How to Choose Between “Retain Flowing Text” and “Retain Page Layout” for PDF Conversion

Pairaphrase offers two options for PDF file conversion before translation: Retain Flowing Text and Retain Page Layout. These settings control how your PDF content is extracted and structured for translation—similar to the options available in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

What’s the difference?

• Retain Flowing Text (Default):
  This option restructures your PDF content into editable, linear text blocks. It's ideal for translation workflows because it:
  
  
  • Improves text extraction and readability
    
    
  • Allows better segmentation and reflow
    
    
  • Supports faster translation and post-editing
    
    
• Use this option when you want the best translation experience and don't need the output to visually match the original layout.
  
  
• Retain Page Layout:
  This option preserves the visual formatting and page structure of your PDF, keeping text blocks, spacing, and design elements as close to the original as possible.
  
  
  • Useful when layout is critical (e.g., brochures, forms, certificates)
    
    
  • Text may be less fluid and harder to edit
    
    
• Use this when the look and feel of the final document is more important than translation speed or segmentation.
  
  

How to change your PDF conversion setting

You can choose your preferred mode directly from your User Profile:

1. Go to your User Profile
   
   
2. Find PDF Conversion Settings
   
   
3. Select from the dropdown:
   
   
   • Retain Flowing Text (Default)
     
     
   • Retain Page Layout
     
     
4. Click SAVE and your selection will apply to all future PDF uploads unless changed
   
   

Choosing the right option will improve your translation accuracy and workflow based on your priorities—speed, editability, or visual consistency.

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