How to Translate PDF Files Online (Step by Step)

Home How to Translate PDF Files Online (Step by Step)

Learn how to translate PDF files to any language using DocTranslator, Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite. Quick and easy online tutorial.

PDF is the most popular cross-platform format for storing and distributing online documents. It preserves the original layout and formatting and it easy to print from any computer whether it runs Windows, Linux and Mac OS. The format encloses the document in the rigit structure which makes it super easy to share and preserve. However, that rigit structure can be a blessing and can be a problem. The problem with PDF translation is that it is hard to make it editable enough to perform the changes.

PDF documents could be found for all types of documents: flyers, brochures, memos and even technical manuals and handbooks. In this article, we will go over the whole list of options on how to get your PDF file translated online using all sorts of online tools that we have found.

Contents:

  1. Overview – The Structure of PDF Files
  2. Translate PDF with DocTranslator
  3. Translate PDF with Google Translate
  4. Translate PDF with Google Docs
  5. Translate PDF in Microsoft Office

The Structure of PDF Files

A PDF file is like a digital printout. You can create and print a document from any software but once the ink is dry, you can’t make any changes to it.

PDF files are the digital equivalent of this. They can be saved from any software like Word, Illustrator or InDesign so that others can view the document exactly as it was designed by the maker.

In that sense, PDF files are not editable but there are ways to do it – just not perfectly. Even if one uses a PDF editor or convertor tool, there will be many issues like:

  • Missing fonts and broken text;
  • Missing formatting;
  • Documents that don’t open after the translation;
  • Documents that create issues when printing them;
  • PDF that was converted into the wrong source file format.

With these in mind, let’s explore how you can translate PDF files while keeping their formatting as much as possible.

Translate PDF with DocTranslator

DocTranslator.com is probably the most universal and reliable option to convert your PDF files from one language to another. It preserves the original layout, formatting and supports over 100 languages. The translation is done automatically with help of high quality artificial intelligence and it saves you time and money. For reference, the human translation starts at $0.06/word and turnaround time is 24 hours or longer. Contrary, the DocTranslator translation rate is $0.001/word – that’s 60 times cheaper, and a turnaround time is 5 minutes – that’s 288 times faster. Summary: DocTranslator is 60 times cheaper and 288 times faster than human translator.

Steps required:

  • Create a free account at: DocTranslator.com
  • Go to the Translations Tab and follow 4 simple steps.
  • Step 1. Choose a File
  • Step 2. Select Original Language
  • Step 3. Select Target Language
  • Step 4. Upload
  • Translation begins and the status changes as “Processing“
  • Wait a little and download page appears.
  • Click “Download” button and save the translated file.

Translate PDF with Google Translate

We are pretty sure you’ve heard about Google and its online translator: Google Translate. But did you know that it also can translate PDF files? What’s the catch? The output will not be maintained. You will upload PDF, but will have to download a web page only.

Here are the steps:

  1. Visit the Translate a Document tool.
  2. Choose the language to translate from and to. Or leave the default language to ‘Detect language’.
  3. Click ‘Choose File’ and then click the blue ‘Translate’ button.
  4. Let Google work its magic.
  5. You will get a pop-up with the PDF file translated. No actual PDF provided.

There are three advantages of using Google Translate for documents:

  • 100% free
  • One click conversion
  • Works in any web browser

Translate PDF with Google Docs

Google Docs has a built-in online translator which is convenient to use and covert documents from one language to another. To activate it, please following this instruction:

  1. Login to Google Docs and open your first document
  2. Navigate to menu: “Tools” and in the drop down menu chose “Translate document”

3. Select language

4. Click on “Translate”

In a few seconds, your document will reload in a new windows and the translation will appear.

Translate PDF in Microsoft Office

Last, but not least. We will show you how to translate your document using the Microsoft Office software.

The latest version of MS Word 365 allows both partial text translation inside of a document, or a whole document translation. Since we are only focusing on how to translate an entire document in this article, we will focus on the second option.

To translate your document using MS Office built-in tool, follow these steps:

  1. Open your Word document and select Review > Translate > Translate Document.

2. In the Translation popup menu, select FROM and TO languages. Then, hit “Translate” button

3. The software will begin converting your document and once ready, you can save it as a separate file.