LunaTranslator

LunaTranslator is a Windows desktop application for translating text from visual novels in real time. It is aimed at players who want to read Japanese visual novels (or games in other languages) while having a translation displayed alongside the game, without needing to modify game files or wait for fan translation patches.

The primary method for extracting text is HOOK, a technique that intercepts the game's text output at the system level. The README states this is compatible with nearly all common and obscure visual novel titles. For games running on emulators covering Nintendo Switch, PSP, Vita, and PS2, LunaTranslator can hook directly into the emulator to read text without running the game natively on PC.

For games where HOOK does not work, LunaTranslator includes OCR support with a built-in high-precision model, and connections to many additional online and offline OCR engines. Once text is captured by any method, it can be routed to a wide range of translation engines, including large language model APIs, offline translation tools, and conventional machine translation services.

Additional features include embedded translation (injecting the translated text directly into the game display for a more immersive experience), Japanese word segmentation with kana pronunciation annotation for language learners, integration with Anki for vocabulary study via AnkiConnect, text-to-speech output through multiple engines, and speech recognition on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The software is licensed under GPLv3 and the project accepts sponsorships via Patreon.