equalang-mcp — Claude Code MCP server: setup and translation
Translates files, subtitles, images, audio, and video while retaining their format. Use it when file translation or transcription should run through an MCP client.
claude mcp add equalang-mcp -e EQUALANG_API_KEY=<EQUALANG_API_KEY> -- npx -y @equalang/mcpWhat equalang-mcp does
equalang-mcp exposes Equalang operations to an MCP client. It can translate PDF, DOCX, PPTX, XLSX, EPUB, HTML, and TXT files while keeping their original format, tables, images, formulas, and page layout. SRT and VTT timing stays intact, while audio and video can become translated subtitles or transcripts in SRT, VTT, TXT, or JSON.
Its tools include translate_file, transcribe_recording, translate_text, estimate_cost, check_job, cancel_job, get_credit_balance, and list_languages. A long text can be sent as one item and split at sentence boundaries, up to 100,000 characters. Node 18 or later is required.
EQUALANG_API_KEY is required for translation and transcription. The server can still start and expose its tools without the key, so put it in the client configuration or in ~/.config/equalang/.env; an environment variable takes precedence.
What it helps with
- translate a PDF, DOCX, or PPTX without losing its layout
- create subtitles from an audio or video file
- transcribe a recording with timestamps
- translate text inside an image
- check a file's estimated translation cost first
Example prompts for the agent
- Translate
contract.pdfinto French and preserve its layout. - Create Russian subtitles for
interview.mp4with the original line above each translation. - Transcribe
standup.m4aand include timestamps.
How to install equalang-mcp
Platform CLI
claude mcp add equalang-mcp -e EQUALANG_API_KEY=<EQUALANG_API_KEY> -- npx -y @equalang/mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add equalang-mcp --env EQUALANG_API_KEY=<EQUALANG_API_KEY> -- npx -y @equalang/mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"equalang-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@equalang/mcp"
],
"env": {
"EQUALANG_API_KEY": "<EQUALANG_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"equalang-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@equalang/mcp"
],
"env": {
"EQUALANG_API_KEY": "<EQUALANG_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e EQUALANG_API_KEY=<EQUALANG_API_KEY> equalang-mcp npx -y @equalang/mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about equalang-mcp
How do I install equalang-mcp in Claude Code?
You need Node 18 or later. Run claude mcp add equalang-mcp -e EQUALANG_API_KEY=<EQUALANG_API_KEY> -- npx -y @equalang/mcp.
What does equalang-mcp do?
It gives an MCP client tools for file and text translation, subtitle creation, recording transcription, job checks, and cost estimates.
Does equalang-mcp need an API key?
Translation and transcription require EQUALANG_API_KEY. Store it in the client configuration or in ~/.config/equalang/.env.
