- Best Free Software For Mac
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- Free Translation Software For Mac Operating System
- Free Translation Software For Mac Computers
- Best Translation Software For Mac
Learning a new language takes time and patience but there are times when you do not have the time to pick up some language that we need to know. Say you are on a vacation for a week and the locals speak a different language you need someone or something that’ll translate for you.
The best translation software will provide a simple and easy way to automatically translate everything from your office documents to your online assets, such as webpages, into different languages. Express Scribe is one of the most popular choices when it comes to transcription in. Best Transcription Software for Mac. Express Scribe is one of the most popular choices when it comes to transcription in Mac. You can name it an awesome audio player software too. Express Scribe helps you play audio and video content so that you can optimize the transcription process.
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We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 translation software that will help you in translating from one language to another on the go.
1. King Translate – a free translation software
Translate and find definitions for words fast using King Translate
- Can translate words, documents and entire texts
- Output high quality translations in an instant
- Easy shortcut for one word translation
- Options available for basic as well as advanced translation
- Complete wordlist of over 700 languages
- Query results can be in the form of audio, video or images
- Direct links to Wikipedia and YouTube for a better understanding of the origin and cultural reference of a word.
2. qTranslate – a small translation software with big features
Download qTranslate to solve all of your translation worries
- Based on Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, Yahoo Babelfish etc.
- A hotkey for quick translations
- Can do a dictionary search or speak text out loud
- Translation with mouse comes in two modes
- Translation can be done in any text supporting applications
- Translation are done in a quick process
- It has spell check and text auto complete/suggestions features
- It stores history of your translations and comes with a virtual keyboard
3. Adept Translator Pro – a intelligent and fast translator
Download Adept Translator Pro to quickly translate text from one language to another
- Translation of word, text or document to over 70 languages
- Translation is quick and easy, a single click does it
- The interface can be customized to be used with 69 different languages
- The user interface is easy to understand and takes no time getting used to
- Free continuous upgrades for a better performing software and great user experience
- All round the clock support, 7 days a week
4. Lingoes – a multilingual translator
Download Lingoes and translate between multiple languages
- Has dictionary import and export functions
- Cross translation of words in over 80 languages
- More than 40 languages supported for full text translation
- An inventive zoned word translator that translates as many as 23 languages of text to other languages
- A natural sounding voice that reads out text loud
- Support for cursor translation in Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, MS Word and Acrobat Reader
5. Babylon – a well built translator
Download Babylon for quick and convenient translation
- Quick text translation with a mouse click
- Can also convert currencies, measurements and time
- Single click translation support through all Microsoft products such as Word, Excel etc and Adobe Reader
- Supports full text translation, full web page and full document translation in many languages
- Microsoft Office integration supported
- It produces results using data from a database of over 1,700 sources in over 75 languages
6. Linguatic Dictionary – the only dictionary you’ll ever need
![Free Translation Software For Mac Free Translation Software For Mac](/uploads/1/2/9/2/129241694/208853375.png)
Download Linguatic Dictionary and get your translations done easy and fast
- Simple and easy to use user interface
- Quick and easy translation in a single click
- Quick translation of any word in any application with the capture text feature
- Searches search term in multiple dictionaries with the option of customizing the search methods
- Auto completion/suggestions
- Stores your lookup history
- Can read out words loud
- Features multiple skins, multi-language support and automatic updates
7. Free Language Translator – A free and lightweight translator
Download Free Language Translator and forget all your translation worries
- Support for all popular document formats – doc, txt, html, pdf, rtf etc.
- Supports translation of srt and sub subtitle files
- Automatic detection of the original language through context menu or the detect button
- Custom dictionary with your own entries
- Different keyboard layouts, changes with respected to the language selected and selection panel
8. Dixio Desktop Classic – a lightweight translator
Download Dixio Desktop Classic for some quick translation
- Simple and fast term search with a hotkey or by manually entering text
- Works on any web page or document
- Definitions and translations based on several powerful online resources including Wikipedia and Google Translate
- You can also do image search based on the search term
- The keyboard shortcuts and order of dictionaries can be set from within the application
9. Goot – a no fuss multiplatform translator
Download Goot for a hassle free translating experience
- Cross platform application for your desktop
- Supports a varied collection of languages
- Google Translator is the default included plugin
- Other plugins help access powerful online translators, plus there’s an option to add custom plugins written in Java
- Auto detection of languages make it more convenient for you not having to enter original language every time you want to translate some text
10. ClickIVO – Easy to use translator
Downlaod ClickIVO and translate all the text you want
- Support for almost any Windows text supporting applications including – web browsers, IM client, any email accounts, office applications etc
- Can recognize texts and capture them with an inbuilt on-screen engine.
- It can read out words loud giving you the correct pronunciation of that word
- No need to go online to use this translator
- Inbuilt smart dictionaries lets you select the language that you want to translate and the language that you want to translate it to
Yes, these software cannot compare to their human counterparts, but with online and machine translations getting better and better and with some excellent features built in, these software more or less get the work done. So, next time you’re find yourself not understanding a language open up these small but efficient software.
