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How to Translate Legal Documents with AI

by Stéphane Turquay

Need help with legal document translation? Legal documents are packed with complex terms, strict formatting, and vital details that can’t be lost.

With Smallpdf’s AI-powered Translate PDF, you can seamlessly translate legal documents while maintaining their integrity and context.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use our tool step by step.

Why Use AI for Translating Legal Documents?

Translating legal documents isn’t just about changing one language to another. It’s about preserving context, ensuring accuracy, and retaining specific legal nuances. Here’s why using AI to translate legal documents is a smarter choice:

  • Accuracy: Advanced algorithms ensure complex legal terminology is translated correctly and consistently.
  • Speed: AI speeds up the process, delivering translations within minutes instead of days.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Forget expensive human translators. AI solutions offer professional-grade results at a fraction of the cost.
  • Scalability: Whether you’re translating a single page or an entire contract, AI handles large volumes effortlessly.

With Smallpdf’s Translate PDF, translating legal documents has never been easier. Let's explore how it works.

Step-by-Step Guide to Translating Legal Documents with Smallpdf

Step 1: Access the Translate PDF Tool

Start by visiting Translate PDF. This tool is designed to simplify complex translations directly within your browser.

Step 2: Upload Your Legal Document

Uploading your document is effortless:

  • Drag and drop your file into the designated area, or click to upload it from your device.
  • We support multiple formats, including PDF, Word, JPG, PNG, and more.
  • Thanks to our OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities, even image-based documents can be converted into translatable text.

Step 3: Choose Your Translation Mode

Do you need an entire document translated or just a high-level summary? We offer two modes:

  • Entire Document: For a detailed, word-for-word translation.
  • Summary: Ideal for extracting key insights or getting a general understanding.

Simply select the option that best fits your needs.

Step 4: Select Your Target Language

Smallpdf supports translations into major global languages, such as:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Chinese
  • Arabic, and many more.

Use the dropdown menu to pick the language you need. No matter where in the world your legal dealings are, we’ve got you covered.

Step 5: Start the Translation

Now, click “Translate.” Our AI works quickly to deliver results while preserving the document’s context, formatting, and structure. Unlike manual methods, it ensures that your translated document mirrors the original in clarity and coherence.

Pro Tip: While our system handles complex layouts very well, some highly detailed designs may need minor adjustments.

Step 6: Explore AI Insights

Take advantage of our built-in AI chat feature:

  • Clarify specific legal jargon or terms in the document.
  • Request additional context for challenging sections.
  • Use it as a multilingual assistant to better understand intricacies in cross-border legal communications.

Step 7: Download and Secure Your Document

Once you’ve reviewed the translation, download the final file. Your document remains secure throughout the process, thanks to:

  • GDPR compliance
  • ISO/IEC certification
  • Industry-standard encryption measures to keep your information private and safe.
Translating Legal Documents with Smallpdf

Translating Legal Documents with Smallpdf

Benefits of Using Smallpdf for Legal Document Translation

Here’s how Smallpdf stands apart when it comes to translating legal documents: 1. Ease of Use

No steep learning curves. The entire process is user-friendly and completed online, making it accessible from any device.

  1. Speed

Forget time-consuming manual processes. Translate large legal documents in just minutes.

  1. Precision

Legal translations require absolute accuracy, and our AI ensures nothing gets lost in translation.

  1. Versatile File Handling

Whether your files are PDFs, Word documents, or images, Smallpdf processes them all seamlessly.

  1. Security

Your data is safe with us. We prioritize privacy and data protection at every step.

  1. Affordability

Contrary to traditional legal document translation services, our AI saves you money while delivering professional results.

Ready to Translate Your Legal Documents?

Why struggle with manual legal document translation when you can simplify the process? Smallpdf lets you focus on what matters most while saving you time, money, and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can officially translate a document?

Certified translators or translation services are often required for legal documents, though AI tools like Smallpdf can work as a fast, efficient alternative for drafts or internal use.

How can I translate a legal document?

Simply use the Smallpdf Translate PDF. Upload your document, choose a target language, and download your translated file.

How much does a legal translation cost?

Professional translation services often charge per word or per page, but with our tool, you can translate legal documents completely free of charge.

How much should I pay someone to translate a document?

Pricing can vary, but human translation services may cost between $0.10–$0.50 per word. You can save significantly by using AI solutions (or spend $0 with our tool).

How much does a legal translation cost per page?

Costs range roughly between $20–$150 per page for human translation. Using AI offers a more budget-friendly option (free with us).

Can I translate my own legal documents?

Yes, especially if you’re just drafting or editing. However, official translations often require a certified translator for compliance.

What are legal translated documents?

These are documents translated from one language to another while maintaining their legal validity and context.

What qualifies as a certified translation?

A certified translation usually comes with a signed statement from the translator or agency verifying that the document is an accurate representation of the original.

Stéphane Turquay – Principal Product Manager at Smallpdf
Stéphane Turquay
Principal Product Manager @Smallpdf