Quick Start Guide for New Translators
NovelHub Translate helps you read Chinese web novels in English using AI translation. Import novels from supported Chinese platforms, translate chapters, and read them in a clean, customizable reader.
TL;DR — Sign up → install Chrome extension → paste a JJWXC or Qidian URL into the SmartImporter → translate → read. Takes about 5 minutes.
What you'll need
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A NovelHub account. Sign up at translate.novelhub.io with your email, Google, Discord, or Twitter/X
- Google Chrome — The browser extension only works in Chrome and Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave, Arc)
Step 1: Create your account
Go to translate.novelhub.io and sign up. You can use:
- Email and password
- Google account
- Discord account
- Twitter/X account
Free accounts include 1,000 translation credits per month, enough for several chapters depending on length.
Step 2: Install the Chrome extension
The NovelHub extension scrapes novel content from source sites. You need it to import novels.
- Open the NovelHub extension page on the Chrome Web Store
- Click Add to Chrome
- Confirm the installation
The extension runs in the background. You will not see a popup interface. It activates automatically when you import novels through the web app.
For detailed installation help, see Use the Extension.
Step 3: Import your first novel
- Find a novel on a supported site (see Finding Sources)
- Copy the novel's URL from your browser address bar
- Go to your NovelHub dashboard
- Paste the URL into the SmartImporter input box
- Click Import
The extension scrapes the novel's metadata and chapter list. Within seconds, the novel appears in your dashboard.
For the full import workflow, see Translate with URL.
Step 4: Translate a chapter
- Click on your imported novel to open it
- Select a chapter from the list
- Click the Translate button
- Watch the translation stream in real-time
Translation uses AI with streaming, so text appears as it's generated. Credits are deducted only after the translation completes successfully.
Step 5: Read in the reader
After translation, you're taken directly to the reader. From here you can:
- Navigate chapters using the arrow buttons
- Customize appearance (via the settings panel: font size, line height, width, theme)
- Give feedback on translations using the feedback button or like/dislike vote
Your reading progress syncs across devices automatically.
For more reader features, see Reader Basics.
Next steps
- Batch translate multiple chapters — Available on Starter and Pro plans. See Batch Translation.
- Review terminology — Browse extracted names and terms as they appear. See Terminology Basics.
- Export your translations — Pro users can export to TXT or EPUB. See Export TXT/EPUB.