Translating Tables and Diagrams in Google Slides
Tables: Yes, Fully Translated
Slide Buddy translates every cell in every table on every slide. Tables are native Google Slides elements — each cell contains editable text that's accessible through the API. Slide Buddy reads each cell, translates the text, and writes it back with formatting preserved (bold, font size, color, alignment).
This works for any table size — from a simple 2×2 comparison to a dense 10-column data table. Header rows, merged cells, and cells with multiple paragraphs are all handled.
Diagrams: It Depends on How They're Built
There are two types of diagrams in Google Slides:
- Native shapes with text (✓ translated) — If your diagram is built from Google Slides shapes (rectangles, circles, arrows, connectors) with text labels, Slide Buddy translates all the text. This is the most common type for flowcharts, org charts, and process diagrams created directly in Slides.
- Inserted images (✗ not translated) — If your diagram is a PNG/JPG/SVG inserted as an image (from Lucidchart, Draw.io, Canva, or a screenshot), the text inside is pixels — not editable text. Slide Buddy cannot translate it. See our image limitations guide.
How to tell: Click on the diagram. If you can click into individual shapes and edit their text, it's native — Slide Buddy will translate it. If clicking selects the whole thing as one object with resize handles, it's an image.
Google Drawings and SmartArt
Google Slides doesn't have a native "SmartArt" feature like PowerPoint. But it does have:
- Diagram templates (Insert → Diagram) — These create native grouped shapes. Slide Buddy translates the text in each shape. ✓
- Linked Google Drawings — If you inserted a Google Drawing as a linked object, it renders as an image in the slide. Slide Buddy cannot translate it. You'd need to open the original Drawing, translate it separately, and update the link.
How to Translate Slides With Tables and Diagrams
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1
Check your diagrams
Click each diagram to see if it's native shapes (editable text) or an inserted image (single object). Convert important image-diagrams to native shapes if possible.
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2
Make a copy and install Slide Buddy
File → Make a copy. Then install Slide Buddy from the Marketplace.
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3
Run Slide Buddy
Extensions → Slide Buddy → Translate Slides. All tables and native-shape diagrams are translated automatically.
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4
Handle image-based diagrams manually
For any diagrams that were inserted as images, add translated text overlays or recreate them as native shapes.
FAQ
Does Slide Buddy translate tables in Google Slides?
Yes. Slide Buddy translates every cell in every table on every slide, preserving formatting (bold, font size, color, alignment). Tables are native Google Slides elements, so all text is accessible.
Does Slide Buddy translate diagrams and flowcharts?
It depends on how the diagram was built. Diagrams made from native Google Slides shapes (rectangles, circles, arrows with text labels) are fully translated. Diagrams inserted as images (from Lucidchart, Canva, or screenshots) cannot be translated — the text is pixels, not editable text.
How do I know if my diagram is native or an image?
Click on it. If you can click into individual shapes and edit their text, it's native and Slide Buddy will translate it. If clicking selects the whole thing as one object with resize handles, it's an inserted image.
Translate tables, shapes, and text — all at once
Slide Buddy handles tables cell-by-cell and native shapes automatically. Free, no sign-up.
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