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Immersive Translate
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Introduction
Immersive Translate is a powerful AI-driven translation extension that provides bilingual webpage translation, video subtitle translation, and document translation for PDFs and EPUBs. It integrates multiple translation engines, including OpenAI (ChatGPT), DeepL, and Google Translate, to offer high-quality translations. Users can access it via browser plugins or mobile applications, enabling seamless multilingual content consumption.
Key Features
- Bilingual Web Page Translation: Intelligently identifies the main content area of a web page and displays a translation directly beneath the original text. This creates a parallel, bilingual reading format while preserving the original page's layout. Users can select from over ten translation engines, including DeepL, OpenAI, and Google Translate.
- Multi-Format Document Translation: Translates various local file types, including PDF, EPUB, DOCX, TXT, and subtitle files like SRT or ASS. The system maintains the original document's layout and provides options to download the file in a bilingual, side-by-side format or as a translation-only version. A professional version offers enhanced parsing for complex PDFs containing formulae, tables, and images.
- Bilingual Video Subtitle Translation: Generates real-time, bilingual subtitles for videos on over 100 platforms, including YouTube, Netflix, and Coursera. The tool overlays dual-language captions onto the video player, allowing for simultaneous viewing of the original and translated text. It also supports translation for online meetings on platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
- Image and Comic Translation: Translates text embedded within images on web pages using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and inpainting technology. This function replaces the original text with the translated text while aiming to preserve the image's visual design and layout. A dedicated comic translation feature is also available for Pro users.
Uniqueness
Immersive Translate offer a truly immersive multilingual reading experience in the browser. It translates web pages but also supports bilingual subtitles, document translation, and AI-enhanced contextual understanding. Different AI translation engines could be selected to ensures high accuracy and fluency in translation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open-Source?
Yes
Registration Needed?
No
Installation Required?
Yes
AI-empowered?
NLP, OCR, and Workflow Automation
Specifications
I
Country or Region:
China
Author(s):
Shanghai Shutongwen Network Technology Co., Ltd. (上海书同文网络科技有限公司)
License:
Freemium
Operating System(s):
Web, Mobile
Language(s):
Multilingual
Registration Needed:
No
Installation Required:
Yes
Video Demonstration
User Guide
This guide outlines how to install the Immersive Translate extension and use it to translate webpages, video subtitles, and PDF documents bilingually.
(Access Date: 22 July 2025)
Install Immersive Translate Chrome Extension
| a. | Navigate to the website: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/immersive-translate-trans/bpoadfkcbjbfhfodiogcnhhhpibjhbnh?utm_source=official; |
| b. | Click Add to Chrome > Add extension to install the extension; |
| c. | After installation, click the puzzle piece icon (Extensions button) in the top-right corner of your browser; |
| d. | Find Immersive Translate in the list and click the pin icon to keep it visible on your toolbar. |
Translate Webpages Bilingually
| a. | Navigate to a webpage in a foreign language; |
| b. | Click the Immersive Translate icon on your browser's toolbar; |
| c. | Select a target language from the Target menu; |
| d. | Select a translation model from the Service menu (Note: Free translation models include Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, Zhipu BigModel, and SiliconFlow); |
| e. | Click the Translate button to activate bilingual translation; |
| f. | Toggle on Hover in the popup menu for instant translations; |
| g. | Hold the preset key Ctrl and hover over a paragraph; |
| h. | Toggle on Text selection translation in the popup menu (Note: You can customise the function triggers and hotkeys in the dropdown panel). |
Translate Video Subtitles
| a. | Navigate to a supported video platform (e.g., YouTube); |
| b. | Play a video with available closed captions (CC); |
| c. | Click the CC button in the video player to enable the original subtitles; |
| d. | Click the Immersive Translate icon in the panel of the player; |
| e. | Toggle on Auto-enable bilingual captions (Note: Customise the appearance and position of bilingual subtitles in the popup menu). |
Translate PDF Documents
| a. | Click the Extensions button in the top-right corner of your browser; |
| b. | Click Manage extensions; |
| c. | Locate the Immersive Translate extension and click Details; |
| d. | Toggle on the Allow access to file URLs button; |
| e. | Open a PDF in Chrome by dragging a local file into a new tab; |
| f. | Click the Immersive Translate icon in the toolbar; |
| g. | Select Translate PDF from the popup menu; |
| h. | Click the Translate AI & Download button to download the translated result; |
| i. | Select a translation mode between Download Bilingual and Only the translation; |
| j. | Select an export mode between Text-based PDF and Image-based PDF; |
| k. | Click the Download button (Note: The extension preserves the original PDF layout as much as possible in the bilingual view). |
Educational Scenarios
Educators' Perspectives
Learners' Perspectives
Multilingual Course Preparation
A professor translates international case studies into bilingual PDFs for a business class with Immersive Translate. Students compare original and translated texts side-by-side without searching the text in two separated documents. This approach aligns with the principles of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), which emphasizes learning both subject content and language simultaneously. By presenting materials bilingually, the professor facilitates a deeper understanding of business concepts while also supporting language acquisition. This method also addresses the challenges of internationalization in higher education, where students from diverse linguistic backgrounds often study together. The side-by-side presentation of original and translated texts supports cognitive flexibility, allowing students to switch between languages and enhancing their metalinguistic awareness. This approach is particularly beneficial for developing academic language proficiency, as described in Jim Cummins' theory of Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). Moreover, this bilingual approach can help reduce cognitive load for non-native speakers, as explained by Cognitive Load Theory. By providing translations, students can focus more on understanding complex business concepts rather than struggling with language barriers. This method also supports the development of translanguaging skills, an important aspect of multilingual education that allows learners to draw on their full linguistic repertoire.
