To translate a document in Google Docs, open it on a computer and click Tools > Translate document. Name the new copy, pick a language, and click Translate. Google makes a translated copy that opens in a new window and is saved to your Google Drive. Your original document does not change.
This guide covers Google Docs in a web browser on a computer. It also covers what to do when the option is missing, how to type in another language, and how to translate a Word file or PDF with Google Translate. The steps follow Google’s help page on translating documents and Google Translate’s document translation help.
How to Translate a Document in Google Docs
- Open your document in Google Docs on a computer.
- Click Tools in the menu at the top of the page.
- Click Translate document. A small window asks for a name and a language.
- Type a name for the translated copy, or keep the one Google suggests. The new file uses this name in Drive.
- Choose the language you want to translate into.
- Click Translate. A translated copy of your document opens in a new window.
The copy is a separate Google Doc, so you can edit it, share it, or download it without touching the original. You can also find it later in your Google Drive.
Check the Translation
Machine translation is a good starting point, not a final draft. Before you share the copy, read through it, or ask a fluent speaker to review anything important, such as a contract, a form, or a message to a customer. Names, technical terms, and idioms are the most likely to need a fix. If the copy is in a supported language, you can also run spell check in Google Docs to catch typos.
Why Is Translate Document Missing?
This usually means you are editing a Microsoft Office file, such as a Word .docx file, in Office editing mode instead of a Google Doc. To fix it:
- Click File > Save as Google Docs. Google makes a Google Docs version of the file.
- Open the new copy and go to Tools > Translate document again.
For more on file conversion, read about converting a PDF or Word file to a Google Doc.
Can You Translate on a Phone or Tablet?
Not in the Google Docs app. To translate a document, open it in Google Docs on a computer. On a phone or tablet, you can still type in another language by using your keyboard app, such as Gboard.
Translate a Word File or PDF With Google Translate
If you would rather not convert a file, Google Translate can translate a whole document and give you a download. It handles .docx, .pdf, .pptx and .xlsx files up to 10 MB, and PDFs of 300 pages or less.
- In your browser, go to Google Translate and click Documents at the top.
- Choose the languages to translate from and to, or click Detect language for the original.
- Click Browse your computer and select your file.
- Click Translate and wait for it to finish.
- Click Download translation to save the translated file to your computer.
There are a few limits: document translation is not available on smaller screens or mobile, and text inside images or scanned PDF pages shows up in the output but is not translated.
How to Change Your Typing Language
Translating a document makes a copy. If you want to write in another language yourself, change the typing language instead:
- In Google Docs, click File > Language.
- Choose the language you want to type in.
If you choose a language that does not use the Latin alphabet, such as Hindi or Chinese, an Input tools menu appears in the toolbar. Click the down arrow next to it to pick a method. You can also open it with Ctrl + Alt + Shift + K on a PC or Command + Option + Shift + K on a Mac.
- Phonetic: type the word as it sounds in Latin letters, then pick the best match.
- Keyboard: click keys on a virtual keyboard, or type the matching keys on your own keyboard.
- Handwriting: draw characters in a panel at the bottom right, then pick the best match. In Google Workspace accounts, an admin setting has to allow it.
For languages that use the Latin alphabet, such as Spanish or French, you can type accent marks above letters with your regular keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does translating change my original document?
No. Google Docs creates a new translated copy and leaves the original as it was.
Where is the translated copy saved?
It opens in a new window and is saved in your Google Drive, under the name you gave it.
Can I translate only part of a document?
The Translate document tool translates the whole file. To translate one section, copy it into a new Google Doc and translate that.
Related Guides
- How to search for a word in Google Docs
- How to get a word count in Google Docs
- How to make Google Docs read to you
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
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