Part 1. The Importance of Maintaining the Original Formatting

It is very important to maintain formatting when translating PDFs for the following reasons:

Professionalism: Maintaining formatting is key to keeping the document professional when translating business documents, legal contracts, or academic papers. Even if the content is accurate, it will look unprofessional if the text is not aligned.

Clarity and Readability: Many PDF files contain complex formatting elements such as tables, columns, bullet points, and images. If these elements are altered during translation, the document may become difficult to read or lose its original meaning.

Part 2. Guide to Translate PDF Without Losing Formatting

When translating PDFs, choosing the right tool is key to ensuring the formatting stays the same. Below are the four best tools to help you translate PDF without changing the original formatting.

Way 1. Translate PDF Without Losing Formatting with SwifDoo PDF

SwifDoo PDF is a professional PDF tool that offers complete control over PDF files, including PDF translation. It will preserve the layout, fonts, and structure when translating the entire document. In addition, with its OCR tool, you can translate a scanned PDF without effort.

Download the SwifDoo PDF and start translating!

1. Open SwifDoo PDF and go to Home. Choose the Document Translation option to translate the entire PDF.

2. Click Open File to add the document you want to translate. Then, choose the source language and the target language.

3. Choose the page range. Then, select the output path.

4. Finally, click Translate to XXX to start.

SwifDoo PDF also has an AI assistant to help you translate anything. Go to SwifDoo AI and enter the text you need to translate. You can specify your particular needs, such as whether you want the language to be formal or casual.

In addition to translation, SwifDoo AI can also help you summarize, translate, proofread, explain, and analyze PDF documents. With SwifDoo PDF, you can access information and understand content better and faster. Give it a try!

Pros

• Easy to use
• Supports translate scanned PDF
• Works well with complex formatting
• Provides features for PDF editing and managing

Cons

• The Mac version does not support translation
• Requires a subscription for all advanced features

Way 2. Translate PDF Without Losing Formatting via Google Translate

Google Translate is a fast way to translate a PDF without complex layouts. However, it cannot translate a scanned PDF. In addition, its translation is not entirely correct regarding specialized or technical content. Anyhow, it is perfect for casual users who need a quick solution.

1. Open your browser and go to the Google Translate website.

2. Choose Documents. Then, select the language and upload the PDF file.

3. Click Translate and wait for a while.

4. Finally, click Download translation to save the file.

Pros

• Free to use
• Easy access via the website
• Translate simple documents quickly

Cons

• Can’t translate scanned PDF
• Cannot handle complex formatting
• Not always provide the most accurate translations

Way 3. Translate PDF Without Losing Formatting with DeepL

DeepL is another popular online translator, similar to Google Translate. What’s great is that it provides more accurate translations than Google Translate, particularly for European languages. It is a good option if you want to translate technical or professional content.

However, it only supports more than 30 languages and is limited to 3 free translations per month.

1. Go to DeepL’s website and create an account.

2. Choose Translate files and upload the file. Select the language you need.

3. Finally, click Translate into XXX.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Accurate translation

Cons

• The free version of DeepL limits file size
• It does not support scanned PDF

Way 4. Translate PDF Without Losing Formatting via DocTranslator

DocTranslator is a professional online PDF translator that supports over 120 languages. It does a good job of preserving formatting, especially with simple PDF files. The tool integrates artificial intelligence to provide accurate and smooth translations.

However, it is not a good choice if you want to translate PDF for free. It will charge you based on the number of words. If you care about the quality of translation, then try.

1. Go to DocTranslator’s website and choose a tool like Translate PDF.

2. Follow the prompts to create an account.

3. Then, upload your document and adjust other settings.

4. Click Translate to start.

5. Pay and download the translation.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Accurate translation
• supports a wide range of languages

Cons

• Requires payment or subscription
• Errors may occur when dealing with complex layouts

Part 3. Tips for Ensuring the Best Results

Test the tool: Test the tool on smaller sections before translating the entire document to ensure that the formatting is preserved and the quality of the translation meets your standards.

Double-check translated documents: Always proofread translated documents to ensure formatting is complete and translations are accurate, especially in documents that contain technical or industry-specific terminology.

Simplify Layout: If you are working with a complex document, consider simplifying the layout before translating. You can remove unnecessary elements, such as fancy fonts or graphics, that may complicate the translation process.

Conclusion

That’s all about how to translate PDF without losing formatting. With the right tool, you can get accurate translations while maintaining the professional appearance of your document. SwifDoo PDF, Google Translate, DeepL, and DocTranslator each have pros and cons, and you can choose the tool that best suits your situation based on your needs.

By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your translated PDFs remain clear, readable, and visually appealing, whether you're dealing with a business proposal, a technical report, or a personal document!