> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://evidano.gitbook.io/ailyze-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://evidano.gitbook.io/ailyze-docs/getting-started/translate-your-first-document.md).

# Translate Your First Document

Translate a document into another language while keeping its formatting, and download the result in the same file format as the original.

This page shows you how to translate your first file with the **Translate docx/pdf/xlsx/pptx/etc** workflow. At the end you will have a translated file in the same format as the original. For the full walkthrough, see [Translate Files](/ailyze-docs/prepare-research-data/translate-files.md); for what every option does, see [Translation Settings](/ailyze-docs/reference/settings/translation.md).

## Before you start

* A file to translate: **DOCX, PPTX, XLSX, HTML, or TXT** for any language, or **PDF, XLIFF, or SRT** when both languages are in **Best Accuracy**. No file to hand? Download an invented sample interview from [Analyze Your First Transcript](/ailyze-docs/getting-started/analyze-your-first-transcript.md).
* Translation is charged per character after a free allowance; see [Plans, Limits & Credits](/ailyze-docs/reference/plans-limits-and-credits.md).

## Step 1: Pick your file

1. From your account page, click **Translate docx/pdf/xlsx/pptx/etc**.
2. Tick your file in the library, or click **Upload files** to add it.

You should see a card open below the library with a character count and a yellow quote of the price.

<figure><img src="https://1178311500-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fi4GBXPMUDxszIpUVOARU%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f34795f4cacb048d9b408862e2862578a1ad7525%2Fsettings-translation-03-configure.png?alt=media" alt="Translation card with a character chip, the yellow price quote and the source and target language selectors"><figcaption><p>The quote says whether the translation is free and, if not, what it costs and why.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2: Choose languages

1. Click **Select Origin Language** and pick the language your file is in. It isn't detected automatically.
2. Click **Select Destination Language** and pick the language you want.

Languages are grouped by quality, **Best Accuracy** and **Good Accuracy**; type to search. You should see the helper line say "You'll receive an email when the translation completes."

<figure><img src="https://1178311500-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fi4GBXPMUDxszIpUVOARU%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-26651c3331f42b047a753333d97c10bffdf859bc%2Fsettings-translation-04-source.png?alt=media" alt="Source language list open with a search box and the Best Accuracy group"><figcaption><p>Type part of the name rather than scrolling.</p></figcaption></figure>

If your file is a PDF, XLIFF, or SRT and you pick a Good Accuracy language, a red line asks you to remove the file or pick another language.

## Step 3: Add your terms (optional)

Click **Optional Instructions** to add a **Custom dictionary** row for each brand or product name, or to set **Formality** (**Default**, **More Formal**, **Less Formal**, **Prefer More**, or **Prefer Less**).

## Step 4: Submit

Click **Create Project**. The button shows the charge, for example "Create Project (USD …)", unless the file fits in your free characters.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Costs money:** A paid translation opens **Confirm charge** first; nothing is charged until you confirm. See [Plans, Limits & Credits](/ailyze-docs/reference/plans-limits-and-credits.md) for exact pricing.
{% endhint %}

You should see "Analysis Starting", then the project list with your project **In Progress**.

<figure><img src="https://1178311500-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fi4GBXPMUDxszIpUVOARU%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f068ca5dd3d0689711ebe356f201e4b731fa2d69%2Fsettings-translation-08-list.png?alt=media" alt="Translation project list showing projects with their status, language pair and date"><figcaption><p>A project opens only when its status reads Completed; you also get an email.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Step 5: Download your translated file

When the status shows **Completed**, click the project's row. A single-file project downloads the translated file straight away.

You should see the file in your downloads, in the same format as the original. A project with several files opens a page where you download files one by one or tick several and click **Download Selected (N)** for a ZIP.

<details>

<summary>Optional: if something goes wrong</summary>

* **Create Project stays grey:** wait while it reads **Calculating price…**, and check that both languages are set.
* **A red line names your file:** it is a PDF, XLIFF, or SRT with a Good Accuracy language; pick a Best Accuracy language.
* **The charge is higher than the characters suggest:** every document is billed at a minimum number of characters; see [Plans, Limits & Credits](/ailyze-docs/reference/plans-limits-and-credits.md).

</details>

## Next steps

* Explore every option — [Translate Files](/ailyze-docs/prepare-research-data/translate-files.md)
* Working across several languages at once? [Analyze Multilingual Data](/ailyze-docs/common-research-workflows/analyze-multilingual-data.md)
* Something not working? [Translation Issues](/ailyze-docs/troubleshooting/translation-issues.md)