Paratext 9 helps translators work more efficiently, lets them create better layouts to work more efficiently, and makes it easier to access reference materials using Enhanced Resources. For an overview of the new features in Paratext 9, see Introducing Paratext 9
If you are not a registered Paratext user, click Getting Started to learn how to register for Paratext.
Current Version 9.0
Windows 8 or later with 8GB of RAM. (Paratext will run with 4GB RAM or even less, but it would be better not to run other programs at the same time.)
Installing Paratext
Download and run the install file from the table below. Step by step instructions are provided here if needed.
The following instructions omit obvious steps (for example, “click Next”).
- To install while connected to a good Internet connection, download and run the Online installer below. The installer will only download certain system components if they are not already on your computer. To install on a different computer that is not connected to the Internet, please download the Offline installer. It is larger and includes all the components that may be necessary.
- Double-click the downloaded installer file.
- Agree to the license terms and click Install.
This step might take a few minutes if the installer needs to install system components on your computer.
If a dialog appears and asks for your permission, or for administrator credentials so the Installer can make changes to your computer, click Yes or provide the credentials as required. - When the Destination Folder step appears, do not change the default unless you have a strong reason for doing so.
- When the installation has completed click Finish and then Close.
Files
Click the filename below to begin the download. Most users will only need the first file, as explained in the descriptions.
| File | Description |
|---|---|
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Use this when installing with a good Internet connection. It is a smaller download that is sufficient for most installations, and will dynamically download other components if needed. |
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Use this when installing without a good Internet connection. It is a larger file, but contains all components that might be needed during installation. In addition, you will need the patch below and any needed text resources using the procedure explained here |
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(If empty, there are no patches yet for the 9.0.103 installer) |
Use this when installing offline. Run when the installation is complete to apply the latest update. |
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Optional. This file can be used to ensure the installer file is not corrupted. You can use this MD5 and SHA Checksum Utility to validate your installer. |
For Linux
The recommended version of Linux for all versions of Paratext is Wasta-Linux 18.04 or Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic). Wasta-Linux is a variant of Ubuntu customized to make installing SIL language software easier. It uses the same version numbers as Ubuntu.
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Paratext 9 |
Paratext 8 |
|
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| Wasta or Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic) or Linux Mint 19 |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
| Wasta or Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial) or Linux Mint 18 |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Wasta or Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty) or Linux Mint 17 |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
Paratext, a joint project of SIL and UBS, can be downloaded from the SIL Linux repository. You can either use the software or package manager to find the Paratext versions you wish to download, or download Paratext with a terminal command like sudo apt install paratext-9.0 (for Paratext 9). See packages.sil.org for instructions how to do this.
(Instructions in more details here: SIL Linux repository — detailed instructions).
For Android (Lite version)
Paratext Lite is intended to be a companion to Paratext that runs on an Android tablet or phone. It does not have the full capabilities of Paratext, but enables some translation tasks to be done on smaller, more portable devices. A Paratext Lite user can get the latest copy of the text via send/receive, and travel to remote areas with the tablet or phone to read the Scriptures to others and to enter their feedback as project notes.
Light editing of the text (like the Basic View in Paratext) is also possible. Resource texts can be downloaded to Paratext Lite and the app can display up to four different projects or resources at once.
Paratext Lite is not a replacement for the full version of Paratext. Instead, its goal is to expand the size of the translation team for tasks such as reading, reviewing, and revising of the text, or even for the purpose of creating a back-translation. It can also be helpful where the use of a computer in parts of the language area may be inconvenient or impractical.
For more info, see the Google Play Store page. To download, open the Play Store on your device, and search for Paratext Lite.
Text Resources
Starting with Paratext 8, text resources are downloaded directly from Paratext by using the Download/Install Resources… menu item.
Plugins
Pathway
Pathway is a plugin that appears in the File menu of Paratext after it is installed, allowing users to export their Scripture data to various print and digital formats. Two of the most popular formats used are OpenOffice/LibreOffice and GoBible format for java-enabled phones. Learn more at the Pathway site.
Transcelerator
This plugin helps prepare questions for comprehension checking by using a semi-automated process to translate them into the target language. Learn more at the Transcelerator site.
Are you a programmer? Consider creating your own plugin. Please follow the Instructions on BitBucket. If possible, test it to make sure it works on Linux too.
Publishing Assistant
Publishing Assistant is available to those who have received PA training for publishing Paratext projects that are in the Publishing Tier. Developed jointly by UBS and SIL International, this software converts Paratext project content into fully styled Adobe InDesign documents. It automates and validates a large number of common page layout tasks so that new scripture translations can be accurately and efficiently formatted for printing. Learn more at pubassist.paratext.org
Markup Guide
Scripture in Paratext is tagged with Unified Standard Format Markers. Here are the complete markup guides:
- USFM Online Reference
- USFM Reference Documents (for some older versions)
Key Terms of the Old Testament
On April 6, the Key Terms of the Old Testament (KTOT) project added 13 articles to its first 22 articles, bringing the total to 37.
Because it is not yet fully integrated into Paratext, it is not included in the release version and must be downloaded and applied separately.
- Download the KTOTSLD.p8z file below
- Close Paratext
- Move the file to your _Dictionaries folder in My Paratext 8 Projects (or something similar, depending on your Paratext version and how you have set it up)
- Open Paratext>File>Open Source Language Dictionaries
- Choose Key Terms of the Old Testament