Translator Sidebar for VS Code

Translator Sidebar adds a translation sidebar to VS Code. It can translate typed text or the current editor selection using Google Translate, OpenAI-compatible APIs, or local LLM providers such as Ollama.

Features

• Sidebar translation chat with source and target language selectors.
• Translate selected editor text from the context menu.
• Provider picker with Google Translate, OpenAI-compatible APIs, and Ollama.
• Optional API key storage through VS Code SecretStorage.
• Translation history and current chat clearing.

Provider Notes

Google Translate works without setup through an unofficial endpoint. Google may temporarily limit requests (HTTP 429); if that happens, try again later or select another provider.

MyMemory is another free provider that works without an API key. Select the source language explicitly; MyMemory does not support Auto detect. Its public API accepts up to 500 bytes per request and has a daily free usage limit. Text is sent to MyMemory when you select it.

For OpenAI-compatible APIs, configure the endpoint, model, prompt, and optional API key in the provider panel.

For Ollama, make sure Ollama is running locally and configure the endpoint and model. The default endpoint is:

http://localhost:11434/api/chat

Usage

1. Open the Translator activity bar view.
2. Choose source and target languages.
3. Type text in the composer and send it.
4. To translate editor text, select text, right-click, and run Translate Selection.

Privacy

Text is sent only to the provider you select. API keys are stored using VS Code SecretStorage.

Release Notes

See the bundled changelog for release notes.