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If you’re a translator, a translation agency owner, or an LSP, you’re likely to be using some form of translation software to improve your translation workflow. If you’re not, you could be spending far longer on your translations (or a lot more money!) than necessary.
Translation software and tools
- Cloud-based translation software
- Desktop (offline) translation software
What is translation software?
Translation software programs are designed to make the translation process quicker and more efficient. With them, you can store and edit translations, translate projects section by section (while preserving the formatting), and ultimately add an extra layer of quality control (consistency, spelling, equivalence, etc.). They also make terminology management a lot simpler: you can create, access, and use terms and translation memories as you work on your projects. When we talk about translation software we usually mean CAT (computer-aided translation) tools, which should not be confused with machine translation. Although the terms might sound similar, CAT tools help translators streamline their translation processes, but do not do any of the translations for them. Machine translation, on the other hand, uses artificial intelligence to directly translate texts.
Translation software tools all serve the same purpose: to assist in and speed up the translation process. But there are different types of software out there to suit different circumstances and needs. For example, translation software tools can be downloadable desktop programs you install on your computer or cloud-based solutions you work on online. They can be paid or free. Some even go the extra mile and connect to a marketplace of freelancers so you can easily collaborate with others within the translation tool. This is particularly useful if you need to translate multiple files in different language pairs with different translators, editors, and proofreaders.
So, let’s dig into each type and review some of the best translation software tools in 2020.
![Free Free](/uploads/1/2/9/2/129241694/268505651.png)
Cloud-based translation software
Cloud-based (or web-based) translation tools are programs that are accessed and used online via a web browser. These platforms are becoming increasingly common in all industries, and key players in the world of translation are following suit.
Let’s see why it’s such a popular channel along with the possible drawbacks.
Pros:
- No need to free up any space or install any software on your computer.
- You can work from any operating system, whether it’s Windows, MacOS, or even a variation of Linux.
- Translations are saved in real time so you won’t lose any data. At worst, this can be one sentence, whereas you can lose everything on a desktop computer.
- You can access it on any device with an Internet connection.
- It’s easier to collaborate with others online.
- Updates and bug fixes are frequent and immediate.
Cons:
- There is always a risk of data being hacked online. However, there is no consensus in the IT world whether the risk is higher on web-based platforms than on desktop programs, where data can be erased, stolen, or lost.
- Highly reliant on an Internet connection. To remedy this, some software tools allow you to continue using most features if you lose your connection.
Paid cloud-based translation software tools
Memsource
Memsource has both a web-based and a desktop translation editor. The online editor is simple and intuitive, however, some translators find it lacks some functionalities and is slow when working on large projects. Prices start at $27 per month but there is also a free personal edition version with a two-file simultaneous translation limit, which might work for you if have a light workload.
Wordbee
Wordbee is a translation management platform with a basic CAT tool. It focuses on collaboration and works well at the project management level but lacks some of the more advanced functionalities with speed reportedly an issue. It has a 15-day free trial, and prices start at $330 per year.
XTM Cloud
XTM Cloud is an intuitive web-based translation tool with all the necessary functions and a solid support team. Annual subscriptions start at $61 per month, but you can only translate up to 20,000 words per month. For unlimited use, prices start at $359 per month. As with most other paid translation tools, there’s a 30-day free trial.
Free cloud-based translation software tools
Smartcat
Smartcat is one of the fastest-growing cloud-based software translation solutions for LSPs, translation agencies, and independent translators.
Among the benefits are that it’s free, comprehensive, and user-friendly (making it easy to transition from other CAT tools or start using one with no previous experience). It also has its own marketplace to collaborate with other professionals within the CAT tool. You can even use it to pay freelancers for work done outside the platform.
If you’re looking for a connected, one-stop solution (CAT tool, collaborative space, and freelance marketplace), it’s one of the best platforms for this. Smartcat also offers additional paid services, like 24-hour support and personal training (starting at $89 per month).
MateCat
MateCat is a web-based translation tool which is free for freelance translators and businesses. As with Smartcat, there’s no limit on the number of users or projects. Part of its appeal is that it allows you to access a public database of translation memories which you can use on your projects.
Although completely free, MateCat does offer paid plans for companies and translation agencies wanting software customization and 24-hour support among other extras. These plans start at €1,500 (≈ $1,685) per month.
As for the downsides to MateCat, it has limited functionality, and your translation memories are stored for public use by default. This means that if you’re working with confidential documents you need to make sure you make your translation memories private before starting your translation.
Wordfast Anywhere
This is the online version of the offline CAT tools Wordfast Classic and Pro. It is completely free and allows for collaboration with other users. It’s user-friendly and convenient but its main weakness is that it can be slow and prone to bugs.
Desktop (offline) translation software
Desktop translation software tools are traditional software programs you have to download and install on your computer. Many have been around for longer than their cloud-based counterparts so much of their customer base are translators, LSPs, and agencies who have been using them for years and are perhaps reluctant to explore web-based alternatives.
Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of offline translation tools.
Pros:
- You can work without an Internet connection.
- No server issues like crashing or slowing down. As long as your computer works you can work.
Cons:
- You need to install the software and use up space on your computer.
- You can only use it on your computer, unless you have multiple licences and install it on other devices.
- Most (but not all) only work on Windows PCs.
- The safety of your translation projects depends on the safety of your computer. You can lose everything if your computer is stolen, damaged, or breaks down.
- Fewer updates: it takes longer to release and implement bug fixes and updates than with online software.
Paid desktop translation software tools
SDL Trados Studio
Trados is undoubtedly the most widely-used desktop translation tool, especially among companies, LSPs, and translation agencies. It’s comprehensive, feature-rich, and, most notably, everywhere — so whether you are a customer or a vendor you can be reasonably confident that the other party will support it one way or another. Prices start at €695 (≈ $780), but there’s a 30-day trial for you to try it out first.
The biggest downside to Trados is that many users find it far too complex for what most translators need, which means there’s a very steep learning curve when you first start using it. Besides, it only runs on Windows, is costly, and does not support native collaborative work. The best you can get is a client-and-server solution, which boils down to the usual “seat-counting” problems.
memoQ
memoQ is probably Trados’ biggest competitor as it is similar in functionality and performance. Prices start at $770 with a 30-day trial for the Pro version.
Like Trados, the main issue is the steep learning curve you have to go through before reaping the benefits.
Wordfast (Classic & Pro)
If you’re a fan of MS Word then perhaps Wordfast Classic is the tool for you as it works directly in Word. However, you’ll need the standalone Wordfast Pro if you want to translate other file formats. Advantages include that it’s easy to use can be installed on Windows, Linux, or Mac. There’s a 30-day free trial and costs €400 (≈ $450) for either Classic or Pro, or €500 (≈ $560) for both.
The downsides are that Wordfast Classic only supports Word documents while Wordfast Pro has limited options compared to similarly priced translation software tools.
Best Free Software For Mac
Memsource
Although primarily a cloud-based tool, Memsource also has a desktop editor version that can be installed on Windows, Mac, or Linux. It is more robust than the web-based version but still has limitations, especially in its terminology management, when compared to more comprehensive tools like memoQ or even cloud-based Smartcat.
Déjà Vu
Déjà Vu is a complete and reliable translation tool, which is especially strong as a terminology management solution. The downside is that you’ll have to fork out at least €420 (≈ $475) to buy a license but there’s a 30-day free trial for you to try before you buy.
Free Mac Software Download Sites
Across
Across is a comprehensive and very reasonably priced desktop CAT tool. They even have a free online version with basic features and an online marketplace. On the downside, speed seems to be an issue. Prices start at €19.50 (≈ $22) per month for an annual subscription.
Free desktop translation software tools
OmegaT
OmegaT is a free, open-source translation tool that you can use on Mac, Linux, and Windows. It is easy to set up and fairly easy to use. The layout of the source and target segments is slightly different from other tools, but users quickly adapt to it. A drawback, as is usual for open-source software, is that it only provides community support, so using it for enterprise-scale implementations can be risky.
CafeTran Espresso
CafeTran Espresso is particularly attractive to Mac and Linux users as, along with OmegaT, is one of the few free translation CAT tools compatible with these operating systems. However, the program is only free to use with translation memories or glossaries up to a certain size. The unlimited paid plans cost €80 (≈ $90) per year or €200 (≈ $225) for a lifetime purchase.
Overview of paid, free, cloud-based, and desktop software translation tools
Free Translation Software For Mac Operating System
PAID | FREE | |
ONLINE | Memsource (web-based) Wordbee XTM Cloud | Smartcat MateCat Wordfast Anywhere |
DESKTOP | SDL Trados Studio memoQ Wordfast (Classic & Pro) Memsource (desktop) Déjà Vu Across | OmegaT CafeTran Espresso |
What’s best for you?
Free Translation Software For Mac Computers
Which translation software tool you go for will ultimately depend on your preferences and, perhaps, your freedom to choose. If you do have a choice, we highly recommend you try a few different translation tools to see who can offer the best all-round solution for you (the fewer tools you use, the better). If cost is an issue, remember that some are completely free, and that most paid tools offer free trials. At the end of the day, what matters is how comfortable you feel with it and how that converts in terms of productivity and the quality of your professional translations.
In the spirit of full disclosure, we want to remind our readers that this article was originally written for the Smartcat blog. However, we did our best to compare the translation tools objectively and not just promote this platform. For more CAT tool guides/reviews, we recommend checking out the following links:
What do you currently use?
We’d love to hear from you: do you use a translation software tool? If so, which one(s)? What made you choose it? What features are missing that you’d really like to see? If you’re not in love with your translation tool, why not try another? We get it... the thought of switching tools can be daunting — you’ll have to get used to a whole new translation tool all over again! But what if the change makes you more productive in the long run?
Best Translation Software For Mac
Share your thoughts in the comments!