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bryand4307165
bryand4307165
New Participant
March 18, 2016
Answered

Translating PDF Documents

  • March 18, 2016
  • 14 replies
  • 329447 views

What is the easiest way to translate a pdf doc from a foreign language to english.  I am using Adobe Acrobat DC

 

[Discussion locked by moderator. This is NOT the place to upload files for translation]

    Correct answer try67

    There is no easy way to do it in the PDF format, because it was not built for such tasks. If you only have access to the PDF then export it to another format (like Word), translate it there and then create a new PDF. If you can get the original file used to create the PDF then use it for the translation, and then create a new PDF when done.

    14 replies

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    F
    First0101
    New Participant
    January 26, 2021

    I just found out probably the easiest way to translate a PDF. Export the file to HTML web page, and Google translate on chrome will automatically translate it for you. 

     

    File>Export to> HTML Web Page

    For a paid program this should be a standard feature just sayin..

      A
      alb35762
      New Participant
      May 17, 2020

      Hi there,

      is there a quick solution or plug-in in acrobat when you select a word in a document and in real time you have the translation?

      Thank you

        P
        PEDRO5FFA
        New Participant
        November 2, 2020

        Use QTranslate.

        D
        derekteacher
        Known Participant
        August 30, 2017

        Here is the best way.

        Step 1: Go to Google translate (https://translate.google.com/ )

        Step 2: Click where it says "translate a document."

        Step 3: An option will allow you to choose a document. You can drag and drop the file (the drag and drop can be a little tricky to get it just right) or you can upload it the old fashioned way. Once the file is uploaded click the blue "Translate" button. This will load your translated document into a new tab on your web browser.

        Step 4: Right click this new page in your web browser and select the button print. Change the output of your print to a .PDF.

        Step 5: Do a happy dance.

          &
          &&&&&&&&&&&&&
          New Participant
          May 16, 2022

          Heel duidelijk zo stapsgewijs  !!!!!!!!!!  Bedankt!

          try67
          try67Correct answer
          Community Expert
          March 18, 2016

          There is no easy way to do it in the PDF format, because it was not built for such tasks. If you only have access to the PDF then export it to another format (like Word), translate it there and then create a new PDF. If you can get the original file used to create the PDF then use it for the translation, and then create a new PDF when done.

          Dov Isaacs
          Dov Isaacs
          Brainiac
          March 18, 2016

          To expand on this, PDF is what is known as a “final form file format” as opposed to an editable document format such as you would have with Word, WordPerfect, FrameMaker, InDesign, etc.

          PDF has no real concept of sentences, paragraphs, articles, etc. and at best, heuristics can be used by Acrobat to allow simple text edits. When you get to translation, you are effectively replacing all the text with content that very likely uses either more or fewer characters and space. Acrobat's text edit is for touch-up, not major text replacement.

                       - Dov

          - Dov Isaacs, former Adobe Principal Scientist (April 30, 1990 - May 30, 2021)
            D
            defaultxtnyp286f668
            Inspiring
            February 9, 2025

            Saying final form file format is just a cheep excuse.  If this ment if could not be translated then going to a different company would not work.  Adobe is the only software that dosn't want people to connect accross boarders.  Ether that of they are unable to hire decent programmers.

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