How to Translate Word Document

Short answer

In Word for Microsoft 365, select Review > Translate > Translate Document, pick a language and select Translate; Word opens a translated copy. Without Microsoft 365, use Google Docs' Tools > Translate document, or upload the .docx to a document translator that returns an editable Word file.

Three ways to translate a Word document

Method 1

Microsoft Word

Best for: Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 users with a short document

  1. Open the document in Word.
  2. Select Review > Translate > Translate Document.
  3. Choose the language you want and select Translate.
  4. Word opens a translated copy in a separate window. Save it as a new file.

Needs a Microsoft 365 subscription or Office 2021, an internet connection and Office connected experiences turned on.

Method 2

Google Docs

Best for: A quick, free translation when formatting matters less

  1. Upload the .docx to Google Drive and open it with Google Docs.
  2. Select Tools > Translate document.
  3. Name the copy, choose the language and select Translate.
  4. Open the new copy and use File > Download > Microsoft Word (.docx).

The file is converted to Google Docs format and back, so Word-specific formatting can change.

Method 3

PageTranslate

Best for: Long documents, books, and files you need back as an editable DOCX

  1. Upload the .docx below (up to 100 MB).
  2. Choose one of 70 languages and check the exact price.
  3. Pay once, with no account required.
  4. Download the translated DOCX and open it in Word.

Paid per 1,000 words; a free account includes 3,000 starter words to try it.

Which method keeps your formatting?

Word's built-in translator keeps the document in Word, so headings and styles usually survive. It is the quickest choice for a memo or a letter if you already pay for Microsoft 365.

Google Docs is free, but the round trip from .docx to Google Docs and back can change fonts, spacing, headers and footers.

A document translator like PageTranslate is built for long files: a thesis, a manual or a whole book manuscript. You upload once, see the exact price, and download an editable DOCX with headings, lists and bold or italic text in place. Text boxes, complex tables and tracked changes are the parts most likely to need a manual fix. See the DOCX translator for what is kept.

Real output, not a mockup

Example: a Word memo, English to German

A short memo we wrote for this example. The date, section numbers and the imperative instructions stay intact in German.

Original · English

Project update: Q3 onboarding guide

GermanProjekt-Update: Q3-Einarbeitungsleitfaden

The revised guide replaces the version shared in June.

GermanDer überarbeitete Leitfaden ersetzt die im Juni geteilte Version.

Please review sections 2 and 4 before Friday, 12 September.

GermanBitte überprüfen Sie die Abschnitte 2 und 4 vor Freitag, 12. September.

Send comments to the documentation team; do not edit the shared file directly.

GermanSenden Sie Kommentare an das Dokumentationsteam; bearbeiten Sie die geteilte Datei nicht direkt.

Sample Word memo — Fictional memo written for this demonstration. Translated by our production translation engine (4 segments, September 26, 2026). The output is shown unedited.

Translate your Word document now

Upload the .docx and get the exact price before paying. You download an editable Word file in the language you choose.

Drop your Word document

DOCX up to 100 MB. Choose the language at checkout.

Drop your file here

or click to browse your computer

Related questions

Word document translation questions

Can I translate a Word document for free?

Yes. Google Docs' Tools > Translate document is free. PageTranslate gives verified free accounts 3,000 starter words. Word's own translator is included with Microsoft 365 and Office 2021.

Why is there no Translate button in my Word?

Translate Document requires Microsoft 365 or Office 2021, an internet connection and Office connected experiences turned on. Older versions of Word do not include it.

How do I translate a Word document and keep the formatting?

Use a method that stays in .docx: Word's own translator, or a document translator that returns an editable DOCX. Converting to another format and back is where formatting usually breaks.

How do I translate a long Word document?

Upload it to a document translator that accepts large files. PageTranslate accepts .docx files up to 100 MB and shows the exact price before you pay.

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