LunaTranslator is a visual novel translator that extracts and translates text from games running on Windows.
The tool solves the problem of accessing visual novels in languages other than the original by using multiple text extraction methods. It primarily employs code hooking to intercept game text output, which allows it to work with most common and obscure visual novel engines without requiring game modifications. For games where hooking is insufficient, it offers optical character recognition to read text directly from the screen, and it can hook emulators to extract text from visual novels running on Nintendo Switch, PSP, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 2.
LunaTranslator suits players who want to read visual novels in translation while maintaining an immersive experience. The tool supports embedding translations directly into games for compatible titles, and it integrates with language learning workflows through Japanese word segmentation, furigana annotation, AnkiConnect support, and the Yomitan plugin. It provides access to numerous translation engines including large language models and offline options, multiple text-to-speech engines, and speech recognition on Windows 10 and 11. The embedded OCR model offers high accuracy, though the tool also supports many external OCR services.
The project maintains active engagement with its user community through multiple channels and provides extensive documentation. Development activity shows consistent attention to expanding compatibility across visual novel platforms and adding support for new translation and synthesis services. The codebase reflects ongoing refinement of the hooking mechanisms to handle edge cases in game text extraction.
