Firefox Translation

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  • Revision id: 264931
  • Created:
  • Creator: AliceWyman
  • Comment: Intro: gradual rollout (see discussion) and other edits
  • Reviewed: Yes
  • Reviewed:
  • Reviewed by: lsiebert
  • Is approved? Yes
  • Is current revision? No
  • Ready for localization: Yes
  • Readied for localization:
  • Readied for localization by: lsiebert
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Firefox has added a new built-in full page translation feature that allows you to seamlessly browse the web in your preferred language. As you navigate the site, Firefox continuously translates new content in real time. This feature will be rolled out gradually and should be available for all users starting in Firefox version 118.

Note: Unlike other browsers that rely on cloud services, Firefox keeps your data safe on your device. There's no privacy risk of sending text to third parties for analysis because translation happens on your device, not externally.

How to use the translation toolbar

To translate a webpage:

  1. When you visit a webpage in a supported language, the translation panel will open automatically. If it does not open, click the translation icon in the toolbar or select Translate page from the Hamburguer menu 1 menu.
    Translation icon - toolbar
  2. Firefox detects the page language automatically. To change it, use the top dropdown menu.
    Translate from option
  3. Next, select your desired translation language from the bottom dropdown menu, which will be pre-populated with your first preferred language. To change it, use the dropdown menu.
    Translate to option
  4. Click Translate to translate the entire page.
    Translate content
  5. To revert the page to the original language, click the toolbar icon Translation toolbar icon 2 and select Show original.
    Show original translation
Tip: You can also access the translation panel by clicking and selecting the Translate page option.

Customize translation settings

To tailor your translation experience:

  1. On the right-hand side of the toolbar, click the translation icon.
    Translation icon - toolbar
  2. Click the cog icon located on the top right side of the translation panel.
    Translation settings 1
  3. Choose the setting you want to apply.
    Translation settings
  4. A checkmark will appear to confirm that the selected setting is enabled.
    Translation settings 2
  5. To revert a change, simply reselect the setting, and the checkmark will disappear, indicating that it's disabled.

Configure installed languages

To configure your installed languages:

  1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Settings (select Preferences on older macOS versions).Click the menu button Fx89menuButton and select Settings.
  2. Under the General panel, scroll down to Language and Appearance settings.
  3. Under Translations, select from the list the languages you wish to have available for in-browser translation and click Install. The first time you translate from/to a language, it gets automatically installed in your device, so, you may see some languages already installed when accessing these settings.
    Install language
  4. To uninstall a language, just click Remove.
    Remove language

FAQ

Does Firefox's translation feature work with non-text content, like images or videos?

No, the translation feature currently only handles text content on web pages, so it won't translate non-text elements such as images, videos, or interactive elements.

What if I encounter a page with mixed languages or content in multiple languages? Will the translation still work?

While the translation feature primarily focuses on the main language of the webpage, it may not handle pages with mixed languages or content in multiple languages optimally.

Can I translate a page partially, like only a specific section or paragraph?

Currently, the translation feature is designed to translate the entire page. It doesn't support translating only specific sections or paragraphs.

Can Firefox translate pages that are password-protected or behind login screens?

Yes, Firefox can translate password-protected or login-required pages, as long as the content is fully displayed on your screen. The translation feature works on any webpage content that Firefox can access and render.

How do I revert a page to its original language after translation?

To revert a page to its original language after translation, click the toolbar icon and select Show original.

Why do I need to install languages?

Installing languages enables Firefox to perform translations locally within your browser, prioritizing your privacy and security. The first time you translate from/to a language, it gets automatically installed in your device, so, you may see some languages already installed when accessing the language settings in Firefox Settings, General panel, in the Language and Appearance section under Translations.

How can I report incorrect translations?

You can help enhance Firefox translations by reporting inaccuracies through this form.

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