Get Started
Paratext is completely free! It does require an activation code that must be obtained through the process of registration. If you leave the organization field blank on your user registration, you will immediately receive a code for the Basic Tier of Paratext. With it, you can do Bible study, research, or a personal translation project using any of the open-access resources.
1. Register user
2. Download and Install Paratext
3. Enter code
4. Use Paratext
If you would like to be involved in Bible translation for one of the remaining languages, we have a host of additional resources for you if you can commit to doing so in a way that is clear, accurate, and natural. These resources are part of the Translator Tier, and you must indicate the organization you are with on your registration, or register a new organization or group. The information below explains how to proceed.
- Register to Use Paratext
Paratext is free for all. If you register at registry.paratext.org and leave the organization field blank, you will receive a registration code immediately to activate Paratext. You will have access to all the tools and resources that are available on the Basic Tier. But if you plan to translate the Bible into a language that needs it, we would expect you to be on the Translator Tier with the ability to:
- Access model Resource Texts in over 1,100 languages that are made available for use by Bible translators.
- Backup your project on the Paratext server for safekeeping.
- Synchronize your work with your team using Send/Receive online.
These Translator Tier features are available when you select your organization during registration, or by registering a new organization in the Register a Group section below.
Choosing the right organization: When you register, select your local organization if it exists in the Registry, rather than a regional or global organization.
- If you are a new Paratext user, your organization will review whether you have a direct or supporting role in Bible translation. Upon approval, you will receive an email with your new Paratext code.
- Register a Group for the Translator Tier
Organization registration enables the following benefits:
- Access model Resource Texts in over 1,100 languages that are made available for use by Bible translators.
- Backup your project on the Paratext server for safekeeping.
- Synchronize your work with your team using Send/Receive online.
Registering a New Organization
Any organization or group that wishes to translate the Bible into languages that need the Scriptures may request to be added to the Translator Tier of Paratext, provided they agree to follow internationally accepted standards for accuracy and naturalness. The details are explained in Paratext’s terms of use. To complete a registration below, you will first need to register for Paratext above, and then you may complete the new organization registration below. Once the account is set up, the organization will be able to manage their own users independently. We look forward to your registration!
Registering a Copyright-Holder
Select this option only if you need to attribute copyright of a project to an organization that does not yet exist in the Registry. Copyright organizations may not register any users or projects.
- Register your Project in Paratext
Project registration is done in Paratext and enables projects to benefit from online backup and collaboration features. Registered projects are visible to other organizations, unless they are marked as confidential. This visibility provides an opportunity for collaboration if more than one group plans to translate into the same language.
Registered projects get access to Translator Tier right away. Then, after a couple weeks for internal review by your organization, they are visible to reviewers in other organizations. Assuming the projects are in good standing, their status updates to Publisher Tier. The process is community driven, with arbitration by the Paratext board of governors in the case of any disputes.
Translation Project Tiers
The table below compares the three project tiers.
| Tiers of Use | Basic Tier | Translator Tier | Publisher Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tier Qualifications |
None |
Agrees to follow FOBAI translation standards. |
Agrees to follow FOBAI translation standards. 30 day external review |
|
Send/Receive Online |
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Printing and Exporting |
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Glossing tools, Guess translations, Interlinearizer |
|
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|
User Support |
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|
Concordance Builder, Names Index Builder |
|
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|
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See also: Paratext Registry website, and Paratext Registry Help