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
System requirements
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.
Step-by-step instructions to download and install Paratext
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 while online. This file is the only one you need to download because it uses the Internet to download more files if needed during installation. |
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Use this when installing offline. You will need this larger file and the patch below. You will also need to download Text resources for offline installation using the procedure explained here |
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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
Please use your package manager to install Paratext from the SIL repository.
The recommended version of Linux for all versions of Paratext is Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic).
|
|
Paratext 9 |
Paratext 8 |
Paratext 7.6 |
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| Ubuntu 18.04 (Bionic) or Linux Mint 19 |
YES |
YES |
NO |
NO |
| Ubuntu 16.04 (Xenial) or Linux Mint 18 |
NO |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty) or Linux Mint 17 |
NO |
NO |
YES |
YES |
See packages.sil.org for instructions. Note: If you use Wasta-Linux, the version numbers are the same as Ubuntu’s.
Current Version
Paratext 9 is available.
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 Playstore page. To download, open the Playstore 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
The Key Terms of the Old Testament (KTOT) project released its first 22 articles on February 3, 2020. It hopes to release another 20 articles by March 31, 2020.
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
- Close Paratext
- Move it 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