Check whether the PDF contains selectable text
Try selecting a sentence in the PDF. If you can select it, the document is text-based and is a better fit for direct translation. If each page behaves like a single image, run OCR first.
How to translate a PDF to Arabic
Translate the text inside a PDF while preserving meaning, names, numbers and URLs as carefully as possible.
Open PDF Translator →Use OCR first for scanned documents
Scans need text extraction before translation. Choose the correct OCR language, review uncertain names and numbers, and then translate the extracted content.
Translate the document
Open PDF Translator, upload a text-based PDF, choose Arabic as the target language and start the translation. The current workflow produces translated text rather than recreating every page visually.
Review important details
Always review personal names, company names, dates, monetary values, technical terms and legal wording. Machine-assisted translation is useful for speed, but important documents still benefit from human review.
Keep the original document
Store the original PDF next to the translated output so you can compare uncertain passages. For official, legal or certified translation requirements, use an appropriately qualified human translator.
Frequently asked questions
Can I translate a scanned PDF to Arabic?
Yes, but run PDF OCR first so the document has extractable text.
Will the translated output preserve the exact PDF layout?
The current tool focuses on translated text and structure, not pixel-perfect recreation of the original page design.
Is machine translation appropriate for legal documents?
For legal, certified or high-stakes use, have the result reviewed by a qualified human translator.