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windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate · source
Snapshot 0 · 2026-11-04T12:47:26Z · TypeScript · AGPL-3.0
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ca3166b136db7699bffb0abb9d2daf3abec91400592b48d80a22d40c41d69248GitHub description at capture
Translate PDF, EPub, webpage, metadata, annotations, notes to the target language. Support 20+ translate services.
README at capture
# Translate for Zotero
[](https://www.zotero.org)
[](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-plugin-template)
_Translate for Zotero_, a.k.a. _Zotero PDF Translate_, is a [Zotero](https://www.zotero.org/) plugin.
Translate PDF, EPub, webpage, metadata, annotations, notes to the target language. Support 20+ translate services.
[中文文档](https://zotero.yuque.com/books/share/4443494c-c698-4e08-9d1e-ed253390346d)
# Quick Start Guide
## Install
- Download the plugin (.xpi file) from below.
- [Latest Stable](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate/releases/latest)
- [All Releases](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate/releases)
_Note_ If you're using Firefox as your browser, right-click the `.xpi` and select "Save As.."
- In Zotero click `Tools` in the top menu bar and then click `Plugins`
- Go to the Extensions page and then click the gear icon in the top right.
- Select `Install Plugin from file`.
- Browse to where you downloaded the `.xpi` file and select it.
- Finish!
## Usage
Open any PDF/EPub/webpage in the Zotero reader.
- Select text, the translations are shown on the pop-up and the item pane(v0.2.0).
- Highlight/Underline some text, the translations are added to the annotation comment(v0.3.0); Modify & retranslate the annotation text in the item pane and click the `Update Annotation` to modify the annotation text and translation(v0.6.6);
- Add selected text along with translation to note(v0.4.0); _Only works when a note editor is active._
- Translate item titles with right-click menu or shortcut `Ctrl+T`(v0.6.0).
- Translate item abstract with right-click menu(v0.8.0). Thanks @iShareStuff
- Standalone translation window available(v0.7.0). View & compare translations from multiply services in one window!
- Dictionary for single word translation(v0.7.1).
- SentenceBySentence Translation(v1.1.0). After a translation, press `shift`+`P` and select `Translate Sentences`. _Only for en2zh and en2en now_. Thanks @MuiseDestiny
- Since v2.2.0, the concat mode shortcut is ctrl (on Windows/Linux) or ⌘ (on macOS).
### Q&A
**Q** I want to translate manually.
**A** Go to `Edit->Settings->Translate->General`, uncheck the `Automatically Translate Selection`. Click the `Translate` button on the pop-up or item pane to translate.
**Q** I want a translate shortcut.
**A**
Press shortcut `Ctrl+T` after you selected some text. If you are in the collection view, the titles' translation will show/hide.
**Q** I want to concat different selections and translate them together.
**A** Press `Ctrl/⌘` or select the `Concat Mode` check box on item pane when selecting text in PDF/EPub/webpage.
**Q** Not the language I want.
**A** The default target language is the same as your Zotero language. Go to `Edit->Settings->Translate->Service` and change the language settings.
**Q** Translation not correct or report an error.
**A** See _Language Settings_ above and FAQ([#6](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate/issues/6)). Make sure you use the right secret.
**Q** I want to change the font size.
**A** Go to `Edit->Settings->Translate->User Interface` and set the font size.
**Q** I want to resize the raw and result text area in the translate panel.
**A** Drag the separator up and down to adjust the size. Double-click the separator to reset the size.
## Settings
### General
<!-- - Enable Translation, default `true` -->
- Automatically Translate Selection, default `true`
- Automatically Translate Annotation: Save annotation's translation to annotation comment or annotation body, default `false`
- Automatically Translate Annotation from Sync: Automatically translate annotations synced from other devices if `true`, default `false`
- Enable Reader Selection Pop-up: Show results in the pop-up panel or only in the item pane, default `true`
- Show "Add Translation to Note" in Pop-up: default `true`
> Invisible if no active note editor opened.
- Replace Raw: Use translation to replace the raw text when adding to note, default `false`
- Enable Dictionary: Single word will be translated using dictionary service instead of translate service, default `true`
- Show Play Buttons: Show the word pronunciation play buttons if available, default `true`
- Auto-play Pronunciation, default `false`
### Service
The default service is Google Translate. Currently, we support:
| Translate Service | Require Secret | Supported Languages |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Google Translate | No **[Free]** | [100+](https://translate.google.com/about/languages/) |
| Google Translate(API) | No **[Free]** | Use `translate.googleapis.com` |
| CNKI | No **[Free]** | <https://dict.cnki.net> |
| Haici Translate | No **[Free]** | <https://fanyi.dict.cn> |
| Youdao Translate | No **[Free]** | [100+?](https://ai.youdao.com/DOCSIRMA/html/trans/api/wbfy/index.html) |
| iCIBA Translate | No **[Free]** | <https://www.iciba.com/translate> |
| MyMemory | No **[Free 5k/day per IP]** | <https://mymemory.translated.net/><br>(Free upgrade: enter your email in Settings to get 50k/day per IP quota) |
| Bing | No **[Free]** | [en-zh](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-services/translator/text-translation/reference/v3/reference) |
| DeepLX | No **[Free]** | Based on [DeepLX](https://github.com/OwO-Network/DeepLX?tab=readme-ov-file) |
| DeepLX(API) | No **[Require config]** | [DeepLX](https://github.com/OwO-Network/DeepLX?tab=readme-ov-file) related projects |
| LibreTranslate | Optional **[Require config]** | [LibreTranslate](https://github.com/LibreTranslate/LibreTranslate) |
| MTranServer | Optional **[Require config]** | [MTranServer](https://github.com/xxnuo/MTranServer) |
| NLLB | No **[Require config]** | [nllb-api](https://github.com/winstxnhdw/nllb-api?tab=readme-ov-file#self-hosting) or [NLLB Serve](https://github.com/thammegowda/nllb-serve?tab=readme-ov-file#setup) |
| Pot | No **[Require config]** | [Pot](https://github.com/pot-app/pot-desktop) _Translate results show in Pot_ |
| Huoshan | Yes | [50+](https://www.volcengine.com/docs/4640/127681) |
| Volcengine Web | No **[Free]** | [en, zh, and more (auto-detect, web version)](https://translate.volcengine.com/) |
| Youdao Zhiyun | Yes | [100+](https://ai.youdao.com/DOCSIRMA/html/trans/api/wbfy/index.html) |
| Youdao LLM | Yes | [LLM-based](https://ai.youdao.com/DOCSIRMA/html/trans/api/dmxfy/index.html)(en-zh) |
| Niu Trans | Yes | [400+](https://niutrans.com/documents/contents/trans_text#accessMode) |
| Microsoft Translate | Yes(free 2M) | [200+](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/translator/language-support) |
| LingoCloud(Caiyun) Translate | Yes | [10+](https://docs.caiyunapp.com/lingocloud-api/index.html) |
| DeepL Translate | Yes(free 500k) | [100+](https://www.deepl.com/pro?cta=header-prices/#developer) |
| Aliyun Translate | Yes(free-1M) | [200+](https://help.aliyun.com/document_detail/158269.html) |
| Baidu Translate | Yes(free-QPS1/free-2M) | [200+](https://fanyi-api.baidu.com/product/11) |
| Baidu Field | Yes(free-QPS1/free-2M) | [en-zh](https://fanyi-api.baidu.com/product/12) |
| OpenL | Yes | [11](https://docs.openl.club/#/API/format) |
| Tencent Translate | Yes(QPS5, free-5M) | [15](https://cloud.tencent.com/document/product/551/7372) |
| Tencent Transmart | No **[Free]** | [en, zh, and more (auto-detect, web version)](https://transmart.qq.com/) |
| Xftrans | Yes(free 2M) | [Xftrans API](https://www.xfyun.cn/doc/nlp/xftrans/API.html)(70+), [NiuTrans API](https://www.xfyun.cn/doc/nlp/niutrans/API.html)(100+) |
| GPT | Yes(free-$18) | [OpenAI](https://openai.com/pricing#chat)(ChatGPT), [AzureGPT](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/ai-foundry/openai/reference#chat-completions), compatible GPT-like LLM (Custom GPT) |
| Gemini | Yes(free-) | [LLM-based](https://ai.google.dev/available_regions#available_languages) |
| Qwen-MT | Yes(free-) | [LLM-based](https://help.aliyun.com/zh/model-studio/user-guide/machine-translation) |
| Claude | Yes | [LLM-based](https://docs.anthropic.com/claude/docs/getting-started-with-the-claude-api) |
> If the service you want is not yet supported, please post an issue.
**Google**
Google does not require a secret, but you can put your own API URL in the secret to replace the default URL (translate.google.com/translate.googleapi.com).
**Huoshan**
Apply [here](https://www.volcengine.com/docs/4640/65067).
The secret format is `accessKeyId#accessKeySecret`
**Youdao Zhiyun Translate 有道智云**
Apply [here](https://ai.youdao.com/login.s).
The secret format is `MY_APPID#MY_SECRET#MY_VOCABID(optional)`.
> About `VOCABID`
> 登录控制台，选择文本翻译服务，点击右侧的术语表，选择新建，填写表名称和语言方向，添加需要的术语表，然后获取对应词表 id 即可。
> About `Config -> Domain`
> 登录控制台，点击创建应用，输入应用名称，在*选择服务*一栏勾选**文本翻译**，然后勾选**领域化翻译**即可开通领域化翻译。领域化翻译仅支持中英互译。
>
> [Official Document](https://ai.youdao.com/DOCSIRMA/html/trans/api/wbfy/index.html)
**Youdao LLM Translate 有道智云子曰大模型**
Apply [here](https://ai.youdao.com/login.s).
The secret format is `MY_APPID#MY_SECRET`.
> 登录控制台，点击创建应用，输入应用名称，在*选择服务*一栏勾选**大模型翻译**，大模型翻译仅支持中英互译。
>
> [Official Document](https://ai.youdao.com/DOCSIRMA/html/trans/api/dmxfy/index.html)
**NiuTrans**
Apply [here](https://niutrans.com/NiuTransAuthCenter/login).
The secret format is `MY_APIKEY#dictNo(optional)#memoryNo(optional)`.
> [Chinese Document](https://doc.tern.1c7.me/zh/folder/setting/#%E5%B0%8F%E7%89%9B)
**Microsoft Translate**
Apply [here](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cognitive-services/translator/quickstart-translator?tabs=csharp). Copy your secret and paste it into the settings.
The secret format is `serviceKEY#region(required if the region is not global)`.
> See [this issue](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate/issues/3#issuecomment-1064688597) for detailed steps to set up the Microsoft Translate.
**LingoCloud(Caiyun) Translate**
Apply [here](https://docs.caiyunapp.com/lingocloud-api/index.html#%E7%94%B3%E8%AF%B7%E8%AE%BF%E9%97%AE%E4%BB%A4%E7%89%8C).
**DeepL Translate**
Apply [official API](https://www.deepl.com/pro?cta=header-prices/#developer) or [third-party API](https://deepl-pro.com/#/translate).
The secret format is `secretToken` or `secretToken#glossaryId` (if you want to specify some translate glossary).
**Aliyun Translate**
Apply [here](https://www.aliyun.com/product/ai/base_alimt).
The secret format is `accessKeyId#accessKeySecret#endpoint(optional)`.
> The endpoint is the region of the service, default `https://mt.aliyuncs.com`. For `cn-hangzhou`, the endpoint is `mt.cn-hangzhou.aliyuncs.com`. See also [here](https://help.aliyun.com/zh/machine-translation/developer-reference/api-alimt-2018-10-12-endpoint?spm=a2c4g.11186623.help-menu-30396.d_4_1_0.6c702fa7WlNkX1).
> [Chinese Document](https://help.aliyun.com/document_detail/158269.html)
**Baidu Translate**
Apply [here](https://fanyi-api.baidu.com/product/11).
The secret format is `MY_APPID#MY_KEY#ACTION(optional, see https://api.fanyi.baidu.com/doc/21, default 0)`(split with '#').
**Baidu Field Translate 百度垂直领域翻译**
Apply [here](https://fanyi-api.baidu.com/product/12).
The secret format is `MY_APPID#MY_KEY#DOMAIN_CODE`(split with '#').
| Domain Code | 领域 | 支持语言方向 |
| ----------- | ------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| it | 信息技术领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| finance | 金融财经领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| machinery | 机械制造领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| senimed | 生物医药领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| novel | 网络文学领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语 |
| academic | 学术论文领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| aerospace | 航空航天领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| wiki | 人文社科领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语 |
| news | 新闻资讯领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| law | 法律法规领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
| contract | 合同领域 | 中文（简）-> 英语、英语 -> 中文（简） |
> [Chinese Document](https://doc.tern.1c7.me/zh/folder/setting/#%E8%85%BE%E8%AE%AF%E4%BA%91)
**OpenL Translate**
Apply [here](https://my.openl.club/).
The secret format is `service1,service2,...#apikey`(split with '#'; split service codes with ',').
Supported service codes are: `deepl,youdao,tencent,aliyun,baidu,caiyun,wechat,sogou,azure,ibm,aws,google`, See [Service Code](https://docs.openl.club/#/API/format?id=%e7%bf%bb%e8%af%91%e6%9c%8d%e5%8a%a1%e4%bb%a3%e7%a0%81%e5%90%8d)
> [Chinese Document](https://docs.openl.club/#/)
**Tencent Translate**
Apply [here](https://cloud.tencent.com/product/tmt).
The secret format is `secretId#SecretKey#Region(optional, default ap-shanghai)#ProjectId(optional, default 0)`(split with '#').
> [Chinese Document](https://doc.tern.1c7.me/zh/folder/setting/#%E8%85%BE%E8%AE%AF%E4%BA%91)
**Xftrans 讯飞翻译**
Apply [here](https://www.xfyun.cn/doc/authentication/personal.html#%E6%93%8D%E4%BD%9C%E6%AD%A5%E9%AA%A4).
**GPT**
Apply [OpenAI ChatGPT API](https://auth.openai.com/create-account) or [Azure OpenAI REST API](https://azure.microsoft.com/free/cognitive-services).
The secret format is `sk-*` for ChatGPT, and `MY_APIKEY` for AzureGPT and Custom GPT.
Support third-party or self-deployed compatible APIs.
> [Chinese Document](https://gist.github.com/GrayXu/f1b72353b4b0493d51d47f0f7498b67b)
**Gemini**
Apply [here](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs).
The secret format is `MY_APIKEY`.
**Qwen-MT**
Apply [here](https://help.aliyun.com/zh/model-studio/user-guide/machine-translation).
The secret format is `MY_APIKEY`.
**Claude**
Apply [here](https://docs.anthropic.com/claude/docs/getting-started-with-the-claude-api).
**LibreTranslate**
See [LibreTranslate](https://github.com/LibreTranslate/LibreTranslate). API Key is optional.
**MTranServer**
See [MTranServer](https://github.com/xxnuo/MTranServer). Token is optional.
> MTranServer only supports `zh`-`en` language pairs for v2.1.1 and previous versions. For MTranServer v3.0.0+, please check the checkbox in the Config panel to use `zh-Hans` or `zh-Hant` language. See [explanation of the supported languages](https://github.com/xxnuo/MTranServer/issues/59#issuecomment-3131551779).
**NLLB**
See [nllb-api](https://github.com/winstxnhdw/nllb-api?tab=readme-ov-file#self-hosting) or [NLLB Serve](https://github.com/thammegowda/nllb-serve?tab=readme-ov-file#setup).
**Pot**
See [Pot](https://github.com/pot-app/pot-desktop?tab=readme-ov-file#%E5%A4%96%E9%83%A8%E8%B0%83%E7%94%A8). _Translate results show in Pot._
### User Interface
- `Font Size`: The font size of result text, default `12`
- `Line Height`: The line height of result text, default `1.5`
- `Item Context Menu: Show xxx`: Show or hide Title/Abstract tanslation, default `true`
- `Item Pane Section: Show xxx`: Show or hide elements in the item pane, default `true`
- `Item Pane Section: Hold down Ctrl/⌘`: Press key to enable concat mode when selecting text in PDF/EPub/webpage if `true`, default `true`
- `Item Pane Section: Reverse Raw/Result`: Reverse the order of Raw/Result in the item pane if `true`, default `false`
- `Item Pane Info: Show xxx`: Show or hide Title/Abstract tanslation in the item info rows
- `Standalone: Keep Windows on Top`: Top the standalone translate panel if `true`, default `false`
- `Pop-up: Remember Size`: Remember size of pop-up if `true`, else automatically adjust the size, default `false`
### Advanced
- Strip empty lines and thinking from translation results: Automatically remove empty lines or thinking labels from translation results, especially for some LLM translation services.
- Automatically Detect Item Language
- Disable Automatic Translation when File Language is(comma-separated): If you want to disable automatic translation in `zh` and `ja` files, set `zh,ja`. Default `zh,zh-CN,中文`.
- Delimiter (between text and translation): When translating annotations, the result will be wrapped inside this character to allow safe re-translate. If set to empty, re-translating annotations will replace the annotation comment/body with the new translate result.
- Regex for removing extra text from translation results (leave empty to disable): Automatically remove text from translation results using regex. You need to understand how to use regex in advance.
- Reset field of selected items in library: Batch reset the _Title Translation_ or _Abstract Translation_ of selected items. Please select the items in Library or Collection panel and then click the button.
## Development & Contributing
This plugin is built based on the [Zotero Plugin Template](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-plugin-template). See the setup and debug details there.
To startup, run
```bash
git clone https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate.git
cd zotero-pdf-translate
npm install
npm run build
```
The plugin is built to `./build/*.xpi`.
### Contributing
**Add new translate service**
1. Copy `src/modules/services/_template.ts` > `src/services/<your-service-id>.ts`;
2. Fill in the required fields (id, type, and translate) and optional fields (name, helpUrl, defaultSecret, secretValidator(secret), and config(settings)) following the introduction. The translation function sets the translation result to `data.result` if runs successfully and throws an error if fails;
3. Import the new service object in `src/modules/services/index.ts`.
4. Add locale string `service.${serviceId}` and `service-<your-service-id>-dialog-xxx`(if necessary) in `addon/locale/${lang}/addon.ftl`.
5. Build and test.
## Disclaimer
Use this code under AGPL. No warranties are provided. Keep the laws of your locality in mind!
## My Zotero Plugins
- [Better Notes for Zotero](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-better-notes): Everything about note management. All in Zotero.
- [Actions & Tags for Zotero](https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-tag): Customize your Zotero workflow.
- [Bionic for Zotero](https://github.com/windingwind/bionic-for-zotero): Bionic reading experience with Zotero.
## Sponsors
Thanks
[peachgirl100](https://github.com/peachgirl100),
[youngfish42](https://github.com/youngfish42),
and other anonymous sponsors!
If you want to leave your name here, please email me or leave a message with the donation.
## Contributors
<a href="https://github.com/windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate/graphs/contributors">
<img src="https://contrib.rocks/image?repo=windingwind/zotero-pdf-translate" />
</a>