Overview of document translation in SharePoint

Note

Through June 2025, you can try out a limited amount of document translation and other selected content services at no cost if you have pay-as-you-go billing set up. For information and limitations, see Try out Microsoft Syntex and explore its services.

Document translation lets you easily create a translated copy of a selected file or a set of files in a SharePoint document library. You can translate a file in one language or up to 10 language at a time, while preserving the original format and structure of the file. Translation is available for all supported languages and dialects.

Screenshot showing a document library with translated documents.

This feature lets you translate files of different types either manually or automatically by creating a rule.

You can also use the translation feature for translating video transcripts and closed captioning files. For more information, see Transcript translations in Stream for SharePoint.

Requirements and limitations

Icon Description
Files symbol. Supported file types
This service supports the following file types: .csv, .docx, .htm, .html, .markdown, .md, .msg, .pdf, .pptx, .txt, and .xlsx.
For older file types like .doc, .odp, .ods, .rtf, .ppt, and .xls, the translated copy will be created in the modern equivalent formats: .docx, .pptx, or .xlsx.
SharePoint site pages aren't supported at this time.
Check mark in a circle symbol. Supported file sizes
The maximum file size for documents to be translated is limited to 40 MB.
Conversation symbol. Supported languages
This service is available for all supported languages and dialects.
Security symbol. Manage Lists permission
To create translated file copies, a user must be a site member and have the Manage Lists permission on the document library.
Globe symbol. Multi-Geo environments
When setting up this service in a Microsoft 365 Multi-Geo environment, you can only configure it to use the service in the central location. If you want to use this service in a satellite location, contact Microsoft support.

Current release notes

  • Encrypted files aren't translated.
  • Password-protected files aren't translated.
  • Text on images within documents isn't translated.
  • Document translation is also available for files in OneDrive.
  • On-demand translation on folders will be available in a future release.

Frequently asked questions

For answers to frequently asked questions about document translation, see Document Translation: FAQ.

For specific questions about character count, see How does Translator count characters?.