Does the translation have to mirror the layout of the original?

In-depth Answer

The aim of layout in certified translation is to let a reader who knows none of the source language place the two documents side by side and follow them point by point.

Standard practice keeps the order of headings and paragraphs, uses a table where the source uses a table, adds notes marking where seals, signatures, or photographs appear, and preserves document and page numbers in place.

What to avoid: merging fields for tidiness, dropping content judged unimportant, or reordering to suit the target language's logic.

All three make verification harder and invite queries.

Where the source runs to several pages, the translation should state the total page count so it is clear nothing is missing.

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