Want to start translating manga but do not know where to begin? This guide covers everything from finding raw manga to publishing your first translated chapter.
What Is Scanlation?
Scanlation (scan + translation) is the fan practice of translating manga, manhwa, or manhua from their original language into another language. Scanlation groups typically work as volunteer teams, each member handling a specific role in the pipeline.
The Traditional Roles
- Raw Provider — Sources untranslated pages (buying digital copies or scanning physical volumes)
- Translator — Reads the original text and writes translations in the target language
- Cleaner — Removes original text from the artwork using Photoshop or GIMP
- Redrawer — Reconstructs artwork that was hidden behind text bubbles
- Typesetter — Places translated text into bubbles with appropriate fonts, sizing, and styling
- Quality Checker — Reviews the final pages for errors before release
The Modern Solo Workflow
With AI tools like MangaGloss, a single person can handle an entire chapter. Here is the updated workflow:
Step 1: Get your raw pages
Purchase digital volumes from official sources like BookWalker, Amazon Kindle JP, or Renta. Never distribute pirated content.
Step 2: Upload to MangaGloss
Go to mangagloss.com/translate and upload your pages. Select the source language (Japanese, Korean, or Chinese) and your target language.
Step 3: Review the AI output
The AI handles text detection, OCR, translation, inpainting (cleaning), and typesetting automatically. Review each page for accuracy.
Step 4: Edit where needed
Use the built-in editor to fix any translations that need adjustment. Common fixes include:
- Character name spellings
- Jokes or wordplay that did not translate well
- Onomatopoeia and sound effects
- Honorifics (if you prefer to keep them)
Step 5: Set up a glossary
For ongoing series, create a glossary with character names and key terms. This ensures consistency across chapters without manual checking.
Step 6: Download and share
Download your translated pages. They are ready to read or share with your community.
Tips for Quality Scanlation
Consistency matters more than perfection
Readers will forgive the occasional awkward phrase. They will not forgive a character whose name changes every chapter. Use glossaries religiously.
Respect the source material
Do not add jokes, commentary, or memes to translations. Translate what the author wrote, as faithfully as possible.
Credit the original creators
Always include a credit page noting the original manga title, author, and publisher. Scanlation exists in a gray area — being respectful helps everyone.
High-res inputs = high-res outputs
AI translation quality scales with input resolution. A 600px wide scan will produce worse results than a 1500px scan. Always use the highest quality source available.
Legal Considerations
Scanlation occupies a legally complex space. A few guidelines:
- Never scanlate series that are officially licensed and available in your target language
- Support official releases when they exist — buy the manga you translate
- Stop distribution if requested by the publisher or rights holder
- MangaGloss is a translation tool, not a distribution platform — we do not host or serve translated content
Get Started Today
The barrier to entry for manga translation has never been lower. Try MangaGloss free — 30 pages per week, no account needed. Translate your first chapter today.