Open SDLTM files without Trados
Read a Trados Studio translation memory (.sdltm) without a Trados licence: look through and search its units, then save it as TMX for any CAT tool, or as Excel or CSV.
Your files never leave your computer. The memory is read in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
How it works
1. Drop your .sdltm
Trados keeps them in Documents\Studio 20xx\Translation Memories, or in the TM folder of a project.
2. Look inside
See the language pair, the number of units, dates, users and custom fields, and search the segments.
3. Save as TMX, Excel or CSV
The TMX is laid out like a Trados export, so other CAT tools, and Trados itself, import it with its metadata.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open an SDLTM file without Trados?
Yes. An .sdltm file is a database that only Trados Studio opens. This tool reads it in your browser and saves it as TMX, which every CAT tool imports.
Is my memory uploaded?
No. The file is read in your browser, so client content never reaches our server.
What does the TMX keep?
Segments with their formatting tags, creation and change dates, users, last use, usage count, status, origin and custom fields (text, number, date and picklist). The context codes Trados uses for context matches are left out.
Which Trados versions work?
File-based memories from Trados Studio 2009 and later share the same format. Server memories (GroupShare) and MultiTerm termbases (.sdltb) are not supported.
Where do I find my .sdltm files?
By default in Documents\Studio 20xx\Translation Memories (for example Studio 2021), or in the TM folder inside a Trados project.
Guides
- Best memoQ Alternatives in 2026 (Free, Mac and Cloud) — Looking for a memoQ alternative? Trados, Phrase TMS, Wordfast, CafeTran, OmegaT, MateCat and Smartcat compared: who each suits, price model, key difference.
- memoQ vs Trados (2026): Price, Formats and Which to Pick — memoQ or Trados Studio? We compare 2026 pricing, Windows and Mac support, SDLXLIFF and package compatibility, TMs, team servers and agency demand.
- How to Open an SDLTM File Without Trados (Free) — Open a Trados Studio .sdltm translation memory without a licence and convert it to TMX, Excel or CSV in your browser. Step by step, plus other ways.
- Trados vs memoQ vs Smartcat vs Wordfast: CAT Tools 2026 — Which CAT tool fits you? Trados, memoQ, Smartcat, Wordfast and free options compared on price model, Mac support, file compatibility and agency use.
More free tools
- TMX and XLIFF converter — TMX, XLIFF, SDLXLIFF and PO to Excel or CSV, and back.
- TM cleaner — Find and remove duplicates, empty and broken segments in a TMX.
- TMX editor — Edit target segments with memoQ-style tags, delete units and save a TMX.
- Merge TMX files — Combine several TMX files into one, without duplicates.
- Split a TMX file — One TMX per language pair, year, user, client or size.
- Translation QA checker — Check numbers, tags, spaces and consistency in bilingual files.
- Invoice generator — Create a PDF invoice with VAT, IRPF and reverse-charge notes. Nothing leaves your browser.
- Word count & quote — Count words by match band against your TM or CAT report, price the job and download the quote PDF.
- Free tools for translators — Small tools for everyday translation work. Free, no sign-up, and files are processed in your browser.