How can I translate PDF files?
This article covers the following topics regarding PDF translations:
- Translation of whole PDF files with the formatting preserved (available in the web translator, desktop apps, and API)
- Translation of text extracted from PDF files without preserving the formatting (only in the desktop apps and mobile apps)
- Translation quality of PDF files
- Downloading a .docx file instead of a PDF file after the translation
Translation of whole PDF files with the formatting preserved (available in the web translator, desktop apps, and API)
If you want to translate whole PDF files and keep the formatting of the original document in the translation output, you can do so by using the document translation feature.
Please note that document translation is not available for users without a DeepL account on the web translator.
The number of file translations available per month depends on your subscription plan.
You can translate entire PDF files by opening the document translation area:
- In the web translator, click on Translate files
- In the DeepL for Windows app, click on Translate files
- In the DeepL for Mac app, click on Files
Your texts will be processed exclusively within the European Economic Area when using this feature. You can find more information about this here.
DeepL also supports this feature in API requests.
Translation of text extracted from PDF files without preserving the formatting (only in the desktop apps and mobile apps)
If you want to translate PDF files without keeping the original formatting, you can translate them in the DeepL for Windows/Mac app or in the DeepL for Android/iOS app.
Please note that with this feature, only the plain text from your PDF file will be extracted for translation. Pictures or graphs included in the original file will not be included in the translation.
To translate PDF files in the desktop apps, just drag and drop your PDF file in the text translation area (Translate text for the Windows app / text for the Mac app). Alternatively, you can go to Files for Mac or Translate files for Windows and select a PDF file for translation by clicking on Browse.
You'll be asked if you would like to extract the text from your file or translate the full document. Click on the Text only button for the Windows app or the Extract text button in the Mac app.
The text from your PDF file will be extracted into the text translation area and translated to the language of your choice without the formatting being preserved.
To translate PDF files in the mobile apps, tap on the folder icon and select a file. The extracted text from your file will also be translated to the language of your choice without the formatting being preserved.
You can find more information about how to translate documents in the mobile apps in this article.
Translation quality of PDF files
Please note that since PDF file translation relies on optical character recognition, it may be subject to a higher error rate.
If you are unsatisfied with the whole PDF file translation and your PDF file was created from a .docx or .pptx document, you can try translating the source document instead.
Custom fonts and large image sizes might impact the quality of translation. If possible, use documents with fewer visual elements.
When translating a scanned document, please note that the quality of the scan might impact the translation quality.
Downloading a .docx file instead of a PDF file after translation
If you have a DeepL Pro Advanced or Ultimate subscription, you have the option to choose whether you would like to download your translation as a .docx file instead of a PDF file. This feature is currently only supported on the web translator and DeepL for Windows app.
After the translation of your PDF file, a Download button with a dropdown menu will appear.
When you click on the button, you can select the file type for your translation. To download your translation as a PDF file, click the option Download PDF. To download the translation as a .docx file, click on the option Download Word (.docx).
Please note that it is not possible to download your translation again in another file format after you have already downloaded it. To download your translation in another file format, you need to translate it again.
This feature is not supported for DeepL Pro Starter subscriptions or for free users. You can find more information about our plans and pricing here.