Translation Sources
Choose between an AI model and machine translation and understand their limitations
API keys required
You must obtain and configure your own API keys for both AI Model and Machine Trans services. EasyChat is free, open-source software and does not provide third-party API keys.
Supported providers
AI models
EasyChat supports these providers:
Custom LLMs can connect to providers with an OpenAI-compatible API by using the provider's API endpoint, model name, and API key.
Machine translation
EasyChat supports these providers:
Comparison
Configure at least one working service under Setting > Translation. AI models provide the complete set of language-assistance features. Machine translation is suitable when you only need fast sentence translation.
| Capability | AI model | Machine translation |
|---|---|---|
| General sentence translation | Supported | Supported |
| Screenshot and input translation | Supported | Supported |
| Custom prompts | Supported | Not supported |
| Dictionary details: phonetics, parts of speech, definitions, examples, and pronunciation | Supported | Not supported |
| Collocations, uncommon words, key words, and usage tips | Supported | Not supported |
| Correction, polishing, summaries, and explanations | Supported | Not supported |
Machine translation only provides general sentence translation. It does not support prompts, dictionary details, correction, polishing, summaries, or explanations.
Which should I choose?
- For quick translations in chats, webpages, or application interfaces, machine translation is sufficient.
- For terminology, writing, or language-learning assistance, configure an AI model and enable the Selection Toolbar.
Recommendation
We strongly recommend an AI model as your primary translation source because it provides more features and generally better translation quality.
Third-party availability
AI models and machine translation depend on third-party services. Availability may be affected by your network environment or provider restrictions. If a service is unavailable, check the network connection or switch providers.
Recommended AI model services
Free options
- SiliconFlow provides free access to selected smaller AI models. Register for an account to obtain an API key.
- ModelScope provides a daily allowance of 2,000 API inference calls and supports many open-source models, including DeepSeek, Qwen, and GLM. Register, link an Alibaba Cloud account, and create an API key in your profile.
Paid options
- DeepSeek offers fast, low-cost models. See the DeepSeek pricing documentation for current prices.