Can I Use My Existing Translation Memory From a Previous Agency Project?

Quick Answer: Yes, If You Own the Files

You can use your existing translation memory from a previous agency project if you have the TMX or CSV export files. Your contract must grant you ownership or usage rights. The technical side is straightforward. Most modern platforms accept TMX imports. The real question is legal and practical. Did your agency hand over the TM? Does the new tool recognize the format?

If you do not have the files, ask the agency for an export. If they refuse, check your contract. Many agencies treat TM as their asset. Clients who paid for the translations often have a strong claim to reuse them. This is a negotiation point, not a technical blocker.

Why Your Existing TM Matters More Than You Think

Your translation memory is a database of source-and-translation pairs. Every time a translator worked on your project, those pairs were saved. When you move to a new platform, that database can pre-populate glossaries. It boosts consistency for repeated segments. It also reduces the cost of re-translating content you have already paid for.

Ignoring your TM means starting from zero. You will pay full price for segments that were already translated. You risk inconsistent terminology across your site. For a website with hundreds of pages, that is a significant cost and quality problem. SeaText's Website Translation Agent translates into 125 languages without a manual localization project (S1, S2). Using your TM ensures these automated translations start with high-quality context.

How Translation Memory Import Works

Translation memory import is a three-step process:

1. Export from the old tool. Your previous agency or platform should export the TM in TMX format. TMX is the industry standard. Some tools also export CSV or XLSX.
2. Import into the new platform. Look for an import or upload option in the settings. Most platforms accept TMX directly. Some require a CSV conversion first.
3. Match and review. The new platform compares your existing TM against your current site content. It shows match rates. High match rates mean you save money and time.

Match rates are the key metric. A 100% match means the segment is identical. It can be reused without review. A 70-99% match means minor differences. A human or AI should check it. Below 70%, it is usually cheaper to translate fresh.

Main Options and Trade-Offs

You have three main paths when moving your TM:

Option 1: Import the Full TMX File

This is the best option if you have a clean export. It preserves all your terminology, style choices, and approved translations. The trade-off is that large TMX files can be slow to import. You may need to clean up outdated or inconsistent entries.

Option 2: Import Only High-Match Segments

Some platforms let you filter by match rate before importing. This is useful if your TM has years of accumulated entries. Some of which are no longer relevant. The trade-off is that you might miss context that a lower match could still provide.

Option 3: Start Fresh and Rebuild

If your TM is messy, outdated, or you do not own it, starting fresh might be cleaner. The trade-off is cost. You will pay for translations you have already done once.

Decision Framework: Should You Import Your TM?

Use this checklist to decide:

• Do you have the TMX or CSV file? If yes, import it. If no, request it from the agency.
• Does your contract allow reuse? Check the ownership clause. If it is silent, you have a reasonable claim as the client who paid for the work.
• Is your TM current? If it is more than two years old, review it for outdated terminology before importing.
• What is your match rate? Run a quick test import. If you get above 50% match on your current content, it is worth the effort.
• Is the format compatible? TMX is universal. CSV is common but may need mapping. Check the new platform documentation.

If you answer yes to at least three of these, import your TM. If you answer no to most, consider a hybrid approach. Import the TM but plan to review and update it.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: You Have the TMX File and a Clean Contract

This is the ideal case. Import the TMX, run a match rate check, and you will likely see 60-80% of your site content already translated. You save money on those segments. You only pay for new or changed content.

Scenario 2: The Agency Refuses to Hand Over the TM

This is common. Agencies sometimes claim TM as their intellectual property. Push back with your contract. If the contract is silent, argue that you paid for the translations. You should have the right to reuse them. In practice, many agencies will release the TM if you ask politely. Explain you are not trying to steal their work. Just reuse your own.

Scenario 3: Your TM Is in a Proprietary Format

Some older CAT tools use proprietary formats. Ask the agency to export to TMX. If they cannot, you may need to use a conversion tool. This is rare but possible.

Limitations and When This Advice Doesn't Apply

This advice assumes you are moving to a platform that supports TMX imports. If your new platform does not support TMX, you will need to convert the file. Or manually re-enter key terms. Check the platform documentation before you start.

It also assumes your TM is in good shape. If your previous agency used inconsistent terminology, importing that TM could hurt your new site. In that case, a fresh start with a glossary might be better.

Finally, if your content has changed significantly, your old TM may have low match rates. New products or services change brand voice. In that case, the import is still useful for terminology. But you will need more human or AI review.

Key Facts at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a translation memory?

A translation memory is a database of source-and-translation pairs. It stores every segment you have translated so it can be reused later.

What is TMX format?

TMX stands for Translation Memory eXchange. It is an XML-based standard that most translation tools support. It is the safest format for moving TM between platforms.

How much does it cost to import a TM?

Importing a TM is usually free. It is a standard feature in most platforms. The cost savings come from not re-translating segments that already exist in your TM.

What if my agency won't give me the TM?

Check your contract. If it is silent, ask politely and explain you are reusing your own translations. If they still refuse, you may need to negotiate or start fresh.

Can I import a TM from a different CAT tool?

Yes, as long as you export it in TMX format. Most CAT tools support TMX export and import.

What is a good match rate?

Above 70% is generally worth using. Above 90% means you will save significant time and money. Below 50%, consider whether the import is worth the effort.

Should I review the TM before importing?

Yes. If your TM has inconsistent terminology or outdated style, review it first. A quick cleanup can prevent quality issues later.