Overview

BasicCAT is an open-source, free computer-aided translation tool for translators who want a simple desktop environment. It combines translation memory and terminology management with language checks and segment editing tools. It also supports alignment, which can help organize existing translated material for use in translation work.

The format support covers TXT, IDML, XLIFF and Gettext PO files, along with the TMX, TBX and SRX standards. For review outside the application, BasicCAT can export Word files and bilingual paragraph files.

BasicCAT is one option in our Computer-Assisted Translation Software directory.

Key features

Translation and quality tools

Translation memory and terminology management are central to BasicCAT’s workflow. LanguageTool powers language checking; users can connect through its API or run LanguageTool locally. Quickfill and AutoCorrect assist with text entry, while segment merging and splitting let users adjust the units they work on. Interactive machine translation is also available.

The documented built-in machine translation services include Baidu, Google, Microsoft Bing, MyMemory, Tencent Cloud, IBM Watson and Amazon, among others. Users need API keys for the listed services, except MyMemory, which uses an email address. Documented service limits include 2 million per month for Baidu and Bing, 10,000 words per day for MyMemory, and 1 million words daily and 10 million words monthly for Yandex.

The download page also lists machine-translation plugins for ChatGPT, Gemini, DeepL, Google and Amazon, as well as a Gettext PO filter plugin.

Sharing and collaboration

BasicCAT supports sharing translation memories and terms through a separate server program. That server requires Java 8 or later, and its access key can be configured in key.txt. For work files, the application supports Git collaboration; Git does not synchronize translation memories or terms.

Pricing

BasicCAT is free and open source. Its listed plan costs 0.00 USD per free, with a free plan available.

Platforms

BasicCAT is desktop software for Linux, macOS and Windows. The download page offers Windows 32-bit and 64-bit versions, macOS builds for Intel and Apple CPUs, and an archive for Linux and other platforms.

Who it's for

BasicCAT suits translators looking for a free desktop CAT tool with translation memory, terminology management, QA checks, alignment and support for common localization formats. Its machine translation options may suit users who already have access to the required API keys or MyMemory email-based access. Teams considering shared resources should account for the separate server requirement, while Git collaboration is limited to work files rather than translation memories and terms.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free and open source; supports translation memory, terminology management, QA checks and alignment; offers several import and export formats; includes multiple machine translation integrations and plugin options.
Cons: Most listed machine translation services require API keys; translation-memory and term sharing needs a Java 8-or-later server; Git collaboration does not sync those shared resources.

Alternatives

Other tools to consider include locAGI, Supervertaler Workbench, TextUnited, CafeTran Espresso, XTM Cloud, Déjà Vu X3, Smartcat and Lokalize.

Verdict

BasicCAT brings a substantial set of translation tools to a free, open-source desktop application, including translation memory, terminology management, language checks, file support and machine translation integrations. Its main practical considerations are the service-specific access requirements and the distinction between Git-based file collaboration and server-based sharing of translation memories and terms. For translators seeking a no-cost tool with these capabilities across Linux, macOS and Windows, it is a credible option to consider.

	BasicCAT	Centus
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	$145/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Linux, macOS, Windows	api, Web
Free plan	Yes	No
Translation memory	Yes	Yes
Terminology management	Yes	Yes
QA checks	Yes	—
Alignment tool	Yes	—
Deployment model	desktop	—

BasicCAT vs Centus

BasicCAT

Centus