ISO 17100 & ISO 18587 Translation Standards
Clearer translation workflows for human translation and human post-editing
ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 are two important translation-industry standards, but they do not describe the same workflow. One applies to professional human translation services; the other applies to full human post-editing of machine-translation output.
Termwise uses ISO-aligned workflows to help clients choose the right process for their content: fully human translation, specialist-led translation, or controlled AI/MT-assisted translation with qualified human review.
What ISO 17100 covers
What ISO 18587 covers
The practical difference
How Termwise applies ISO-aligned workflows
Two standards, two different production models
ISO 17100 is the reference point for professional human translation services. It focuses on core translation processes, resources and the requirements needed to deliver a quality translation service.
ISO 18587 is the reference point for full human post-editing of machine-translation output. It is relevant when MT or AI-assisted output is used as the starting point and the final text must be reviewed and corrected by a qualified human post-editor.
What ISO 17100 Covers
ISO 17100 provides requirements for the core processes, resources and other aspects necessary for delivering a quality translation service that meets applicable project specifications.
In practical terms, it is the standard most closely associated with professional human translation workflows: qualified linguists, clear project requirements, translation, revision and final delivery checks.
Qualified Human Translators
Translation work is performed by linguists with appropriate language competence, translation competence and subject-matter awareness.
Defined Project Requirements
The workflow starts from agreed specifications: language combination, audience, purpose, terminology, style and delivery requirements.
Translation and Revision
The translation is produced by a human translator and reviewed for accuracy, completeness, terminology and target-language quality.
Final Quality Checks
The final text is checked for formatting, names, numbers, dates, omissions, instructions and delivery-readiness.
What ISO 18587 Covers
ISO 18587 provides requirements for the process of full human post-editing of machine-translation output and for the competences of post-editors.
This standard is relevant when machine translation or AI-assisted translation output is used as the starting point. The human post-editor must review, correct and improve that output so the final text is suitable for the agreed purpose.
MT/AI Output as Starting Point
The workflow begins with machine-translation output, not a translation written from scratch by a human translator.
Qualified Human Post-Editing
A trained human linguist reviews and corrects the output using the source text, client instructions and intended use.
Full Post-Editing
The aim is not merely to make the text understandable, but to produce a usable, accurate and professionally controlled final text.
Suitability Assessment
Not all content is suitable for MT/AI-assisted workflows. Risk, subject matter, quality expectations and confidentiality need to be assessed first.
The Practical Difference Between ISO 17100 and ISO 18587
The difference is not just theoretical. It determines how the translation is produced, reviewed and controlled.
ISO 17100
Human translation workflow
- Human translator starts from the source text
- Translation is produced without MT/AI as the production basis
- Revision checks the human translation
- Best for nuance, sensitive content and full human control
ISO 18587
Full human post-editing workflow
- MT/AI output is used as the starting point
- Human post-editor corrects and improves the output
- Workflow depends on MT suitability and quality
- Best for suitable content where efficiency and control can be balanced
How Termwise Applies ISO-Aligned Workflows
Termwise does not treat ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 as interchangeable labels. We use them to guide workflow selection, explain responsibilities and set realistic expectations before a project begins.
The right workflow depends on the content type, risk level, subject matter, intended use, confidentiality requirements, terminology complexity and the client’s quality expectations.
Human-Only Translation
For projects requiring a fully human workflow, natural target-language quality and no MT/AI use in production.
Precision-Critical Translation
For legal, medical, technical, insurance or regulated content where subject-matter judgement and terminology control are essential.
AI-Enhanced Translation + Human Review
For suitable content where an ISO 18587-informed post-editing workflow can combine efficiency with qualified human control.
Terminology and QA Support
For recurring multilingual content where consistency, reviewability and quality control need to be managed over time.
Not sure which workflow your content needs?
Send us your document, content sample or project brief. We will assess the subject matter, risk level, language combination, terminology requirements and intended use before recommending a suitable workflow.
Termwise can support ISO 17100-aligned human translation, ISO 18587-informed post-editing, terminology management and structured quality review for multilingual content that needs professional control.