Translate a document and keep its layout
A Word, PDF or slide deck fully translated, with headings, tables and styles intact.
Beginner 15 min
The tools in this recipe
Whole-file translation (DOCX, PPTX, PDF) keeping the layout
Freemium · from 8.99 €Data with the vendorSecurity: nothing to flag
See the card →- LanguageToolPlugin
Grammar check of the translated version
Freemium · from 4.99 €Data with the vendorSecurity: nothing to flag
See the card → - Immersive TranslatePlugin
Bilingual reading of a web page or PDF without translating it for real (optional)
FreemiumLocal or cloud depending on useSecurity: one caveat, see the card
See the card →
Step by step
- 1
Prepare the file
Accept all tracked changes and delete comments: DeepL translates them too, and it surprises the recipient.
- 2
Create a glossary
In DeepL, add 10 to 20 imposed terms (product name, job titles, legal phrases). That is the difference between “correct” and “consistent with your vocabulary”.
- 3
Translate the file
Translate the whole document, not pasted chunks: term consistency and layout depend on the full file.
- 4
Proofread with LanguageTool
Open the translated version with LanguageTool: it catches agreements broken by translation and doubled words.
- 5
Have a native speaker read it
For a contractual or public document, human review stays mandatory. AI saves you the first pass, not the responsibility.
Real example
- Situation
- 18-page internal security policy, Word, with 6 tables and three-level numbering, to translate into English.
- What we asked / set
- No conversational prompt. DeepL glossary of 14 entries (“RSSI” → “CISO”, “habilitation” → “access authorisation”, etc.). DOCX file translation, formality: “more formal”.
- What we got
- File translated in 40 seconds, numbering and tables intact. LanguageTool raises 9 alerts, 6 of them relevant. Human review: 25 minutes.
Check by hand before using it
- ✓Glossary terms appear everywhere in the same form (Ctrl+F on three of them).
- ✓Numbers, dates and clause references did not change.
- ✓Headers, footers and table captions are translated too.
Your data: precautions
- !DeepL’s free version keeps the text to improve the service; the Pro version commits to deleting it. For an internal document, use Pro.
- !A scanned (image) PDF cannot be translated: run text recognition first.
- !Do not translate a signed contract “for information” without marking it as a non-binding translation.
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Each recipe was actually done. The tools cited are scored and rechecked every week; no placement is sold.