Wordfast

Wordfast Overview

Wordfast is a lightweight CAT tool family — most famously Wordfast Classic running inside Microsoft Word — offering affordable translation memory workflow since 1999.

How Wordfast Works

Wordfast Classic operates as a Word template: translators work inside the familiar Word interface with TM, glossary, and MT panels — minimal learning curve for document translators. Wordfast Pro is the standalone Java-based edition handling more formats with a tag-editor UI. Both share the same TM format and support major MT connections.

Key Capabilities

• Wordfast Classic: TM workflow inside Microsoft Word (unique approach)
• Wordfast Pro: standalone multi-platform edition for all file formats
• Very affordable: license ~$795 lifetime for Pro (discounts for LM owners)
• Compatible with Trados TMs (txt/shared formats) and packages via conversion
• Supports DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and other MT plugins

Best Use Cases

• Document translators who live in Word and want minimal context-switching
• Budget-conscious freelancers (one-time license, not subscription)
• Teams standardizing on a lightweight second CAT tool
• Translators migrating from Trados TM collections

Wordfast Pricing

Wordfast Pro lifetime license ~$795 (frequent sales at ~$499); Wordfast Classic free with a small TM limit, unlicensed with the pro purchase. There are trial versions of both. Volume/enterprise licensing for Pro server workflows is separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Wordfast Classic and Pro?

Classic lives inside Microsoft Word as a template (document translators love it); Pro is a standalone application handling broader formats with a tag editor. Most freelancers use both under one license.

Is Wordfast compatible with Trados?

Largely yes: it reads/writes TMX TMs and can convert Trados packages, though some project-package workflows still round-trip through conversion. For pure Trados-package shops, Trados itself is smoother.

How much does Wordfast cost?

Wordfast Pro is ~$795 lifetime (sales frequently at ~$499) — no subscription. Classic is effectively bundled. Compare: Trados subscription alone is ~$135+/year.

Verdict

Wordfast is the pragmatic freelancer's tool: cheap, Word-native, and compatible enough with the Trados ecosystem to handle most agency work. It lacks MemoQ's polish and Trados' market gravity, but for document-centric translators the Classic-in-Word workflow remains uniquely low-friction. The lifetime license pricing is the best value in professional CAT.