jedzqer/manga-translator-android

What it solves

Reading foreign language manga can be difficult due to text being embedded within complex illustrations. This app automates the translation process by identifying text bubbles, performing optical character recognition (OCR), and translating the content into the user's preferred language.

How it works

The application uses a multi-step pipeline: it first performs bubble detection (using YOLO11n-seg) to locate text areas, then applies OCR (supporting various models like MangaOCR or PaddleOCR) to extract the text. This text is then sent to an LLM via an OpenAI-compatible interface for translation. The translated text is then overlaid back onto the original image in a draggable bubble.

Who it’s for

It is designed for Android users who read manga in languages they do not fully understand (such as Japanese, Korean, French, or Spanish) and want a seamless reading experience with translated overlays.

Highlights

• Supports multiple source languages including Japanese, English, Korean, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Russian.
• Features a floating window mode to translate text from any app or the home screen.
• Includes advanced manga-specific features like bubble detection, glossary management for consistent character names, and support for long-strip (webtoon) formats.
• Offers flexible translation backends via OpenAI-compatible APIs or Baidu AI.
• Provides a rich reading experience with draggable translation bubbles and custom font settings.