When it comes to translating content, many of us think of Google Translate first. It’s a powerful, widely used tool that supports over 100 languages.
When it comes to translating content, many of us think of Google Translate first. It’s a powerful, widely used tool that supports over 100 languages.
But what happens when you need to translate a scanned PDF document? That’s where things get a little tricky.
Simply put, Google Translate can’t translate scanned PDFs directly. This limitation arises because scanned PDFs are typically treated as image files containing non-editable text. Google Translate may struggle to recognize and process this type of file without additional steps.
That’s exactly why I created this guide—to help you translate a scanned PDF document with ease, accuracy, and at no cost.
Why Google Translate Can’t Handle Scanned PDFs
Before we get to the solution, it’s essential to understand why Google Translate can’t translate scanned PDFs effectively.
PDFs that are scanned are essentially image files. Instead of editable text, they contain visual representations of letters and words.
Since Google Translate a scanned PDF feature doesn’t include OCR (Optical Character Recognition), it cannot identify or extract text from these image files. This means the tool is unable to process the content for translation.
How to Translate Scanned PDFs
As an alternative and cost-free solution to Google Translate, you can use the Smallpdf PDF Translator. With advanced OCR technology, it extracts text from scanned PDFs and translates it effortlessly. Here's how to do it:
Step-by-Step Guide to Translate a Scanned PDF
- Visit Smallpdf’s Translator Tool
Visit Translate PDF to get started.
- Upload Your Scanned PDF
Either click the “Choose File” button to upload your document or drag and drop your scanned PDF directly into the tool.
- Select the Translation Option
- Choose whether you want a full document translation or just an AI-generated summary of the content.
- Pick the target language from the “Translate to…” dropdown menu.
- Enable OCR if Necessary
If your document is a scanned file or contains image-based text, Smallpdf will automatically apply OCR to extract the text for translation.
-
Click ‘Translate’ Hit the “Translate” button, and within moments, your document will translate into your chosen language.
-
Download the Translated File
Once the translation is complete, you can download the translated PDF file and review it.
How to Translate a Scanned PDF
Translator PDF Key Advantages:
- Supports All Major File Formats: Translate not just PDFs, but also JPG, PNG, Word, Excel, PPT, and more.
- Unlimited Translation: You can translate as many documents as you need—no restrictions!
- Data Privacy: Smallpdf complies with strict GDPR and ISO certifications, using top-tier encryption to protect your files.
Why Choose Smallpdf for Scanned PDF Translations?
When compared to the challenge of figuring out how to translate scanned PDFs in Google Translate, Smallpdf provides a seamless and reliable solution. Here’s why:
- Advanced OCR Tools: Unlike Google Translate, Smallpdf automatically recognizes and extracts text from images with its built-in OCR technology.
- Translation Options: Choose between a quick AI-generated summary or a complete translation of the document.
- Ease of Use: The tool is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to translate files in seconds.
- Wide Language Support: Translate documents to and from English, Spanish, German, French, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and more.
Smallpdf saves you the trouble of downloading additional apps or splitting tasks across multiple tools. Everything you need is online and ready to go.
FAQs
Can Google Translate a scanned PDF document?
No. Google Translate doesn’t directly support translating scanned PDFs because it cannot extract text from these files without prior OCR conversion.
What is OCR, and how does it help translate scanned PDFs?
OCR, or Optical Character Recognition, is a technology that extracts text from image-based files. Smallpdf uses OCR to convert scanned PDFs into readable text that can then be translated.
How secure is Smallpdf for translating documents?
Smallpdf complies with GDPR and ISO/IEC standards, ensuring all documents uploaded for translation are private and secure. They also use TLS encryption for added protection.
Are there limits to how many PDFs I can translate with Smallpdf?
Nope! Both free and paid users can translate unlimited PDF documents using Smallpdf.
