This paper deals with multifaceted dimensions of the translation process. The two major issues addressed are: (a) the semiotic interrelationship of verbal and nonverbal text parts, and (b) parallel translations for different target cultures. In principle, both verbal and visual information is localized in accordance with translation theory. By comparing source texts with their translations in various languages, we can establish what is standard practice in the translation industry. To this end, analysis was carried out on several aspects of figures (segmentation, caption, type of figure, linkage to verbal text) in texts written for specialist and non-specialist audiences. Findings are presented in a series of charts. The answer to the question as to whether or not figure features are adapted to the target culture’s conventions depends on where the texts have been translated. When texts are translated in the target culture, there is evidence that measures for adapting them to text type conventions are sometimes taken. However, if the texts are translated where they have been written, i.e. in the source culture, when it comes to adapting figures to the target culture, we find that only inscriptions in figures are sometimes translated. Regardless of the manufacturers’ nationality or field of business and of whether the texts are addressed to specialist or non-specialist audiences, current practice in user brochures of German and Japanese provenance can be characterized as the mere reproduction of figures in all target texts.