Start here

Getting started.

Use this guide when you are setting up the app for the first time, helping a tester, or resetting the app after troubleshooting.

When to use this

Use this before your first real project.

This path gets a new user to a working translation without exposing every expert control at once. Advanced users can still open Settings later for model, template, OCR, summary, and export details.

Steps

First setup checklist

  1. Install from the iOS App Store, Google Play testing, macOS build, or direct development build as appropriate.
  2. Open the setup assistant from first launch or Settings.
  3. Choose the closest usage profile: Personal study, Teacher, Research/editing, Publication, or Library station.
  4. Choose interface level: Simple, Guided, or Advanced.
  5. Choose an AI lane. Managed AI — no API key needed uses an optional credit balance when the service is available. Use my own key — free and advanced stores your selected provider key on this device. You can change lanes later, and the app never silently switches between them.
  6. If you chose your own key, add and test the provider in the secure setup screen. If you chose Managed AI, sign in and review the estimate before any paid action.
  7. Open the demo project to understand the viewer, sources, exports, and Word Lens before using private material.
  8. Enable backup or explicitly skip it for now.
  9. Create a project, choose Add material, import a small page or PDF selection, then run Translate this page before running a large batch.

Profiles

Choose the profile that matches the job.

Personal studyRecommended for most learners. Shows simple exports, backup reminders, and fewer advanced controls.
TeacherPrioritizes summaries, Reader PDF, glossary, and handout-friendly exports.
Research/editingShows AI comparison, terminology tools, CAT exports, templates, and deeper model controls.
Library stationFor shared devices near stacks. Staff should sign out of Managed AI, clear sessions, and remove any provider keys between patrons.

Warnings

Keep setup safe.

Do not paste API keys into screenshots, support forms, email, public chats, or Global Library contributions. Keys used in the bring-your-own-key lane stay in secure device storage. Managed AI does not require or use your personal provider key.
Managed AI sends only the data described in the confirmation screen and shows an expected and maximum credit charge before work begins. Local and bring-your-own-key projects remain available when Managed AI or sales are unavailable.