Combine two Trados termbases

趣旨：トラドスの二つの用語ベースを結合して一つにまとめる方法

Here's how to merge (combine) 2 different Trados termbases using SDL Multiterm 2017 Desktop (SDL Multiterm):

Step 1: Make backup copies of both termbases, in case something goes wrong.

Step 2: Export one of the termbases using SDL Multiterm.

Step 3: Import the resulting file (XML file) into the other termbase.

You have to ensure that two termbases to combine have same structure.

In my case, I want to merge two termbases into one:

First termbase: "MyFirstTermBase.sdltb"

Structure:

Entry level
└Language: JAPANESE
└Language: VIETNAMESE
└Language: English

Second termbase: "Yurica JVE 1.0 Termbase.sdltb"

Structure:

Entry level
└Descriptive field: "Note"
└Language: JAPANESE
      └Descriptive field: "Usage"
└Language: VIETNAMESE
      └Descriptive field: "Usage"
└Language: English
      └Descriptive field: "Usage"

I want to keep descriptive fields as in second termbase. So, first I export first termbase ("MyFirstTermBase.sdltb") to XLM file, then I open second termbase ("Yurica JVE 1.0 Termbase.sdltb") to import this XML file.

About descriptive fields, please view How to add a descriptive field to term level.

Picture guide of combining two SDL Trados termbases

Step 0: Backup both Trados termbases

Folder: This PC > Documents > Studio 2017 > Termbases

Copy ".sdltb" to other place.

Step 1: Open first termbase

Just simply double-click .sdltb file or open with "SDL Multiterm 2017 Desktop" program.

First termbase (without descriptive fields) to export

Step 2: Click tab "File" > Import & Export > Export Termbase

Step 3: Choose file name and place to save of export file (XML file)

 Step 4: First termbase exported

"Processing the Export"

After 100% exported, click "Next >" button

Export Wizard Complete

Step 5: Close first termbase and open second termbase

Second termbase with descriptive fields (at entry level and at term level)

Step 6: Click tab "File" > Import & Export > Import into termbase

Step 7: Browse for the XML file exported previously as "Import file"

Click "Next >"

You also "specify an exclusion file for invalid (incomplete or over-complete) entries and decide how such entries should be process during the import":

In my case, the exclusion file contains no invalid entries and has this content:

<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-16' ?><LogFile></LogFile>

"Import Definition Summary"

Step 8: Import process starts and completes

"Processing the Import" first Trados exported termbase into the second one

First termbase 100% imported. Click "Next >" button.

"Wizard Complete": First Trados termbase has been imported in to second termbase

Result of merging two Trados termbase into one

After importing first Trados termbase exported as XML file before into second Trados termbase, entries of the first termbase appear in the second termbase with blank descriptive fields (since the first termbase has no fields while the second termbase has those):

Now you can convert any Excel termbase into Trados SDL termbase, then import it into your primary termbase to utilize in your translation projects.

I have so many Excel termbases to do so since I've been a translator for over 10 years. I've just started using Trados since 2018 and it will be great to utilize all past knowledge in one place.
Mark @ SGA Translation