CotranslatorAI Reviews

Summary: I use CotranslatorAI on a daily basis. It outclassed all the other translation software actually available on the market. I couldn't work without it. It is more than a translation tool, it is a translator assistant that can automate translation and reviews in a way it has never been done before.

Positive: This tool harnesses the power of the GPT API, offering users a sophisticated linguistic engine at their fingertips. Its base version is accessible for free, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. What sets this tool apart is that it's crafted by translators, ensuring a nuanced understanding of language intricacies. Users can benefit from customizable prompts of unlimited length, allowing for tailored translations that meet specific needs. The tool also supports the application of style guides and glossaries, enhancing the consistency and accuracy of translations. Efficiency is further boosted by customizable quick keyboard shortcuts, and the convenience of direct integration with any app displaying text (e.g. MS Word, Photoshop or Google Chrome), is a significant plus. Whether working on a single paragraph or an entire document, the tool's functionality is impressive, leveraging the full power of contextual translation for large documents. It's also versatile, offering the possibility of using it for multiple and varied tasks, such as translation, revision, and evaluations, making it a comprehensive tool for language professionals.

Negative: The simple user interface bears a strong resemblance to that of ChatGPT, which might not appeal to users looking for a more sophisticated visual experience. It requires strong command of the keyboard shortcuts for optimal usability. There are tons of predefined prompts, but users may find the need to program those by themselves, so some prompt creation knowledge is required.

Summary: I'm pleased with CotranslatorAI so far and particularly impressed with work ethic of the team behind it, particularly their responsiveness in the user forum and their willingness to help new users get to grips not only with CotranslatorAI itself but with the murky world of AI in general . I certainly don't advocate the use of generative AI for all types of translation, but on those occasions when I do choose to work with with AI, this is currently my go-to option.

Positive: CotranslatorAI is for top-tier translators who want to harness the power of generative AI to support them, rather than use it to produce a second-rate translation for them. CotranslatorAI connects with the OpenAI API, meaning it adheres to the highest privacy standards. Privacy should be a concern for any translator considering using generative AI to support their workflow. In fact, CotranslatorAI is an entire workflow in itself. It is worlds apart from blindly plugging content into a browser-based AI tool. The interface is clean and once the basics are mastered it's easy to navigate. The prompt library facility whereby you can save prompts and load them at the touch of a button in the future is particularly useful.

Negative: The learning curve is steep and it's not necessarily intuitive. That said, the team are incredibly responsive and generous with their time. There's also an active user group where you can post for help or share musings about AI in general.

Summary: In fact this is a paradigm shift. You are no longer stuck to the functionality defined by your software tools, the system lets you define your own workflows. You are no longer stuck with the segmentation imposed by translation memories: you can work on whole paragraphs or groups of paragraphs at once, which makes the context available and ensures more consistent translations. If communication with a translation memory is needed by the customer's workflow, you can easily export from the translation memory, translate whole groups of segments without breaking the segmentation, and reimport the result. So you are free to translate with or without the older tools, in accordance with the nature of your work.

Positive: CotranslatorAI is a game changer in the translation industry. Thanks to a clever way of supporting the translation workflow it integrates with any text processing software that supports the use of Ctrl+C for Copy and Ctrl+V for paste. This ensures there is no need to technically integrate the product with text processors or translations memories. It integrates with the different models produced by OpenAI via an API connection, putting the functionality of GPT at the translator's fingertips. Thanks to its prompt library and wide support of hot keys it enables you to automate most translation workflows.
The makers are always willing to respond promptly and throughly to any user's request for help, which is important for a product that needs some learning to be used effectively.

Negative: There's nothing I don't like really. At first the learning curve is very steep, so as a beginner I kept comparing with things like DeepL which were much closer to my intuition. But once you understand it and master it, there's really no reason to use any other old tool.

Summary: Excellent. I am very happy with CotranslatorAI. It gives some edge to average translators when it comes to unlocking the power of AI and making it more practical for daily use.

Positive: The fact that you can automate ChatGPT prompting within any kind of CAT tool or text editor, on or offline. Most AI tools are specific to some or other software. It is very flexible because you can write and store your own prompts and re-use them with one single shortcut, but you can customise them on the go at the same time. I also like the fact that you don't need to be tech-savvy to use it. Also, Steven has been very generous with providing email support as well as free or reasonably priced webinars about CotranslatorAI, prompt engineering and AI as a whole. Also, the software is free.

Negative: Some speed issues, the same as with direct use of ChatGPT.