TranslateOverlay
by PlumeIS
TranslateOverlay shows translations of chat messages and other in-game text on the client, using Bing Translate, Baidu Translate or a user-provided API.
What it does
The mod translates chat and other text shown in Minecraft. Translations come from Microsoft Bing, from Baidu Translate, or from a local translation service that the player connects through an RPC interface. Support for further providers depends on user-provided APIs, and the mod is designed around that option.
Translating Baidu requires configuration before it works, since the Baidu APIs need their own credentials entered in the settings. The Bing option is opened for use without a separate setup step. Text in lectern books can also be translated, so readable content outside chat is covered as well.
The mod is published for Fabric, Forge and Quilt, with files for 1.17 – 1.21.1 across nine release versions. Only the client needs it, so servers run without it and players install it alone. The code is released under the MIT License and is open source.
Key features
Chat message translation
Incoming chat messages and other text displayed in the game can be translated into the player's language.
Bing and Baidu providers
Microsoft Bing and Baidu Translate are available as translation sources, with Baidu needing its APIs set up first.
Local translation service
A local translation service can be connected over RPC, so translations run on the player's own machine.
Lectern book translation
Text in lectern books can be translated, not only messages that appear in chat.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.20.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.19.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.18.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.17.x2 of 2 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Players who read chat or books in a language other than their own, and players who want to connect their own translation provider or local service.
How it compares
Click Translate Baidu is a Fabric and Forge mod for Minecraft 1.8.9 – 1.20.6, client-side only and open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only. Chatglot - Chat Translation is a Fabric-only mod for 1.21.4 – 26.3, client-side only and open source under the MIT License. TDSMP Translator is a Forge mod for 1.20.1 only, client-side only, and it is not open source, with its license reserved to All rights reserved.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TranslateOverlay | Fabric, Forge and Quilt | 1.17 – 1.21.1 | Client-side only | 2025-02-05 |
| Click Translate Baidu | Fabric and Forge | 1.8.9 – 1.20.6 | Client-side only | 2024-04-30 |
| Chatglot - Chat Translation | Fabric | 1.21.4 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-10-05 |
| TDSMP Translator | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client-side only | 2026-05-27 |
Questions
Does TranslateOverlay need a server install?
Which loader should be used with TranslateOverlay?
Does Baidu Translate work without setup?
More from PlumeIS
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/translateoverlay
- Owner
- PlumeIS
- Published
- 2024-12-14
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-02-05
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15