What local mode is for
Use local mode when you need to translate text in product images as part of a desktop workflow. Open one image, run OCR, translate into a chosen target language, then keep the layout on screen so you can review wording and placement before you export.
Local mode also supports batch jobs. You can queue a set of images without sending those files through the product cloud translation workflow. Review still happens on the same computer: open a finished item in the editor when the visual result needs a human decision.
How a single-image session works
- Install the Windows or macOS build and complete first-run runtime setup if the app requests it.
- Choose the Local engine. Sign-in is not required for this route.
- Open an image in a supported local format (JPG, PNG, WebP, or BMP, plus additional formats the desktop workflow accepts).
- Select an OCR source language and a translation target from the local lists.
- Run translation, then edit text and styling if the result is not ready to publish.
- Export the finished file as PNG, JPEG, or WebP.
Languages on the local engine
The local workflow provides 14 OCR source-language choices and 18 target-language choices. Treat the lists on the languages help page as the verified local counts; labels that appear in screenshots can include options from connected services.
OCR sources: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Malay.
Targets: Simplified Chinese, English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, Filipino, and Hindi.
See the full format table on supported languages and formats.
Commercial rule
A one-time purchase unlocks unlimited local translations and free updates. Optional cloud high-quality translation and cloud AI editing are billed separately in points and require an account.
How local differs from API and cloud
| Route | Sign-in | What leaves the device | Billing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local engine | Not required | OCR and translation run on this computer. First-run runtime setup may use the network. | Unlocked by the one-time license |
| Your DeepL or Google API | Provider key required | Text is sent to the provider you configure | Billed by that provider |
| Cloud AI | Required | Image data is sent to the product cloud service | Points per image |
Important limits
Keep a network connection available during first-launch runtime setup. Local translation output is not guaranteed to be complete or commercially final artwork; use the editor when packaging, typography, or claims need a review. Do not treat every language label in the interface as a local OCR language.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does local translation require a product account?
No. The local engine runs OCR and translation on the installed computer and does not require sign-in.
Is local translation unlimited after purchase?
A one-time purchase unlocks unlimited local translations and free updates. Optional cloud high-quality translation is billed separately in points.
Why does the first launch need a network connection?
The first launch may download or install the local translation runtime. Keep a network connection available during that setup step.
How is DeepL or Google different from the local engine?
If you configure your own DeepL or Google translation API, text is sent to that provider. That path is separate from on-device local translation and from product cloud AI, which sends image data to the cloud service.