To translate with AI, point an agent at the source text and write the translation into a separate field so the original stays unchanged. An AI Field Agent does this per record, a custom Ask AI prompt does it inside a SmartDoc, and the AI Workflow Agent does it as a step in an automation.
Plan Availability | Team, Professional and Enterprise (the plans with SmartSuite AI on the pricing page); the 14-day free trial runs on Professional. |
Permissions | Workspace Administrators enable AI Field Agents and manage connections in AI Control Center. Solution Managers configure the agent on the field. Members run it from Grid view, the record page or a Record Details widget. Any Member who can edit a SmartDoc can use Ask AI in it. |
Platform | Web. Ask AI also works in the mobile app's Document View. |
Related Reading |
How do I translate a field for every record?
Add a field for the translation, for example Description (Spanish), of the same type as the source: Text, Text Area or SmartDoc.
Open its Field Settings, select the AI Field Agent tab and turn on Enable AI Field Agent.
Write the prompt and insert the source field, for example: Translate {{Description}} into Spanish. Keep names, numbers and product terms unchanged. Return the translation only.
Choose a connection.
Turn on Run Automatically so the translation follows every edit of the source.
Click Update Field.
Let each record choose its language
Add a Single Select field named Target language with the languages you need. Insert it into the prompt, for example Translate {{Description}} into {{Target language}}. The agent then translates each record into the language set on that record. A change to either field re-runs the agent when Run Automatically is on.
How do I translate inside a SmartDoc?
In the SmartDoc, type / and choose Ask AI, or press the spacebar at the start of a new line.
Write your own prompt and reference the text to translate with a field name, for example: Translate {{Meeting Notes}} into French and keep the headings.
Keep the draft, ask for it shorter or longer, or discard it. The source field is not changed.
How do I translate as a workflow step?
Create an automation with the trigger that marks the moment, such as When a record is updated or When a form is submitted.
Add the AI Workflow Agent action and choose a connection.
Write the prompt with the trigger field inserted. SmartSuite's own example is Translate Trigger: Product Description to Italian.
Leave the output on Simple for a single translation, or use a Custom output with one Text value per language to translate into several languages in one step.
Add an Update Record action and map each output into its translation field.
Test with a realistic record, then turn the automation on.
Frequently asked questions
Will the original text be changed?
Will the original text be changed?
No, as long as the agent writes into a separate field. An AI Field Agent writes only into the field it is attached to, and a Workflow Agent writes only where you map its output.
Which languages can I translate into?
Which languages can I translate into?
That depends on the model behind the connection you choose. Test a sample record with your connection before rolling the agent out.
Does every translation count as a request?
Does every translation count as a request?
Yes. Each run of a Field Agent or a Workflow Agent step is one request on the connection it uses.
Can I translate into several languages at once?
Can I translate into several languages at once?
Yes. Use one AI Field Agent per language field, or one AI Workflow Agent step with a Custom output that returns one Text value per language.
Last verified 24 Oct 2026.