The translate block is part of Airtable Blocks, a Pro plan feature. Blocks let you extend the functionality of your bases: you can use blocks to bring new information into Airtable, visualize and summarize your records in colorful ways, and even directly integrate your Airtable bases with your favorite apps.
The translate block uses a Google Cloud Translate API key to translate the contents of any text-based field from one language to another. You can choose from over a hundred different languages. Please note that you need a Google Cloud Translate API key in order to use this block.
Watch this video to learn more about how to set up and use a translate block, or read on for further information.
After adding the translate block to your base, you'll be prompted to enter your Google Cloud API key.
Next, you need to specify the table and view containing the records you want to translate.
Then, specify the source field and source language (the field with the values you want to translate into another language, and what language you want to translate from). The translate block will automatically try to detect the language in which your records are written, but you can also choose the source language manually using the dropdown menu.
You also need to pick a destination field into which your translations can go, and the language into which you'd like your records to be translated.
When you're ready, click the Translate with Google button. This will bring up a confirmation screen where you can confirm the amount that you'll be charged for the use of the API.
After confirming the charge, the block will generate previews of the translations. You can choose to uncheck the Update this record toggle on any of the previews if you don't want that particular translation to get added to the destination field. Once you're ready, click the Save button. The translations will then get added to the destination field.
