What to Do When a File Has Been Translating for a Long Time

If you're experiencing an issue where your file has been translating for over an hour, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. This article walks you through the possible reasons and solutions

Common Reasons for Delays in Translation

  • File Size: Large files or files with complex formatting can take longer to process.

  • Unsupported File Type or Version: Some file types may cause delays if they are not fully supported or if they contain unsupported elements like embedded images or media.
  • Network Connectivity: If your internet connection is slow, weak or unstable, the translation process might stall or take longer than usual.
  • Server Overload: Pairaphrase’s servers may experience heavy traffic, especially during peak times, which could delay translation processing. Occasionally, server maintenance or high traffic can impact translation times. 
  • Product Updates: we regularly perform software updates to improve the translation experience and introduce new features. To ensure you’re using the latest version, we recommend logging out and logging back into your account regularly.

Steps to Take When a File Is Taking Too Long to Translate

  • Check the File Size and Complexity:
    • If your file is large (over 100MB) or contains complex formatting (tables, charts, or images), try simplifying the file before translation.
    • You can: Split large files into smaller chunks. Remove unnecessary graphics, embedded media, or hidden elements.
  • Verify Your Internet Connection:
    • Ensure that you have a stable internet connection, as a weak or disrupted connection can slow down the translation process. If possible, try connecting to a more reliable network or restart your router.
  • Cancel and Retry the Translation:
    • If the file has been translating for over an hour: Cancel the translation by clicking the "Cancel" button in the translation progress window.
    • Retry the translation by uploading the file again. This often resolves temporary issues.
  • Check File Compatibility:
    • Ensure that the file format you are using is supported by Pairaphrase. Supported file formats include DOCX, XLSX, PDF, PPTX, and IDML. Unsupported file types or password-protected documents may prevent the translation from completing.
    • If your file is password-protected, remove the password before attempting to translate it again.
  • Refresh Your Browser and Log In Regularly:
    • Software Updates: At Pairaphrase, we regularly perform software updates to improve the translation experience and introduce new features. To ensure you’re using the latest version, we recommend logging out and logging back into your account regularly.
    • If you encounter an unusual translation experience or your file seems stuck, try refreshing your browser to clear any temporary issues. Logging out and back in or performing a hard refresh (Ctrl + F5 or Cmd + Shift + R) often resolves odd behaviors.
  • Contact Pairaphrase Support:

If the translation is still taking longer than expected after following the above steps, please contact Pairaphrase Support for assistance. You can:

    • Use the Live Chat feature.
    • Contact us at info@pairaphrase.com, please include the file you are tyring to translate with your email.
  • Additional Tips
    • Regularly Save your File: Before initiating a translation, ensure that your file is saved correctly and in the appropriate format. This can help avoid processing errors.
    • Monitor File Type: If you frequently encounter delays with a specific file type, consider converting the file to a different format (e.g., DOCX or XLSX) before uploading it for translation. If it's a scanned file, consider performing OCR using Adobe Acrobat or another PDF editor.

By following these steps, you can typically resolve issues when a file takes too long to translate. If you continue to experience problems, please contact us via online chat for the fastest customer support.