For the complete documentation index, see llms.txt. This page is also available as Markdown.

AutoTrans

Real-time in-game translation (no text floating outside the game).

How to Translate Games with AutoTrans

AutoTrans applies real-time translation directly inside a game while you play, with no text floating outside the game window.

AutoTrans is an exclusive feature of the Pro Version.

AutoTrans may not work with all games and can affect performance. Because it translates text in real time within the game, you may experience lag while the game waits for translation responses. This can cause lower frame rates or brief delays during gameplay.

Supported Game Engines

  • RenPy 8.x

  • RenPy 7.x

  • RenPy 6.99.x

  • RPG Maker MV

  • RPG Maker MZ

  • Tyrano Builder

  • Kirikiri (Experimental)


Getting Started

VNTranslator Launcher
  1. Select AutoTrans from the module list

  2. Click Browse and select the game executable

  3. Click the Start button to launch the game with AutoTrans

Important: AutoTrans does not create translation patches for games. The translations are injected directly into the game in real time. This means you need to run the game through AutoTrans each time you want to play with translations enabled.


Features

Feature
Description

Switch between real-time translation modes, including cached, non-cached, and RenPy-specific compatibility modes

Filter which text gets translated by character or word count, and adjust line breaks, word wrap, and excluded strings

Customize RenPy dialogue box, text, and font styling, or apply RPG Maker MV/MZ gameplay mods

Fix blank boxes, question marks, or missing characters caused by fonts that don't support the translated language

Pre-translate all game text before playing instead of translating in real time, reducing lag

Launch DRM-protected Steam games through the Steam client instead of directly from the executable

For a full walkthrough of the AutoTrans interface, including the Translation Editor, Import/Export Translation Memory, and other in-game controls, see Interface Overview.


Tips for Better Performance

  • Use Translation Filters to skip translating UI elements and translate only dialogue text

  • Choose a faster translation service - Google Lite is typically the fastest option for text-heavy games

  • Keep Translation Cache enabled so repeated lines don't need to be translated again

  • Reuse Translation Memory by exporting it after playing and importing it next time

  • Use Extract & Translate for the smoothest experience, since it pre-translates all text before you play


FAQ: Using AutoTrans

What is AutoTrans?

AutoTrans is a VNTranslator feature that translates game dialogue in real time, applying the translation directly inside the game while you play, without floating windows or overlays.

Is AutoTrans available in the free version?

No. AutoTrans is an exclusive feature of the Pro Version.

Why is my game lagging with AutoTrans, and how do I fix it?

Real-time translation needs a moment to send text, get a translation response, and display it, which can cause lag, especially with text-heavy screens. Using Translation Filters, a faster translation service, Translation Cache, or Extract & Translate can all help. See How Can I Improve Game Speed in AutoTrans? for details.

Does AutoTrans create a permanent translation patch?

No. AutoTrans injects translations directly into the game in real time rather than generating a translation file, so you need to run the game through AutoTrans each time you want translations active.

The translated text shows blank boxes or question marks instead of characters - how do I fix this?

This usually happens when the game's default font doesn't support the translated language. Use Font Replacement to switch to a font that displays the translated text correctly.

Can I customize how translations look or behave?

Yes. Translation Mode controls how translations are processed, Translation Settings controls what gets translated and how it's formatted, and Mods can adjust dialogue box and text styling for supported engines.

Can I use AutoTrans with DRM-protected Steam games?

Yes. Some Steam games require the Steam client to be running and won't launch directly from their executable file. Steam Connect lets AutoTrans launch the game through Steam instead.