Google Translation Features

The Translate tool in Google Docs leverages Google Translate to provide automated translation of documents from one language to another.

Translate a document:

1. Open a document in Google Docs.
2. In the top menu, click Tools > Translate document.
3. Enter a name for the translated document and select a language.
4. Click Translate.
5. A translated copy of your document will open in a new window. This copy will be saved in your Google Drive.

Tip: If "Translate document" isn't visible, you're likely in Microsoft Office editing. To translate, convert your file to Google Docs. 

Change your typing language:

1. Open a document in Google Docs, a presentation in Google Slides, or a sheet in Google Sheets.
   • In Google Docs or Google Slides, go to the top menu and click File > Language > the language you need.
     

• • In Google Sheets, go to the top menu and click File > Spreadsheet settings, then pick the locale of the language you need.

1. When you choose a non-Latin language, the “Input tools menu” will show in the toolbar. To enter non-Latin characters like Hindi or Chinese, click the Down arrow ▼ next to the “Input tools menu."  Note: You can also open the “Input tools menu” by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift + K (PC) or ⌘ + Option + Shift + K (Mac) on your keyboard.

• • Phonetic input: Type the phonetic spelling of a word in Latin characters, then click the best match from the options on the screen.
  • Keyboard input: To type letters and symbols, click the keys of a virtual keyboard or type matching keys with your physical keyboard.
  • In handwriting input: Draw characters in a panel in the bottom right of your screen, then click the best match from the options on the screen.

Additional Resources: 

• Google Support page for Translate: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/187189?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
• YouTube Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHNrQvCrs8c

Technology Support for Google Products

EdTech offers consultations on using Google products. For more information or to schedule a one-on-one consultation, email the EdTech team via AskEdTech@bu.edu.