Most Common Errors in SDL Trados and How to Fix Them

Introduction: Trados Errors Are Rarely “Bugs”

Many translators blame SDL Trados when something goes wrong.
In reality, most errors are caused by workflow misunderstandings, incorrect settings, or skipped steps.

Understanding common errors helps translators:

• Work faster

• Avoid rework

• Deliver stable files

• Reduce QA feedback

This article covers the most frequent SDL Trados errors and explains why they happen and how to fix them.

1. Tag Errors (Missing, Extra, or Misordered Tags)

Why It Happens:

• Tags deleted accidentally

• Tags typed manually

• Copy-paste from external editors

• MT output mishandling tags

How to Fix:

• Use QuickInsert for tags

• Copy tags from source to target

• Run QA before delivery

• Never type tags manually

Tag errors are critical errors and must always be resolved.

2. Segment Status Errors (Unconfirmed or Draft Segments)

Why It Happens:

• Forgetting to confirm segments

• Using wrong confirmation shortcut

• Filtering hides unconfirmed segments

How to Fix:

• Use Ctrl + Enter consistently

• Filter by segment status before delivery

• Run QA to detect unconfirmed segments

Unconfirmed segments can be exported incorrectly or omitted.

3. Translation Memory Not Updating

Why It Happens:

• TM set to read-only

• Wrong update settings

• Confirming segments incorrectly

• Working in preview mode

How to Fix:

• Check TM permissions

• Verify update options in project settings

• Confirm segments properly

A TM that does not update leads to lost work and inconsistency.

4. QA Check Errors Ignored or Misunderstood

Why It Happens:

• QA warnings misunderstood

• Errors marked as ignored without review

• QA run too late

How to Fix:

• Run QA regularly, not only at the end

• Treat tag and terminology errors as critical

• Do not blindly ignore warnings

QA is not optional—it is a delivery requirement.

5. Terminology Recognition Not Working

Why It Happens:

• Termbase not activated

• Wrong language settings

• Indexing issues

• Incorrect term structure

How to Fix:

• Activate termbase in project settings

• Verify language pairs

• Rebuild termbase index

If terminology is not highlighted, consistency is at risk.

6. Auto-Propagation Not Working as Expected

Why It Happens:

• Auto-propagation disabled

• Context differences between segments

• Tags differ slightly

How to Fix:

• Enable auto-propagation

• Compare tags carefully

• Use “Apply Translation” manually

Auto-propagation saves time—but only when segments are truly identical.

7. File Export and Target File Generation Errors

Why It Happens:

• Tag errors

• Unsupported characters

• Locked segments modified

• Source file corruption

How to Fix:

• Resolve all QA errors

• Recheck locked segments

• Reimport source if necessary

If the target file cannot be generated, delivery is impossible.

8. Working Outside the Editor (Copy-Paste Errors)

Why It Happens:

• Translating in Word and pasting into Trados

• External formatting copied

• Tags lost in paste

How to Fix:

• Translate inside Trados only

• Use “Paste Special” when needed

• Reinsert tags manually via QuickInsert

Trados is not a text editor—it is a structured environment.

9. Project Settings Misconfiguration

Why It Happens:

• Wrong language variants

• Missing TM or termbase

• Incorrect QA profile

How to Fix:

• Review project settings before starting

• Verify language codes

• Test with one segment

Most “mysterious” errors start here.

Conclusion: Errors Are Signals, Not Failures

SDL Trados errors are not random.
They are signals that something in the workflow needs attention.

Professional translators:

• Understand why errors happen

• Fix causes, not symptoms

• Use QA proactively

• Respect Trados structure

Mastering SDL Trados is not about avoiding errors—it’s about handling them correctly.