Documentation
Zlate is a privacy-first browser extension that enables real-time text translation on any webpage using your own AI API keys. Unlike traditional translators, Zlate allows you to control the tone and nuance of the translation.
Browser Support Status
Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Mozilla Firefox
Safari (Coming Soon)
Installation Guide
Google Chrome
- Download the source code or release zip.
- Navigate to
chrome://extensions/ - Toggle Developer mode in the top right corner.
- Click Load unpacked.
- Select the
dist/chromefolder.
Microsoft Edge
- Navigate to
edge://extensions/ - Toggle Developer mode in the sidebar.
- Click Load unpacked.
- Select the
dist/edgefolder.
Mozilla Firefox
- Navigate to
about:debugging - Click on This Firefox in the sidebar.
- Click Load Temporary Add-on...
- Select the
dist/firefox/manifest.jsonfile.
API Key Configuration
Zlate requires an API key to function. We do not provide a backend; your key connects directly to the provider.
How to Translate
1
Select & Click (Tooltip)
Highlight any text. A small Zlate icon will appear near your cursor. Click it to open the translation tooltip instantly.
2
Keyboard Shortcut
Highlight text and press Ctrl+Shift+T (or Cmd+Shift+T on Mac).
3
Context Menu
Right-click the selected text and choose "Translate with Zlate" from the browser menu.
Translation Tones
| Tone | Best Use Case |
|---|---|
| Neutral | General purpose reading. |
| Formal | Business emails, official forms. |
| Casual | Social media, chat messages, slang. |
| Professional | Reports, presentations, LinkedIn. |
| Academic | Research papers, technical documentation. |
| Simple | Explaining complex topics (ELI5). |
Developer Guide
To build the extension from source, ensure you have Node.js 18+ installed.
# 1. Install dependencies
npm install
# 2. Build for all browsers
npm run build
# Or build for specific browser
npm run build:chrome
npm run build:edge
npm run build:firefox