Translate documents or write in a different language

You can translate documents into many languages with Google Docs.

Translate a document

1. On your computer, 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. You can also see this copy 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. Learn about Microsoft Office editing and how to convert Microsoft Office files.

Change your typing language

1. On your computer, 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 that you need.
   • In Google Sheets, go to the top menu and click File Spreadsheet settings, then pick the locale of the language that you need.
2. 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.

Tip: In Workspace, the handwriting input only works when 'access to additional services without individual control' is turned on in the Admin console.