assist translators; they do not replace them.
How CAT Tools Work
A CAT tool splits a source document into individual segments (sentences or phrases) and presents them one at a time for translation. For each segment, the tool searches its Translation Memory (TM) — a database of previously translated content — and displays any matches above a configurable similarity threshold. Exact or near-exact matches can be applied immediately; the translator reviews and adjusts. A terminology glossary displays approved translations for key terms (character names, ability names, UI labels) so they remain consistent throughout the project.
CAT Tools vs Machine Translation
CAT tools and machine translation (MT) are often confused. CAT tools are workflow software for human translators — they make human translation faster and more consistent by surfacing TM matches and terminology. Machine translation uses AI to generate translations automatically with no human involvement in the translation step itself. Modern CAT tools can optionally display MT suggestions alongside TM matches, but the translator reviews and approves every segment. The key distinction: CAT = human translator using software assistance. MT = automated output that may require human post-editing (MTPE).
Common CAT Tools in Game Localization
The most widely used CAT tools in game localization are SDL Trados Studio, memoQ, Phrase (formerly Memsource), Déjà Vu, and Wordfast. OmegaT is an open-source option. For web-based games and apps, Lokalise and Crowdin offer localization platform alternatives that integrate directly with code repositories. The choice of tool matters less than the quality of Translation Memory, terminology glossary, and context metadata available to the translator.
SandVox and CAT Tool
SandVox uses CAT tools on every game localization project. Translation Memory and terminology glossaries are built from your first string and carried across patches, DLCs, and sequels — so terminology stays consistent across your entire franchise and per-word costs decrease over time as TM leverage grows. Your TM and glossary are delivered alongside the finished translation.
Related terms: Translation Memory · Mtpe · Localization Style Guide · Translation Glossary
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide a CAT tool, or does SandVox supply one?
SandVox handles tool selection and project setup. We use industry-standard CAT tools suited to your project format and return your Translation Memory and terminology glossary alongside the finished localization for use on future projects.
Can CAT tools handle Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or Arabic?
Yes. All major CAT tools support CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) double-byte characters and right-to-left languages like Arabic. Font rendering and text direction are handled at the engine integration stage, not inside the CAT tool itself.
Does using a CAT tool reduce translation quality?
No — it improves consistency. Every time a repeated phrase appears in your game, the translator sees how it was previously translated. This is especially valuable in RPGs and narrative games where terminology must stay consistent across hundreds of hours of content.
Need Expert Game Localization?
SandVox provides end-to-end game localization including cat tool — for narrative games, mobile titles, webtoons, and interactive fiction.