Introducing Paratext 9

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 years, users have been telling us two things about the Paratext user interface:

• Change it! The Paratext user interface needs to be made easier to understand, learn, and use.
• Don’t change it! It is confusing to deal with changes to the user interface.

We couldn’t have it both ways. After extensive usability testing, we decided it was time for a change. Paratext 9 has a much more modern look and feel than Paratext 8, with a new approach to menus and windows. We believe this will make it easier for new users to learn Paratext, and help existing users to be more efficient. We have also made changes in ways that won’t be difficult for existing Paratext users to learn.  Our testing shows that experienced users can learn the differences in an hour or two, and that users who usually require support will be able to learn the differences in less than a day of active use.

This guide is written to help Paratext 8 users know what has changed and to show how to use the new user interface.  It assumes that you already know Paratext 8 and what Paratext is for.  Here is how to get started with Paratext 9, focusing on the parts that are unfamiliar to you.

Compatibility with Paratext 8

Paratext 8 and 9 are compatible. Team members using Paratext 8 or 9 can work together on the same project. You can install Paratext 8 and 9 on a single computer and use either version, but should not have both open at the same time. Any Paratext 8 projects on your computer will be available in Paratext 9. 

There is one exception: Paratext 9 can support a new version of USFM that Paratext 8 does not support. For more information on this, see USFM3 vs USFM2.

The main differences in Paratext 9 are covered in the two sections below: