LibreTranslate
LibreTranslate is an open-source translation API and web UI for private, self-hosted machine translation with offline models and optional API keys/limits.
LibreTranslate is an open-source machine translation service that provides a REST API (and a simple web UI) for translating text without sending data to third-party providers. It can run fully offline using local models and is commonly deployed as an internal translation endpoint for apps, websites, and automation.
Key Features
- REST API for text translation with language detection support
- Web UI for manual translation/testing
- Runs locally/offline using open translation models (no external provider required)
- API key support and rate limiting options for controlled access
- CORS support for browser-based clients
- Docker-based deployment and configuration via environment variables
Use Cases
- Private translation endpoint for internal tools, helpdesks, and knowledge bases
- Add translation to web/mobile apps without sending content to third parties
- Automations (e.g., workflows/scripts) that need programmatic translation
Limitations and Considerations
- Translation quality and supported language pairs depend on the bundled/installed models
- Running models can be CPU/RAM intensive; performance varies by hardware and load
LibreTranslate is a practical choice when you need a simple translation API you can control, especially in privacy-sensitive environments. It provides a straightforward HTTP interface, a lightweight UI, and deployment options that fit both small servers and containerized infrastructure.