Translating images embedded in Word (.docx) files

Overview

When you translate a Word (.docx) document in Smartcat, the surrounding text translates automatically, but text inside embedded pictures and diagrams does not, unless the Rich Document Image Translation workspace setting is turned on. When enabled, Smartcat automatically extracts embedded images from the document at the moment of upload and routes their text through image translation along with the rest of the file.

When to use it

• Your Word documents contain screenshots, diagrams, or graphics with text that needs translating

• You've noticed that text inside a picture in a .docx file isn't translated, even though the surrounding paragraph text is

• You're preparing training materials, product guides, or technical documentation that includes embedded visuals

How to use it

1. Contact Smartcat Support or your account manager and request that Rich Document Image Translation be enabled for your workspace — this is an opt-in setting found under File Format Support in your workspace admin settings, and it can only be turned on by the Smartcat Support team

2. Once enabled, upload your Word (.docx) file to a new project. Smartcat automatically extracts the embedded images at upload and routes them into image translation along with the rest of the document

3. Translate the project as normal

4. Download the finished file to review the translated image text

Your Word document is translated in full, including text inside embedded pictures and diagrams, in the downloaded output file.

Requirements and limitations

• Applies to DOC, DOCX, RTF, and ODT files

• Image extraction happens only at the moment a file is uploaded — turning the setting on afterward does not retroactively translate images in documents already uploaded or translated; those files need to be re-uploaded and re-translated (typically as a new project) once the setting is active

• The in-platform preview always shows the original, untranslated image, even after the image text has been translated correctly — download the output file to see the translated image text