How to Use the LibreTranslate API MCP in Claude

Q: How do I connect the LibreTranslate API to Claude Desktop?

Open your claudedesktopconfig.json file and add the MCP Server configuration under the mcpServers key. Point it to your LibreTranslate instance URL or local command, save the file, and restart Claude Desktop to see the tools.

Translate and detect text strings directly inside Claude Desktop using a secure, local LibreTranslate API MCP Server.

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Connect LibreTranslate API MCP to Claude Desktop

Create your Vinkius account to connect LibreTranslate API to Claude Desktop and route execution through our secure gateway. The platform manages server hosting, runtime updates, and security layers. Configuration requires no manual server provisioning.

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Setup LibreTranslate API with Claude Desktop

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Detect raw text languages instantly in Claude Desktop

The `detect_language` tool lets your agent analyze incoming text strings directly in your chat interface to identify their origin. You don't need to copy text into external web translators to figure out what language a customer or log file is using. Claude Desktop processes the string and returns the exact language code with confidence scores. This means you can drop raw, unidentified log outputs or user feedback directly into the window. The AI client runs the detection step first, then automatically determines how to handle the rest of your prompt based on the result.

Run on-the-fly translations during conversations

The `translate_text` tool translates any text block between supported languages without leaving your workspace. Your agent calls this tool to convert documentation, code comments, or user messages on the fly. It keeps your context intact because you never switch windows to run a translation. To make sure the target language is actually available, the agent can query `list_supported_languages` first. This check guarantees the translation succeeds on the first try, avoiding failed runs or malformed outputs.

Monitor service health using this MCP Server

The `check_api_status` tool lets your AI client verify that your LibreTranslate instance is online and accepting requests before initiating large translation tasks on this MCP Server. If you run a local instance or a private container, this tool prevents silent failures when the translation endpoint goes offline. Claude Desktop reads the status directly through the local stdio connection. You get immediate feedback if the service needs a restart, keeping your automated document workflows from stalling.

Setup guide

Set up LibreTranslate API MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The LibreTranslate API MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the LibreTranslate API MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under libretranslate-api-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "libretranslate-api-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Get your connection token →

Independent Platform Disclaimer: Vinkius is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, verified by, or otherwise authorized by LibreTranslate. All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this website is strictly for informational purposes to identify service compatibility and interoperability.

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Common questions about LibreTranslate API MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your `claude_desktop_config.json` file and add the MCP Server configuration under the `mcpServers` key. Point it to your LibreTranslate instance URL or local command, save the file, and restart Claude Desktop to see the tools.

Yes, if you run LibreTranslate locally on your machine. This server connects to your local instance, letting Claude Desktop translate text without sending your data to external third-party translation APIs.

You can pass text blocks directly to Claude Desktop, which uses the translation tool to process them. Large files should be split into smaller chunks to avoid hitting token limits or API payload restrictions on your local server.

Your agent runs the language listing tool to retrieve the active list from your server. This ensures you always use valid source and target language codes.

This MCP Server ensures your text strings and language metadata only travel between Claude Desktop and your configured LibreTranslate endpoint. If you host LibreTranslate locally, your translation data never leaves your physical machine.

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