How to Translate from a PDF

A Portable Document Format (universally known as a PDF) is one of the most convenient ways to share documents across all environments. A PDF is a file format for capturing and sending electronic documents. As practical as they are, PDF documents are final form files with different levels of quality – from a complete product catalog to a scanned copy of a handwritten letter.

If you can get hold of the file source used to generate the PDFs, then translating from a PDF should be a breeze. On the other hand, not having sources makes translation from a PDF more challenging but not impossible.

There are different ways in which SimulTrans can help you to translate from a PDF.

PDF with sources

This is the most straightforward scenario.  This means that you have access to both the PDF and all applicable sources used to create it. We can handle all sources and all languages: InDesign, Illustrator, Word, DITA, or any other. We can translate the content and then create a PDF with all the graphics, table of contents, etc. fully localized.

SimulTrans can estimate the cost of translating a PDF using only your PDF.  You can easily upload your PDF to our portal and then if approved, you can upload the source files through our secure and free client portal.   Watch our YouTube video to see how easy it is to work with us:

PDF without sources

SimulTrans can also handle PDF analysis, quoting, and translation without available sources by converting them to an editable format. The translated output will be based on your specific requirements:

Full layout

• This option is suitable when the translated document should match the content and layout of the source PDF.
• This option is mainly used for manuals, guides, white papers, brochures, and similar documents.
• The PDF will be converted to Word, InDesign, or another applicable format to facilitate translation and formatting.
• It involves a higher cost and longer turnarounds, but the results are rewarding – you will be able to offer high-quality, translated, and fully formatted PDFs to your customers!

Extraction as a bilingual table

• This option is for when you need to understand the content of the PDF within context, without focusing on the formatting.
• This is a cost-efficient method. It is generally used for internal documents like contracts, policies, or training materials.
• The text is extracted as a bilingual table in Word or Excel. Translations are inserted in a separate column.

Freehand

• This option is good when you only need to get an idea of what the document says.
• This scenario usually applies to short, scanned PDFs with very specific information.
• SimulTrans’ translators will type the translations directly in an MS Word document.

Do you need to discuss additional options to translate your business PDFs?  

Do you have PDFs that need a professional PDF translator?

Please note that SimulTrans works exclusively with businesses!