Updating the Google Docs Title After Translation Using Google Apps Script

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Why Update the Document Title?

When translating a document, it’s easy to overlook the title. Updating the title ensures that the entire document, including its metadata, is fully translated, giving your audience a clear understanding of its purpose. It also improves organization and retrieval when searching through Google Drive.

The Code to Update the Document Title

Below is an enhanced version of the script we previously created. It now includes functionality to translate the document title into English and update it accordingly:

function translateDocToEnglish() {
  try {
    // Get the active document
    const doc = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument();
    const body = doc.getBody();
    
    // Get all the text from the document
    const originalText = body.getText();

    // Translate the text to English using Google Apps Script's LanguageApp service
    const translatedText = LanguageApp.translate(originalText, null, "en");

    // Clear the document's current content and replace it with the translated text
    body.setText(translatedText);

    // Update the document title with the English translation
    const translatedTitle = LanguageApp.translate(doc.getName(), null, "en");
    doc.setName(translatedTitle);

    // Log a success message to indicate completion
    Logger.log("Document successfully translated to English.");
  } catch (e) {
    // Log an error message if something goes wrong
    Logger.log("Error: " + e.message);
  }
}

function onOpen() {
  const ui = DocumentApp.getUi();
  ui.createMenu('Translate')
    .addItem('Translate to English', 'translateDocToEnglish')
    .addToUi();
}

// To automatically add the menu to the Google Doc when it is opened
function onInstall(e) {
  onOpen(e);
}

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Retrieving and Translating the Title

In the updated script, after translating the document content, we proceed to translate the title of the document.

  • Get the Document Title: doc.getName(); retrieves the current title of the Google Doc.
  • Translate the Title to English: LanguageApp.translate(doc.getName(), null, "en"); translates the document title into English.
  • Update the Title: doc.setName(translatedTitle); sets the translated title as the new title of the document.

This ensures that when the document is translated, its title is also updated to maintain consistency.

2. Improving Workflow with Custom Menu

Just like in the previous version, the onOpen function adds a custom Translate menu, allowing you to easily trigger the translation process whenever needed.

  • Menu Item Addition: The Translate menu is added to the document’s UI, making it user-friendly and accessible.
  • Translation Trigger: Clicking on the Translate to English option will execute both the content and title translation.

How to Use the Script

  1. Open Google Apps Script Editor: Open your Google Doc and navigate to Extensions > Apps Script to access the script editor.
  2. Paste the Updated Code: Copy and paste the updated script above into the editor.
  3. Save and Run: Save the script and run the onOpen function to authorize it. Once done, the Translate menu will appear whenever the document is opened.
  4. Translate Document and Title: Click on Translate > Translate to English to translate the entire document and update its title.

Benefits of Updating the Title

  • Clarity for Viewers: If the document is shared with others, having an appropriate title in the translated language helps everyone understand the purpose of the document.
  • Improved Organization: When managing multiple translated documents, updated titles make searching and sorting in Google Drive much easier.
  • Seamless Integration: This update makes your translated documents look more professional and polished, as the title and content are aligned.

Use Cases

  • Multilingual Teams: Teams working in different languages can easily translate and understand documents, including document titles.
  • Global Projects: When sharing documents across different countries, updating the title ensures your audience knows immediately what the document is about.
  • Education and Training: Teachers and trainers creating bilingual or multilingual resources can translate not only the content but also the title, giving learners an instant idea of the document’s subject.

Final Thoughts

Updating the document title along with the content is a small but impactful step towards creating professional and well-organized translated documents. With Google Apps Script, you can make your Google Docs workflow smoother and more automated.

If you find this useful or want more automation tips using Google Apps Script, stay tuned for our next posts where we explore other ways to enhance your Google Workspace experience.