LibreTranslate

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.