translate-pdf

PDF Translation

Translate PDF text while preserving structure, colors, and background styling.

Workflow

Step 1: Extract texts

python {skill_path}/scripts/extract_texts.py <input.pdf>

Review output to see all unique text strings in the PDF.

Step 2: Create translation mapping

Translate each text to target language. Create JSON file:

{
  "Original Text 1": "Translated 1",
  "Original Text 2": "Translated 2"
}

Save as translations.json next to input PDF.

Step 3: Apply translations

python {skill_path}/scripts/translate_pdf.py <input.pdf> translations.json <output.pdf> --font <fontname>

Font options:

Font	Language
helv	Latin (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, etc.)
china-ss	Simplified Chinese
china-ts	Traditional Chinese
japan	Japanese
korea	Korean

Output naming

Append language suffix: filename_EN.pdf, filename_ZH.pdf, filename_JA.pdf

Tips

• Keep proper nouns, abbreviations, technical terms unchanged when appropriate
• CJK fonts auto-scale to 90% for better fit
• Use transparent fill to preserve original background colors