How to Translate an MS Word Document

While tools like Google Translate and Microsoft Word offer basic support, they fall short when you’re working with formatted documents, scanned content, or bulk translation needs.

If you’ve been searching for how to translate a Word document and want a cleaner, faster result — Smallpdf’s Translate PDF is the solution.

Here’s a complete guide to help you do it step by step.

Option 1: Use Microsoft Word’s Built-In Translator (Basic, but Limited)

Microsoft Word has a native translation feature under the Review tab: 1. Open your .doc or .docx file 2. Go to Review > Translate > Translate Document 3. Choose your target language 4. Click Insert

This works for short, simple documents — but it has major drawbacks:

• Translated content is added into the same Word file
• Formatting often breaks, especially with images or tables
• Headers, footers, and bolded text may not carry over
• You can't easily revert or compare versions
• It doesn’t work for scanned Word documents

This method may be enough for quick edits — but if you need a shareable, well-formatted translated version, it’s not ideal.

Option 2: Use Smallpdf to Translate a Word Document (Full Formatting Preserved)

For a more reliable and layout-accurate result, convert your Word document to PDF first, then translate it with Smallpdf’s Translate PDF.

Here’s how it works:

Step-by-Step: Translate a Word Document with Smallpdf

You don’t need to convert your Word file to PDF first — Smallpdf does that for you automatically.

Just upload your .doc or .docx file and follow these steps: Step 1: Head to our Translate PDF

Step 2: Upload your Word document (.doc or .docx)

• You can also upload PDFs, PowerPoint, or Excel files

Step 3: Select your translation type

• Summary – a short translated overview
• Entire Document – a full, layout-preserving translation

Step 4: Choose your original and target languages

• For example, English → Spanish

Step 5: Click Translate

Step 6: Download the translated file

Your final document will be in PDF format with layout and fonts intact

Why Choose Smallpdf for Translating Word Documents?

Smallpdf offers key advantages over Google Translate, Microsoft Word, or AI text tools:

• Accepts both .docx and scanned Word documents (OCR included)
• Preserves headers, bold text, tables, and formatting
• Handles long documents and technical content
• Offers both summary and full translation options
• Lets you download the translated file in PDF format
• Supports font consistency for Arial, Courier, Helvetica, Times New Roman

Whether you're working with a business report, résumé, contract, or form — Smallpdf helps you translate Word documents in minutes without losing formatting.

Bonus: Other Options (And Why They Fall Short)

Google Translate

You can upload a Word file via the “Documents” tab on Google Translate, but:

• It doesn’t retain layout or fonts
• You can’t download the translated Word file
• It struggles with scanned or styled content

ChatGPT or Copilot

These tools can help translate text, but:

• They require copying and pasting content
• No formatting or structure is retained
• Not suitable for full-document use or scanned files

That’s why Smallpdf offers the best balance of accuracy, layout, and speed.

Get Accurate Translations Without Losing Formatting

If you’re tired of broken layouts, lost headings, or plain text results, Smallpdf gives you a better way to translate Word documents — with structure and fonts fully preserved.

From single-page letters to full business reports, your translated file will stay polished and professional.

FAQs

How do I translate a Word document?

You can use Word’s built-in translator, but for better formatting, convert it to PDF and upload it to Smallpdf’s Translate PDF.

How do I Google Translate an entire Word document?

Go to Google Translate → Click “Documents” → Upload your Word file → Choose your language → Click Translate. But layout and styling will be lost.