Translate documents in OneDrive

OneDrive, with the document translation service, allows you to manually translate documents while preserving the original format and structure. With this feature, you can create a translated copy of a single file or a set of files. The translation feature is available for all supported languages and dialects, and supports up to 10 languages per translation request.

Key features

• Multiple points of access: OneDrive document translation can be accessed via My files in OneDrive or using the viewer after opening the document. If you want to access the document translation feature for SharePoint Online libraries, you can also access that feature through OneDrive's Quick access section. For more information about document translation for SharePoint Online, see Overview of document translation.
• Request multiple languages per translation: You can select up to 10 languages per document translation.
• Translation of different file types: Translate various file types. Supported file types include .docx, .pdf, .pptx, and more.
• Video transcripts and captions: The translation feature also supports translating video transcripts and closed caption files. For more information, see Transcript translations in Stream for SharePoint.

Prerequisites

To enable document translation for your tenant, you must:

• Link an Azure subscription to pay-as-you-go billing.
• Be a SharePoint Administrator or have credentials to access the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Enable document translation for your tenant

Manage document translation for OneDrive

Even though OneDrive document translation is enabled by default, you can also turn off the feature.

To disable document translation for OneDrive:

1. Sign in to the Microsoft 365 admin center and select Setup.
2. Expand Files and content and select Automate content processes with Syntex.
3. On the Automate content processes with Syntex page, select Go to Syntex settings.
4. On the Syntex page, in the Document & image services section, select Document translation.
5. In the OneDrive section, select Edit. On the Where can document translation be used? panel, clear the Available in OneDrive checkbox.

For more information about managing document translation for SharePoint sites, see Set up and manage document translation.

Translate a document

Sign in to OneDrive with your Microsoft account credentials.

1. Select My files.

2. Select the file you want to translate and select the More commands (...) button in the ribbon.

   Alternatively, you can get to this feature by selecting More Actions (...) beside the file name or opening the document in the viewer.

3. Select Translate.

4. Choose up to 10 languages and select Translate.

   

The translated file is saved in the same location as the file you selected to translate.

Requirements and limitations

Supported file types

Document translation is available for the following file types:

• .csv, .docx, .htm, .html, .markdown, .md, .msg, .pdf, .pptx, .txt, .xlsx

For legacy file formats, the translated copy is created in the modern equivalent:

• .doc → .docx
• .xls → .xlsx
• .ppt → .pptx

Supported file size

The maximum file size for translation is 40 MB.

Supported languages

Translation for the service is available for all supported languages and dialects.

Current limitations

• Images: Text embedded in images within documents isn't translated.
• Encrypted files: Encrypted files can't be translated.
• Password-protected files: Password-protected files aren't eligible for translation.

Frequently asked questions

For more information, see the following resources:

• Document Translation: FAQ
• How does Translator count characters?

Related topics

• Overview of document translation
• Set up and manage document translation
• Translate a document
• Configure pay-as-you-go billing