Collaborative Research
Researchers use hover translation in Immersive Translate to review foreign-language conference proceedings. The recorded keynote speeches on YouTube are viewed with bilingual subtitles. By removing the language barrier, researchers can explore research progress in foreign countries and seek collaborations. This scenario highlights the transformative impact of technology on academic research, enabling scholars to transcend linguistic limitations and engage with a broader range of scientific communities. The ability to access and understand international research findings fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, which are crucial for addressing global challenges. This approach aligns with the open science movement, which advocates for transparency, accessibility, and collaboration in research. By utilizing translation tools, researchers can efficiently disseminate their findings and engage with colleagues worldwide, accelerating scientific progress and knowledge exchange. Furthermore, this practice exemplifies the potential of digital tools to democratize access to information, facilitating a more inclusive and interconnected research ecosystem. As researchers increasingly rely on technology to bridge language gaps, they can expand their networks, share expertise, and contribute to a collective understanding of complex issues.
Accessible Lecture Videos
An instructor adds English subtitles to recorded lectures on YouTube, and students translate the subtitles to Chinese using Immersive Translate. They switch languages with toggles to understand different ideas in English. This approach to enhancing accessibility in lecture videos reflects a commitment to providing inclusive education, accommodating students with diverse language backgrounds. The integration of bilingual subtitles empowers students to engage with course content in their preferred language, supporting comprehension and retention. This practice is consistent with the principles of assistive technology in education, which aim to remove barriers and promote equitable access to learning resources. By leveraging translation tools, educators can create a more inclusive learning environment that supports diverse linguistic needs. Additionally, the ability to switch languages and access subtitles enhances students' language skills, offering opportunities for language learning and cultural exchange. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to participate actively in their education, regardless of their language proficiency. As educators continue to embrace technology for accessibility, they can create more inclusive and engaging learning experiences that cater to the needs of all students, preparing them for success in a globalized world.
Thesis Writing
A graduate student translates non-English research papers into bilingual EPUBs to include more papers for review. Linked citations are preserved after translation and integrated into the citation list directly. This innovative approach reflects the increasing importance of multilingualism in academic research, allowing students to access a wider range of international studies and perspectives. By creating bilingual EPUBs, the student is leveraging digital tools to enhance their research capabilities, embracing the global nature of scholarly communication. The preservation of linked citations is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that sources are accurately referenced, which aligns with the standards set by organizations such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Moreover, this process supports the development of technical skills related to digital publishing and translation technologies, which are increasingly valuable in the academic and professional world.
Language Learning
Students watch foreign films with AI-generated subtitles, and the hover feature clarifies idioms, allowing them to enjoy the movie and understand the culture of other countries. This method of language learning highlights the role of technology in providing immersive and culturally rich experiences, which are essential for mastering a new language. The ability to understand idioms within their cultural context is particularly important, as idioms often convey cultural nuances and social norms that are not easily translated. This approach aligns with the communicative language teaching (CLT) model, emphasizing real-life communication and interaction as central components of language learning. The integration of AI-generated subtitles represents a fusion of language learning with artificial intelligence, offering personalized and adaptive learning experiences. By engaging with authentic materials like films, students can enhance their listening skills and cultural understanding, which are crucial for achieving fluency and intercultural competence.
Global Group Projects
Engineering students collaborate with international peers using 'always translate this page' in shared documents. Real-time bilingual editing ensures their contribution in the group. This scenario exemplifies the growing trend of virtual international collaborations in higher education, often referred to as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) or Virtual Exchange. By leveraging real-time translation technology, students can overcome language barriers that have traditionally hindered cross-cultural collaborations. The use of 'always translate this page' feature in shared documents represents a significant advancement in computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW). This technology not only facilitates communication but also promotes equal participation among team members, regardless of their native language. Such inclusivity aligns with the principles of equity in education and can lead to more diverse and innovative project outcomes. Moreover, this collaborative approach provides students with authentic experiences in global teamwork, a crucial skill in the increasingly interconnected world of engineering and technology. It prepares them for future careers in multinational corporations or international projects where multilingual collaboration is often the norm. The real-time bilingual editing feature also supports the development of metalinguistic awareness, as students may observe how concepts and ideas are expressed across different languages. This can lead to a deeper understanding of both technical content and linguistic nuances, contributing to the students' professional and personal development. In all these scenarios, we see how advanced digital tools are transforming the landscape of higher education, breaking down language barriers, and creating new opportunities for global learning and collaboration. These technologies not only enhance access to information and facilitate communication but also promote the development of crucial 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, intercultural competence, and global collaboration. As educational institutions continue to integrate these tools, it will be important to consider both their potential benefits and the new challenges they may present in terms of equity, privacy, and the changing roles of educators in this technologically enhanced learning environment.