Stacks / Docs
LibreTranslate
Machine translation you host. LibreTranslate is AGPL-3.0 — DeepL without the character meter.
The problem
DeepL meters characters (and then a Pro seat) for translation. You wanted an HTTP API that turns a string into another language on a box you run. LibreTranslate is AGPL-3.0 with Argos Translate models. This is not DeepL's writing-style, glossary, or CAT-tool suite — it is translation you can self-host.
Replaces
DeepL
Estimated SaaS saved
$1,200
per year, small team, before lock-in
Start on RailwayLanguageTool if this is grammar, not translation
Placeholder: LibreTranslate plus a volume for language models. CPU is enough for light use; GPU is optional. No one-click template in this repo yet — Start on Railway. Grammar checking stays on /stacks/languagetool-writing.
The stack
- LibreTranslate
AGPL-3.0 self-hosted machine translation API
Cost table
| You stop paying | Typical / year | Self-host instead |
|---|---|---|
| DeepL Pro (small team) | $1,200 | LibreTranslate + models on a volume |
Agent setup prompt
Replace DeepL with LibreTranslate (https://libretranslate.com). - Run the official image. Persist models on a volume. Bind HTTP to 0.0.0.0:$PORT. Disable public greedy use (API key). - Translate one document you actually ship. Do not claim DeepL quality, glossaries, or CAT-tool parity. - Grammar stays on /stacks/languagetool-writing. Write AGENT_PROMPT.md.
Also as markdown: /stacks/libretranslate.md
FAQ
- Will this match DeepL quality?
- No promise. LibreTranslate uses Argos Translate models. It is a self-hosted API. Eval the languages you actually need before you cut over.
- Why not LanguageTool?
- LanguageTool checks grammar. DeepL translates. Different job. /replace/grammarly is LanguageTool.