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How to Submit Your Documents for Translation

Submitting your documents for translation is easy—but a few quick tips can help ensure the best possible results. This article covers accepted file formats, how to prepare and upload your files, and what to do if you need to add or update documents after placing an order.

Last updated April 20, 2025

Accepted File Formats

There's no need to send us physical documents—we only work with digital files uploaded through our website. All uploads are encrypted during transfer and securely stored using Amazon Web Services. We accept most standard document file formats, including:

  • PDF (.pdf)
  • Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
  • Image files (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tiff, .webp)
  • Text files (.txt, .rtf)
  • Excel or PowerPoint (.xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
  • CSV (.csv)

Tips for Scanning or Photographing Documents

The better the quality, the more accurate and efficient the translation process will be. If you're submitting scanned or photographed documents, follow these tips to ensure readability and accurate translation:

  • Use high resolution – At least 300 DPI is ideal for scans. For photos, ensure the text is sharp and clear.
  • Good lighting – Avoid shadows, glare, or overexposure that might obscure the text.
  • Frame the document properly – Crop out background and make sure the document fills the image without cutting off edges.
  • One document per image – Avoid sending multiple documents or pages in a single photo.
  • Keep it flat and aligned – Scans or photos should be straight and not angled or distorted.

Uploading Files During Checkout

You'll be prompted to upload your documents during the checkout process. Simply drag and drop or browse from your device. Uploaded files are automatically counted to calculate pricing, and a word count preview is shown so you can verify the accuracy before submitting your order. Our team will review all files before translation begins.

If your document is:

  • Too large – The upload limit is 50 MB per file. Try compressing or splitting the file if needed.
  • Split into parts – We recommend combining parts into a single file before uploading. If that's not possible, upload them separately and leave a note—we're happy to combine them for you.
  • Password protected – You can either remove the password to complete checkout directly, or request a quote and include the password so our team can manually review and count the words in your file.

If anything needs clarification—such as file quality or how documents should be grouped—our team will reach out. Otherwise, translators will use their best judgment when organizing and translating your files.

Adding or Replacing Files After Ordering

If you need to add or replace a file after placing your order, please contact our support team. We'll reopen your order so you can upload the new file.

Keep in mind:

  • If your order is already in progress, additional charges may apply depending on the word count and stage of completion.
  • Our team will review the updated files and confirm any changes in price or turnaround time before proceeding.

Certified Translation Coversheets

For certified translations, we typically include one Certificate of Translation Accuracy (coversheet) per order. If you need a separate coversheet for each document, just leave a note during checkout and we'll follow your instructions. If the file structure clearly indicates how documents should be separated, we'll use that as a guide—otherwise, translators will use their best judgment.

You can request changes after delivery via a revision request, but this may delay final processing. Providing clear instructions upfront helps avoid unnecessary back-and-forth and ensures your translation is prepared exactly as needed.

Questions?

If you're unsure whether your file is acceptable or how to submit it properly, contact our support team. We're happy to help you get started.