Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Translation

ParaLens

by bulletproof-system · github.com/bulletproof-system/zotero-paralens

Translates whole PDFs through a local BabelDOC backend and your own API key.

ParaLens has Atlas grade B (use with care) because it launches programs on your computer. It works with Zotero 7–10. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

TranslationReading & PDFs
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.2 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
In useAn estimate of how many copies of Zotero have it: Zotero downloads each new version once for every copy that has the plugin, so we count the downloads of its most-downloaded recent release. Rounded. Plugins that update from outside GitHub count low.
6
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
21
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
13
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
0
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
AGPL-3.0
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it launches programs on your computer
Applies to v0.1.12, released 14 Oct 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
Documentation in Chinese onlyOur summary is in English, but the plugin's own docs and support are in Chinese.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyReadable code, uploaded by the project's automated GitHub buildThe release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify1 address in 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Translation (1)
BabelDOC (the AI provider it's set up with)
Powerful capabilitiesLaunches programs on your computer, and 2 moreMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Medium concern (1)
Launches programs on your computer
Low concern (2)
Works with files on your computerUses Zotero's password manager
Where we found it
Launches programs on your computercontent/scripts/paralens.js · line 2714
const process = classes["@mozilla.org/process/util;1"].createInstance(
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9, 10 · not 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 14 Oct 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in Chinese onlyInterface: English and Chinese
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Written by AI from the README

Translates whole PDFs through a local BabelDOC backend and your own API key. The translation imports as a new attachment and opens beside the original, with hover highlighting between matching paragraphs.

Reading a translated paper usually loses the link to the original wording. Its developer calls this a technical prototype, tested on Windows with Zotero 10; it needs uv installed and may cost API fees.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 1 address in 1 group.

Translation (1)
BabelDOC (the AI provider it's set up with)

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded B or better. Closest match first.

  • B
    Zotero PDF2zh

    Translates entire PDFs with PDFMathTranslate, keeping equations and layout intact, and attaches bilingual side-by-side or translated-only copies to the item.

    Matches “双语对照 PDF” · 805,694 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10, 11 beta
    Can use a local model
  • B
    BiRead — Bilingual PDF Reader for Zotero

    Adds bilingual reading to the PDF reader.

    Matches “side by side pdf translation” · 407 downloads · Active · Zotero 8–10
  • B
    Zotero Bilingual Reader

    A side-by-side English and Chinese reading view for papers, with each English paragraph followed by its translation.

    Matches “双语对照” · 498 downloads · Active · Zotero 8–10
Compare all 4 side by side
How we pick these

By how closely what they do matches this plugin, using descriptions and the phrases people search with. Copies and forks of this plugin are listed under Forks and copies instead. No plugin pays to appear here.

Forks and copies

No forks listed.

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer

Ratings and reviews

What people who use it say. This is separate from the grade, which is what the code does, and never changes it.

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Install ParaLens
BUse with care
Before you install: It launches programs on your computer.Read the finding
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