How to Translate Google Docs Online

If you’ve tried translating Google Docs with the built-in “Translate document” feature before, you already know the challenges. Fonts, spacing, tables, and layout all reset to Google’s default styles.

For simple text, that’s fine. But if you’re translating resumes, academic papers, reports, presentations, or anything that must look professional, you need the best way to translate a Google Doc online.

Keep on reading, we’ll teach you how to translate a Google Doc the right way. You’ll learn how to use Google’s built-in tool—where it works, where it fails—and how Smallpdf helps you translate full documents without losing formatting.

How to Translate Google Docs Using Google Document Translate

Google Docs offers a built-in translation feature. It’s quick and useful for simple drafts. But it creates a new document with the translated text and default formatting.

Here’s how to use Google Document Translate correctly:

Step 1. Open Your Google Doc

Open the Google Doc you want to translate in your browser.

Step 2. Go to “Tools” > “Translate” document

Click “Tools” in the top navigation menu. Select “Translate document.”

Step 3. Choose Your Target Language

A pop-up window will appear.

Enter a name for your translated copy, then choose your target language.

Step 4. Click “Translate”

Google automatically generates a new translated version as a separate file.

When to Use Google Document Translate

Use Google’s built-in translator when you:

• Need a quick draft
• Don’t care about layout
• Are translating simple text only
• Don’t need tables, images, or formatting preserved

This covers casual, non-professional use cases, but not more than that.

Limitations of Google Document Translate

Before we show you the better way, see how limited you are with Google Docs' built-in translator.

1. Formatting Loss

Google resets:

• Fonts
• Alignment
• Tables
• Images
• Page breaks
• Headers and footers

2. Accuracy Issues

Machine translation sometimes misses context, idioms, and professional terminology.

3. File Size Limits

Google Docs struggles with:

• Translating large documents
• Embedded graphics
• Multi-page reports
• PDF-converted presentations
• Documents over 10 MB

4. Privacy Considerations

Your content is processed through Google’s servers and stored in your Google Drive indefinitely unless deleted manually. For sensitive work documents, this may not meet internal compliance requirements.

When any of the above matters, Smallpdf is the better option.

How to Translate Google Docs With Smallpdf (Step-by-Step)

Smallpdf Translate PDF preserves your document’s formatting, structure, fonts, and visuals. You can translate complex layouts, full reports, resumes, tables, and multi-page documents without losing anything in the process.

Here’s the best way to translate Google Docs online:

Step 1. Export Your Google Doc as PDF or DOCX

Open your Google Doc and click:

• “File” > “Download” > “PDF Document (.pdf)” or
• “File” > “Download” > “Microsoft Word (.docx)”

Both formats work with Smallpdf Translate PDF—just pick the one you prefer.

Step 2. Open Smallpdf Translate PDF

Go to Translate PDF.

You can upload:

• PDF
• DOCX
• XLSX
• PPTX

No manual conversion required.

Step 3. Upload From Device or Cloud

Click the upload area or drag and drop your file. You can also upload from:

1. Google Drive
2. Dropbox
3. OneDrive

Step 4. Choose Translation Type

Select:

• Entire Document: Full translation with formatting preserved
• Summary: A clean, plain-language overview

Choose your source and target languages. Smallpdf supports over 20 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Arabic, and more.

Step 5. Download Your Translated Document

Click “Translate” and download your result instantly.

If you want to continue editing the translated file, open the PDF to Word in Smallpdf and convert your translated PDF back to DOCX. You can then edit it freely in Google Docs.

Google Docs vs Smallpdf: Which Method Should You Use?

Here’s a clear comparison of Google Docs vs. Smallpdf translation features, to help you decide:

If formatting matters, Smallpdf wins.

If you need a quick text-only draft, Google’s tool is enough.

For more information, check out our guide on how Google Translate & Smallpdf differ.

Use Cases for Translating Google Docs Online

You can translate all kinds of content, including:

Business and Work

• Reports and proposals
• Client deliverables
• Contracts (non-legal drafts)
• Product sheets

School and Academic

• Essays
• Research summaries
• Presentations
• Study materials

Personal Documents

• Resumes
• Letters
• Applications
• Templates

For visually polished documents or anything that must maintain layout, Smallpdf is the better option.

How to Keep Formatting Intact (and Convert Back to Google Docs)

One advantage of Smallpdf is the ability to preserve your layout, and then re-edit the file.

Here’s how:

1. Translate your PDF or DOCX using Smallpdf.
2. Download the translated PDF.
3. Open PDF to Word.
4. Convert the translated PDF into .docx.
5. Upload the .docx to Google Drive.
6. Open in Google Docs and continue editing.

This workflow is ideal when you need to translate a formatted document for professional use.

Professional Options for Translating Google Docs

For organizations handling multiple documents or requiring consistent terminology, consider these professional approaches:

1. Translation Management Systems (TMS) and Drive Connectors

Enterprise TMS platforms can connect directly to Google Drive, allowing batch translation of multiple documents with consistent terminology and workflow management.

2. Machine Translation + Human Post-editing for Quality

Combine machine translation with human post-editing for the best of both worlds. Companies like Teva use this hybrid approach to bring vital medication information to new markets quickly and accurately.

3. Engine Choice, Terminology, and QA

Professional solutions offer multiple MT engines, custom terminology databases, and quality assurance workflows to ensure consistent, high-quality translations across all your Google Docs.

Start Translating Google Docs with Smallpdf

Google Docs is great for quick drafts, but when you need accuracy, formatting, and document integrity, Smallpdf is the better solution. Translate your files online, preserve layout, and keep everything clean and professional.

Start your free trial to access all Smallpdf tools and translate without limits.

FAQs About Translating Google Docs

How do I translate a document in Google Docs?

In Google Docs, go to “Tools” > “Translate” document, then choose your target language. A new document is created with the translated text, but formatting may be lost.

Does Google Docs support live or real-time translation?

No, Google Docs doesn’t support live or real-time translation. You can only translate static documents using its built-in tool or external solutions like Smallpdf.

What is the app that translates Google Docs?

There's no standalone Google Docs translation app. For full-document translation, use Smallpdf Translate PDF.

Can AI tools like ChatGPT translate a Google Doc?

AI tools can translate copied text from Google Docs, but they can't process the entire document with formatting intact. For complete document translation, use specialized tools like Smallpdf.

How do I convert between DOCX and Google Docs?

Upload DOCX files directly to Google Drive to open in Google Docs, or download Google Docs as DOCX via “File” > “Download” > “Microsoft Word (.docx).”

Can I translate Google Slides presentations?

Google Slides doesn't have a built-in translation feature. Export your slides as PDF and use Smallpdf's Translate tool to maintain formatting and layout.

Is online document translation secure?

Smallpdf deletes your files automatically after one hour and encrypts all processing.