Translation Memory (TM) is a database that stores previously translated segments of text, allowing translators to reuse them in future projects. 

How does TM work?

Each time you edit a cell in the target language, it’s saved in the assigned Translation Memory (TM) database for further use. When you translate new content, the system checks your TM for matches:

• Exact Match (100%) – The segment is identical to one already stored in TM.
• Fuzzy Match – The segment is similar but not identical (e.g., small wording changes).

Instead of translating from scratch, you can reuse these matches, which speeds up translation, ensures consistency, and reduces costs. As you translate more content, your TM grows, making future translations even faster and more consistent.

Master TM, working TM, reference TM

• Master TM: stores all finalized translations once a project is completed. By default all TM terms are stored in the master TM.
• Working TM: stores translations in real-time as you translate within the Grid, must be enable in Database settings to be able to use. After reviewing and approving translations in the working TM, you can merge it into the master TM.
• Reference TM: is a master TM that can be assigned as references. It is read-only; contains useful matches and references, such as previous versions of a string.

To learn how to leverage working TM, refer to this article: Working TM and master TM (Translation Memory). 

Setting up Translation Memory

Create and assign new TM database 

TM databases store previously translated terms (TM terms) for each project. You can create separate TM databases for different projects, each with its own customized settings.

Go to Localization settings → Translation memory. Click + Create New TM to create a new one. Click Assign this TM to a project next to a TM name, then select the project from the drop-down list.

Customize TM settings

How TM matches are populated or updated is controlled in the TM settings. Go to Localization settings → Translation memory, click on a TM database and switch to open TM Settings tab. For further details, refer to Translation Memory (TM) settings. 

How to levarage Translation Memory in each modules

Refer to the tabs below for details on how you can leverage Translation Memory in each Gridly module.

CMS module

Make sure you've set up localization columns and dependencies in your Grid.

Apply TM results while translating

• Existing source strings: Gridly makes suggestions once you start editing the target language column.
• New source strings: When new source strings are added, Gridly automatically detects identical sentences and suggests previously translated texts.

Translations from the TM databases will have the TM icon at the corner of the cell. To accept the proposed translations, right-click the cell and select Approve TM text  from the drop-down list.

Apply TM results to all records in the Grid at once

Apply TM terms from the assigned Translation Memory to the current Grid immediately. 

1. Open a Grid,  then click on the toolbar. 
2. Select Synchronize TM from the dropdown list.
3. Select Fetch from current TM tab. Here you can configure these settings:
   • Source and target languages (required)
   • Replace existing translations with TM and update translation status (optional):
     • Update translation status for all replaced translations, even if content is unchanged.
     • Update status only for translations with changed content.
4. Click Apply TM.

 

 

TMS module

In the TMS module, you can apply TM terms to all Tasks under a Job.

1. Open a Job in Gridly TMS
2. Select and click Synchronize TM.

3. Here you can configure these settings:
   • Source and target languages (required)
   • Replace existing translations with TM and update translation status (optional):
     • Update translation status for all replaced translations, even if content is unchanged.
     • Update status only for translations with changed content.
4. Click Apply TM.

 

 

CAT module

Confirming a segment saves the translation to the Translation Memory (TM). You can check match percentages and TM terms in the CAT pane.

 

 

Along with Translation Memory, you can use a Glossary to keep your translation consistent and translate faster. Explore the help article about Glossary usage here.