# What is DeepL?

> DeepL is an AI translator for text and whole files that keeps their formatting, plus DeepL Write to polish your wording. What it does and how to use it.

Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/deepl · Updated 2026-10-20 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com)

[AI assistants](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-ai-assistants) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary)

Quick answer

DeepL is an AI translation tool for text and whole documents. File translation keeps the original formatting, images and fonts of a Word, PowerPoint or PDF file, and DeepL Write is a separate assistant that improves the wording of your own text. Glossaries and a formal or informal tone keep translations consistent.

Last updated October 20, 2026

Updated October 20, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about)

## Why it matters for a small business

For a firm with clients or staff in more than one language, the slow part of translation is not the words, it is rebuilding the document afterwards. DeepL's help center says file translation keeps the original formatting, images and fonts, so a translated proposal or policy still looks like yours. It also notes that languages differ in length, so the layout can shift a little.

The controls that matter for business are the glossary, which fixes how your key terms are translated, and the formal or informal tone. DeepL Write works on text in the same language: it shows an improved version with changes marked, offers alternatives for words or whole sentences, and lets you copy the result. DeepL lists a free version, trials of its paid plans, and add-ins for Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

## In a real lesson: DeepL: Translate a Client Document and Keep Its Formatting

In the [DeepL client document lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/deepl-translate-document-keep-formatting), Marisol, an HR consultant at the made-up Brookfield People Partners, has to send a client's new remote work policy to its Spanish-speaking staff. She uploads the Word file to Translate files, picks Spanish, sets the formal tone and downloads a translated copy with the same headings and table.

Then she uses DeepL Write to tidy the English cover email, reads the changes, and asks a fluent colleague to check the policy before it goes out.

[Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/deepl-translate-client-document) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/deepl-translate-document-keep-formatting).

## Common confusions

### DeepL Translator vs DeepL Write

The Translator moves text into another language. DeepL Write improves text in the same language.

### Text translation vs file translation

Text translation works on what you paste. File translation takes the whole document and keeps its formatting.

## Tips

- Set the formal tone for client and HR documents.
- Add your company and product names to a glossary.
- Have a fluent reader check anything legal or contractual.

## Related terms

[AI assistant](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/ai-assistant) · [Brand voice](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/brand-voice) · [Legal information vs legal advice](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/legal-information-vs-legal-advice) · [Employee handbook](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/employee-handbook) · [Natural language processing (NLP)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/natural-language-processing)

## More AI assistants terms

[DeepSeek](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/deepseek) · [Effort level](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/claude-effort-level) · [Enterprise data protection](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/enterprise-data-protection) · [File upload (in an AI chat)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/file-upload)

## Where you use it: free lessons

- [DeepL: Translate a Client Document and Keep Its Formatting](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/deepl-translate-document-keep-formatting) (DeepL, 5 min)

## AI tools that use it

- [DeepL](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/ai-tools/writing-content#tool-deepl) ([free lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/deepl-translate-document-keep-formatting))

[More terms by tool](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/ai-tool-terms)

## Frequently asked questions

**Does DeepL keep my document's formatting?**

DeepL's help center says file translation keeps the original formatting, images and fonts, though differences in word length can shift the layout.

**Is DeepL free?**

DeepL lists a free version and trials of its Individual and Team plans. Check deepl.com/pro for the limits.

**What is DeepL Write?**

DeepL Write is an AI writing assistant that shows an improved version of your text with the changes marked, plus alternatives you can pick.

[All AI glossary terms, A to Z](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) · [Free prompt templates](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/prompts)