How to translate a PDF on iPhone
Start with a short passage. Check that the words have been read correctly, translate only what you need, then compare the result with the source.
1. Save a copy of your PDF
If the document is in Mail, Safari or another app, save it to Files first. Open Ponte and import the PDF from the place you saved it. Keep your original: a readable translation and a fixed-layout source serve different purposes.
2. Check the source text
A PDF may contain selectable text, scanned pictures of pages, or both. Ponte can use on-device text recognition when a scan has no usable text layer. Check names, numbers and the order of paragraphs. A blurry scan or a complicated table can introduce errors before translation starts.
3. Choose the language and pages
Use the translation controls to choose the source and target language. You can translate selected pages instead of the entire file. A short section is a useful first check when a document has unfamiliar terminology or complicated layout.
4. Review the credit spend limit
Cloud Translate uses purchased credits and an internet connection. Review the displayed limit before starting. The final charge can be lower, but does not exceed the approved limit. A pack is a credit balance, not a promise to translate a fixed number of books or pages: documents vary in length.
5. Read and compare
After translation, read the flowing text and compare passages with the original. Adjust type size and spacing to make the result comfortable on your phone. Check important facts, quotations, names and figures against the source; a fluent translation can still be wrong.
Try the reader before buying credits
Ponte includes prepared sample translations that you can explore for free. These demonstrate reading and comparison; opening one does not make a new cloud translation request. Importing, Restore and on-device reading are also free.
Cloud Translate and Explain send the text needed for the request through Ponte’s service to Anthropic. Read the privacy policy before using private material. Credits belong to this device and do not transfer to a replacement device or restore through Apple ID.
Free download, Restore and on-device reading. Cloud Translate and Explain use paid credits. iPhone and iPad, iOS 18 or later. Availability varies by storefront.