How To Translate a Google Doc in 5 Steps [Alternatives Included]

Just like Google dominates the search engine landscape, Google Docs has become a well-known name for word processing. And you might be wondering: How to translate a Google Docs file? Actually, it’s easy, especially for personal or casual use.

Google Docs itself has a built-in feature for document translation. In this guide, you’ll learn to translate a document in this online app into over 100 languages. But is it the only option? Keep reading and explore alternative ways to translate your Google Docs for maximum reach.

Part 1: How To Translate a Google Doc?

Google Docs translation works best for shorter and more straightforward documents. For these types of documents, here’s how to translate documents in Google Docs:

Step 1: Go to your Google Drive and open the document you want to translate. Click the Tools tab in the top navigation pane. From the dropdown menu, select Translate document.

Step 2: A pop-up window will appear to configure the translation.

• Name the translated document: In the New document title field, enter a new name for the document copy.
• Choose the target language: Select the language you want to translate the document from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Once you’ve set the document name and target language, click the Translate button.

Step 4: Google Docs will create a new document with the translated text. This new document will open in a separate tab.

Step 5: Review the translated document for accuracy, especially for complex documents or nuanced language. You can edit the translated text directly in the new document using the editing tools in Google Docs.

Part 2: Limitations of the Built-In Feature To Translate a Google Document

One of the standout features of Google Docs is its ease of use and online accessibility. It’s a reliable tool for many tasks, including document translation. Moreover, with a wide selection of over 100 languages available, you have plenty of options. Despite its advantages, the Google Docs Translate document feature comes with its own set of limitations.

Limited to Computer Use Only

Currently, translating documents with Google Docs only works on a computer. You can’t translate Google Docs on Android phones and iPhones/iPads. It might be a hassle if you like to work while you’re out and about or need fast translations when you’re not at your computer.

Cannot Translate Partial Content

Google Docs translates your whole document in one go. You can’t highlight and choose words or sections to translate. It can be inconvenient if you only need to translate certain parts. While you can use Google Translate and upload a document in another browser tab or install extensions, it’s an extra step.

No Batch Processing

Google Docs can’t translate several documents at once. It is a hassle if you have different files to translate, like for various projects. You’ll need to translate each document one at a time, which can take a while.

Potential Formatting Issues

Finally, while translating documents, there’s a risk of formatting discrepancies. The translated document in Google Docs may not retain the original layout. It can be a problem if you need the format to stay the same.

Part 3: Alternative Ways To Translate Google Document

You learned how to translate in Google Docs, but it has limitations. Want more options? Google Translate and Google Docs work for daily use. However, there are better tools for professional or specialized documents. These offer features like app integration, better security, and more translation options. Here are some great alternatives for translating documents on any device.

Method 1: Translate a Google Doc on a Desktop Using PDFelement

PDFelement ProPDFelement Pro translates Google Docs easily, making it a great choice. It’s an all-in-one PDF solution that works on almost any device. PDFelement uses AI to translate PDFs, Word documents from Google Docs, and even scanned files. With a user-friendly interface, you can navigate the app quickly and translate documents in seconds. It makes PDFelement perfect for professionals and organizations that often translate large documents.

iOS 14.0 or later

Android 7.0 and up

When looking for an alternative to translate a Google document, consider PDFelement for these reasons:

• Preserved Formatting: PDFelement keeps the formatting of your document exactly the way it is. It will look professional and polished even after it’s translated into another language.
• Flexible Translation Options: Translate PDFs your way. Choose to translate your entire document, selected pages, or specific sections. PDFelement handles over 100 languages accurately, ensuring seamless communication across borders.
• File Conversion: PDFelement translates PDFs, Word files, and even scanned documents. It converts anything to PDF for translation, then lets you switch it back to Word, Image, or PPT format after.
• Real-time Comparison: You can see the original and translated versions of the PDF side-by-side. That makes it easy to compare, catch changes, and read through them efficiently.

How To Translate Google Docs File Using AI by PDFelement?

Although PDFelement can’t directly access your Google Docs files, there’s a simple workaround. Here’s how to translate Google Docs using PDFelement AI on your desktop:

Step 1: Convert your Google Doc to a PDF. Go to File > Download > PDF Document from the upper navigation pane.

Step 2: Download PDFelement on your desktop and launch the app once installed.

Step 3: Click Open PDF in the main interface to upload the PDF document.

iOS 14.0 or later

Android 7.0 and up

Step 4: On the Home tab, navigate to AI Tools and select Translate PDF from the dropdown menu.

iOS 14.0 or later

Android 7.0 and up

Step 5: A pop-up window will open. Pick the language you want to translate to from the dropdown menu. Enter the Page Range and choose an Output Folder. Once done, click the Translate button.

Step 6: Open the translated document from the folder you previously chose. Review the translation and edit the PDF file if you want. You can also convert the PDF to Word document format.

iOS 14.0 or later

Android 7.0 and up

Method 2: Translate Google Documents Online Using Smartling

Smartling integrates with Google Drive, letting you access Google Docs within the software. Need it fast? Machine translation is easy. Want another option? Smartling connects you with human translators. They handle everything, keeping your brand voice on point. Finally, the translated document is delivered back to your designated Drive folder – easy and efficient.

How To Translate on Google Docs Directly With Smartling?

Smartling allows the translation of one file or a Google Docs folder. Plus, you can set deadlines for your translation projects. Here’s how to leverage Smartling Google Drive integration for translations:

Step 1: You’ll need a Smartling account to proceed. With the integration setup, source files in your Google Drive become accessible within the Smartling platform.

Step 2: Log in to Smartling and locate the desired Google Doc within your Drive.

Step 3: Once you’ve selected the files, request the translation job within Smartling.

Step 4: Smartling delivers the translated documents back to your Google Drive upon completion.

Method 3: Translate Google Docs Directly Using Smartcat

With Smartcat, you get both machine and human translation in one place. It uses AI to translate text in over 280 languages, improving each edit. You can work with professional translators through Smartcat’s network for projects that require a human touch. Plus, it supports over 80 types of files and Google Docs AI translation, making it easier to create multilingual content.

How To Translate a Google Doc Using Smartcat?

You can simplify localization with Smartcat’s Google Drive integration. It pulls documents for translation and pushes them back when done. Here’s how you can translate Google Documents on the go:

Step 1: Create a new folder in your Google Drive to store documents you want to translate using Smartcat.

Step 2: Log in to your Smartcat account and create an integration project. Navigate to the Integrations tab and click Set up integration from the pop-up window.

Step 3: Provide the URL of the Google Drive folder you created.

Step 4: Choose the target languages you want your documents translated into. Smartcat will also allow you to define the translation workflow. You can select machine translation, human translation, or a hybrid approach.

Step 5: Click Translate to pull your documents from the Google Drive folder into your Smartcat project.

Step 6: Translate the document’s content using Smartcat tools.

Step 7: After translation, return to the Smartcat integration settings. Select the Push translations back checkbox and click the SYNC NOW button. You can now check the translated documents on Google Docs.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how to translate a Google Doc file and folder using built-in features and external apps. However, using Google Docs can have limitations, especially with complex documents. Consider alternative methods explored in Part 3 for more polished and accurate results. When choosing an alternative, prioritize features that best suit your needs. Don’t hesitate to explore PDFelement for an easy and efficient document translation experience.

iOS 14.0 or later

Android 7.0 and up