View Wordfast Classic

This dialog box is used to optimize Ms-Word's view and display parameters when translation begins, to ensure a comfortable visual environment. Do not underestimate this part. Visual strain coming from a mediocre work setup takes its toll on translators. Unfortunately, it can take years before one realizes the strain he/she has put on his/her eyes. The following parameters will setup your display and view environment every time you start a translation session. However, if the "When translation starts..." checkbox is unchecked, Wordfast will leave the view and display setup unchanged, except for hidden text, which needs to be visible.

 Zoom the Ms-Word window

It is recommended to zoom (maximise, or enlarge) the Ms-Word window for resolutions up to 800x600 (i.e., VGA & SVGA). For higher resolutions (XGA, UXGA), you should decide what's best for your eyes, based on physical screen size (15, 16, 17 inches etc).

 Zoom the document window

Recommended at all times with Word 97, but then again, you may need to override this function if you have to use multiple documents.

 Text zoom=

Wordfast will propose a zoom factor of 120 (for resolutions up to SVGA) and 140 for higher resolutions, for optimum visibility. Of course, this is based on a normal text sized 10 to 12. You may have to adjust this parameter for other text sizes.

 Do not show spaces

Since segmentation requires to show all hidden characters, I found that not displaying spaces is quite a relief, because those little dots are really tiring. But then again, if you have to pay special attention to unbreakable spaces, for instance, you may need to switch this off (i.e., show spaces).

 Use normal view

If you have a high resolution (say SXGA, 1280x1024) and a 17" monitor, plus a fast machine, the Page view can be considered although it is not recommended. Page view forces constant repagination, offers a hectic scrolling from page to page and quickly exhausts your system's resources. It is better to occasionally use Page view for those rare documents where the page layout is of prime importance and falls in the translator's responsibility. In all other cases (and even even with a fast machine and a big screen), normal view is still, by far, much more comfortable, especially when jumping from page to page, scrolling through long documents etc. Normal view offers a much smoother scrolling, and a jumpy scrolling really damages eyesight and causes migraines. However, turn this switch off (i.e., leave view mode unchanged) if page layout and design is a must.

 Wrap text to window

This feature is essential (but available only in normal view) to avoid scrolling horizontally every time a line is wider than the screen.

 Hide ruler

In most cases, the ruler is not essential, but takes up space, which is a problem on small screens. Override this if required.

 Keep only Standard, Formatting & Wordfast toolbars

Use this function if you wish to automatically hide unwanted toolbars taking up space.

Remember that you can manually modify your display options during a translation session using Ms-Word's own Tools/Options/View (Or Preferences/View with most Macs).

Note that Wordfast forces the display of hidden text, because using Wordfast without hidden text visible can be dangerous, since delimiters would be invisible and easily deleted.

Back to Wordfast Classic User Manual