Oftentimes one has to work with spreadsheets in various languages. The following Google Spreadsheet add-in allows for almost an instant translator into user’s selected language. I programmed it for myself while I worked in Asia in a public accounting firm.
One thing to note is that the data is stored on Google server, much like when one uses the ‘Google Translate’ website directly. I know this sounds like what everyone would say on the Internet, but the script is safe.
The set up takes 2-3 minutes, and is described below.
Guide
- 1. Open a new google spreadsheet
- 2. Click on “Extensions”, “Apps Script”
- 3. Name the project “Translate”
- 4. Create new “Code.gs” and “dropdown.html, delete the existing code
- 5. Download the scripts from here, and copy the codes from them to the respective “Code.gs” and “dropdown.html” sections of Apps Script
- 6. Click “Save project” and “Run”. Allow changes, the code is internal to your account.
- 7. Close the “Apps Script” tab, and refresh the original google spreadsheet. At this point, a menu with translator function should appear.
Happy translating!