# Start translating.

LibreTranslate is a Free and Open Source Machine Translation API. Unlike other APIs, it doesn't rely on proprietary software such as Google or Azure to perform translations. Instead, its translation engine is powered by the open source [Argos Translate](https://github.com/argosopentech/argos-translate) library.



> [!TIP]
> **Try it online!**
>
> Open [libretranslate.com](https://libretranslate.com) in your browser.




## Getting Started {#getting-started}








**[Basic Usage](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/guides/api_usage/index.md)**

Start translating with step by step examples.






**[Installation](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/guides/installation/index.md)**

How to quickly get the software up and running on your machine.






**[API Reference](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/api/index.md)**

Browse the API specification






**[MCP tools](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/mcp/index.md)**

Translation and language detection for your MCP client.






**[Integrations](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/guides/integrations/index.md)**

Connect LibreTranslate to the tools you already use.






**[Community Resources](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/community/resources/index.md)**

Questions? Find out where to get help.






## Quickstart {#quickstart}



### Self-Hosted {#self-hosted}


If you want to run LibreTranslate for free on your machine:

```bash
$ pip install libretranslate
$ libretranslate
$ curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/translate -d q="Hello" -d source=en -d target=es
```

```json
{"translatedText":"Hola"}
```

See also the [installation](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/guides/installation/index.md) page.


### Managed Hosting {#managed-hosting}


If you'd like an easier setup, high availability, fast translations and a professionally managed service for a small monthly cost:
 * Get an API key from: https://portal.libretranslate.com

```bash
$ curl -X POST https://libretranslate.com/translate -d q="Hello" -d source=en -d target=es -d api_key=xxxxx
```

```json
{"translatedText":"Hola"}
```

Either way we're happy you're here! ❤




## Contributing {#contributing}









**[Localization](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/guides/contributing/index.md#documentation)**

Learn how to translate these docs and the software in your language.







**[Support the Project](https://sourcey-libretranslate.pages.dev/guides/contributing/index.md)**

Find out all the ways you can contribute.







**[Training New Language Models](https://github.com/LibreTranslate/Locomotive)**

Learn how to train your own translation models.







## Credits {#credits}


This work is largely possible thanks to [Argos Translate](https://github.com/argosopentech/argos-translate), which powers the translation engine.


## License {#license}


[GNU Affero General Public License v3](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0.en.html)


## Trademark {#trademark}


See [Trademark Guidelines](https://github.com/LibreTranslate/LibreTranslate/blob/main/TRADEMARK.md)