i18ny — AI-native translation management
/ˈaɪ eɪtiːn ni/ → "eye-eighteen-nee"
AI-native translation management. Buy it once, run it forever. You get the code, too.
If you've used Lokalise or Phrase, you already know the basics. Upload files, organize keys, invite your team. i18ny does this well — without the monthly bill that never ends.
What is i18ny?
i18ny is an AI-native, self-hosted translation manager. Built for the age of AI from day 1. Upload your files, organize keys into namespaces, invite as many users as you need, and integrate it with your existing workflow. You own your data. You own the code.
But we already use Lokalise or Phrase
Yes, and those services come with the worst feature ever: recurring charges that never end. It shouldn't cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per month just to manage your translations. That's absurd. We built the tool we actually needed — one that respects your budget.
System requirements
i18ny runs on most modern servers. Here's what you need:
| Users | RAM | CPU |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | 2 GB | 1 CPU |
| 1,000 | 8 GB | 4 CPU |
| 5,000 | 32 GB | 16 CPU |
| 10,000 | 64 GB | 32 CPU |
Use kamal proxy as a reverse proxy, or deploy on any Docker-compatible machine.
Deployment: One command with Kamal or Docker. No complex setup. Cloud version coming soon if you'd rather not deal with servers at all.
"Once upon a time you owned what you paid for, you controlled what you depended on, and your privacy and security were your own business. We think it's that time again."
— once.com
The philosophy behind i18ny draws deep inspiration from 37signals' once.com platform. Their commitment to software ownership resonated with me personally, inspiring me to build this project on the same principles: software you buy once, own forever, and control completely.
We were tired of paying $500+ per month for translation services just because our product went multi-lingual. So we built the tool we actually needed. And we're building a cloud version too, for those who'd rather not manage their own servers.
What you get
The basics done right. No bloat, no tier upgrades, no user limits. Built for the age of AI from day 1.
Built for the age of AI
Designed from the ground up for AI workflows. MCP server, LLM integrations, and AI translation built in — not bolted on later.
Command-line tools
A CLI that fits into your development workflow. Sync keys, pull translations, and integrate with CI.
Unlimited users
Invite as many people as you need. No per-seat fees, no forced tier upgrades when your team grows.
Import from other tools
Moving from Lokalise, Phrase, or Crowdin? Our wizard guides you through importing your existing translations without losing work.
No more conflicts
When someone starts editing a translation, it locks for everyone else. No more two people overwriting the same key.
Namespaces
Organize translations the way your app does. common.json, backend.yml, or whatever structure you prefer.
AI translation 1.1.0
Auto-translate using your own API key from your preferred provider. You control the quality and the cost.
MCP server 1.2.0
Connect your LLM of choice through the Model Context Protocol for advanced translation workflows.
GitHub integration 1.2.0
Sync translation files with your repository automatically. Keep code and translations in lockstep.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get the full source code? ⌄
Yes. You'll receive the full project including frontend, backend, and deployment scripts.
Can I modify or extend it? ⌄
Absolutely. It's built for internal customization. Adapt it to your needs freely.
How does this compare to Lokalise or Phrase? ⌄
Those services cost $500–$2,000+ per month and limit you on users, projects, and features. With i18ny, you pay once and get unlimited everything. No tier upgrades, no user limits, no monthly bills.
What if I need to scale my team? ⌄
No problem. Add unlimited team members without upgrading your plan. Unlike competitors who charge per user or force tier upgrades when you grow, i18ny gives you the same features regardless of team size.
Can I import my translations from other tools? ⌄
Yes. Our migration wizard helps you import existing translations from Lokalise, Phrase, or other platforms. The wizard guides you step-by-step through uploading your files so you don't lose existing work.
What file formats are supported? ⌄
JSON and YAML. JSON works well with JavaScript applications, while YAML is easy to edit manually. Both support nested structures for organizing translations within namespaces.
How are translation conflicts handled? ⌄
The system implements exclusive locking. When a user starts editing a translation, it becomes locked for that user only until they save their changes.
What about CLI and API access? ⌄
Includes a CLI tool for development workflow integration. The CLI syncs translation keys between your codebase and i18ny — it only creates new keys and never overwrites existing translations. Each user generates personal API keys through the web interface. The CLI supports bulk operations, diff previews, and CI/CD pipeline integration.
Does it support AI translation? ⌄
Yes. Built-in AI auto-translation using your own API key from your preferred provider. You maintain full control over translation quality and costs.
Will there be a cloud version? ⌄
Yes, a cloud-hosted version is coming soon. It'll be ideal for teams who don't want to manage their own servers but still want the same unlimited users, unlimited projects, and no per-seat pricing model.
What is the tech stack? ⌄
Rails 8, Hotwire for responsive interactions, and SQLite. Simple, modern, and easy to deploy.
What is the MCP server? ⌄
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) server allows integration with your LLM of choice for advanced translation workflows. Coming in version 1.2.0.
Does i18ny work with React, Vue, or Angular? ⌄
Yes. i18ny exports standard JSON and YAML files that work with any framework — React (react-i18next), Vue (vue-i18n), Angular (ngx-translate), Rails (I18n), or vanilla JavaScript. The CLI syncs translation files directly to your codebase.
Can I migrate from Lokalise or Phrase? ⌄
Yes. i18ny includes a migration wizard that imports your existing projects, keys, and translations from Lokalise, Phrase, or Crowdin. The wizard preserves your file structure, namespaces, and translation history so you can switch without losing work.
Does i18ny support RTL languages? ⌄
Yes. i18ny handles right-to-left (RTL) languages like Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian. The web interface supports RTL display, and exported files maintain proper formatting for your application's RTL detection logic.