How to Improve Your MT Post-Editing Speed Without Sacrificing Quality

Machine translation post-editing (MTPE) has emerged as a crucial skill in the rapidly evolving world of translation. For post-editors, the challenge is not only to improve productivity but also to maintain a high level of quality. After all, editing machine-generated text isn’t just about making it readable—it’s about making it accurate, natural, and suitable for the intended audience. So, how can you boost your MT post-editing speed without compromising quality? Here are some strategies.

1. Master the Art of Error Spotting

One of the biggest time-wasters in MTPE is over-editing or second-guessing one’s work. To avoid this, train yourself to quickly identify the most common types of machine translation errors:

  • Mistranslations
  • Omitted or duplicated content
  • Terminology inconsistency—there are tools for this
  • Syntax and grammar errors—there are tools for this
  • Cultural/contextual mismatches

Creating a mental checklist or using a customizable quality assurance (QA) tool can help you scan text faster and focus your energy where it matters most.

2. Use the Right Tools and Shortcuts

Modern CAT tools and MT platforms offer features designed to streamline post-editing work:

  • QA plug-ins that highlight inconsistencies
  • Terminology databases to ensure consistency
  • Keyboard shortcuts and text expansion tools to reduce repetitive typing.
    See also our “Tips & Tricks” article.
  • Using grammar/spelling tools like Grammarly, Quillbot, etc., can speed up your work if you understand their limitations (and sometimes weird suggestions).

Familiarise yourself with the settings of your preferred platform and customise your workspace. Even small adjustments can make a big difference over the course of a full project.

3. Define the Scope: Light vs. Full Post-Editing

Clarify with your client what level of editing is required.

  • Light post-editing focuses on readability and correcting major errors.
  • Full post-editing involves polishing the text to near-human translation quality.

Knowing which level is expected will help you avoid spending unnecessary time on perfection when it’s not required.

4. Build Your Domain Knowledge

The more familiar you are with the subject matter, the faster you can detect inaccuracies or awkward phrasing. Specialising in a niche pays off in both speed and confidence.

Keep glossaries, reference materials, and past projects handy to quickly verify terms and maintain consistency. Create a dedicated browser window with all your online reference resources. The best solution is to have two monitors.

5. Develop a Smart Editing Strategy

Approach each job with a plan. For example:

  • Before anything else, turn on Track Changes. If you forget, it might be a headache.
  • Do a quick read-through first to get the gist and spot glaring issues.
  • To consistently edit mistranslated terminology, use the Find/Replace tool—one of post-editors’ best friends. Machine translation within CAT tools can be inconsistent.
  • Then edit sentence by sentence, keeping flow and coherence in mind.
  • Highlight any phrases/sentences you are unsure about and get back to them after you’ve gone through the whole text. Sometimes you find clarification in the writing that follows.
  • If you use a TM, pay particular attention to fuzzy matches.
  • Use batch QA checks at the end instead of stopping after each change.

This minimises backtracking and builds editing momentum.

6. Minimise Distractions and Fatigue

Post-editing requires focus, and distractions are the enemy of speed and quality. Try to:

  • Work in distraction-free blocks (e.g., 25- or 50-minute Pomodoro sessions)
  • Ergonomically optimise your workspace
  • Take regular short breaks to prevent fatigue, preferably in the sunlight, and look far into the distance. Exercise to prevent backache (just a bit of stretching may do wonders).
  • Stay hydrated and manage screen time to reduce eye strain.
  • Avoid light reflections on the screen.
  • Avoid eating between meals: fasting enhances mental acuity.

A tired editor makes slower and less accurate decisions.

7. Take advantage of technology

  • Having two monitors—one for the content you’re working on and another for all the references you might need—is the best way to increase your productivity.
  • Noise-reducing headphones are great for concentrating on your work, especially if you listen to Mozart 😊

8. Learn from Feedback

Ask clients or agencies for feedback on your post-editing work. Understanding where you tend to over- or under-edit helps you calibrate your process.

You can also run your own QA reviews or compare your output with human references when available. Every project presents an opportunity to strike a balance between speed and precision.

Conclusion

Improving your MT post-editing speed doesn’t mean rushing through the job or lowering standards. It means working smarter: using the right tools, defining expectations, leveraging your expertise, and continuously fine-tuning your process.
As demand for MTPE grows, those who can deliver quality efficiently will stand out.

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