Skip to content
Get packs

Guide · Open source

How to use ext-saladict: install, look up words and translate pages

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

ext-saladict (Saladict) is an open-source browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. When you select text on a web page, it shows a pop-up dictionary, and it also offers page translation, a new-word notebook and selection search inside PDFs. This guide shows you how to install it, use its main features and check whether it fits your reading habits.

Saladictcrimx/ext-saladict · ★ 13.4k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Install the extension. Add Saladict from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons link in the README.
  2. 2Select a word. Highlight a word on a web page to open the pop-up dictionary.
  3. 3Translate content. Use the page translation feature when you need more than a single word.
  4. 4Search PDFs. Select text inside a PDF to run a selection search.
  5. 5Save to the notebook. Add looked-up words to the new word notebook for later review.

Install Saladict from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons

The simplest route is to install the extension from a browser store. The README links to the Chrome Web Store listing and the Firefox Add-ons page, and also lists a Microsoft Edge Add-ons listing.

If you want to build it yourself, the README describes cloning the repository and building from source. This path is aimed at developers and requires installing dependencies first.

  • Chrome Web Store: link given in the README
  • Firefox Add-ons: link given in the README
  • Microsoft Edge Add-ons: link given in the README
  • Other versions: see the releases page on GitHub

Look up a word with the pop-up dictionary

Select a word on any web page and Saladict shows a pop-up dictionary with definitions, so you can keep reading without leaving the page. The README describes this inline, in-page lookup as the core use of the tool.

Saladict is described as offering multiple search modes. The README does not list the exact modes, so check the extension's settings to see what is available in your version.

Translate a page or PDF selection

Saladict includes page translation. The project also describes selection searching inside PDFs, which helps when you read foreign-language documents in the browser.

The README does not explain how page translation is configured, so look at the extension options to see which translation sources are active.

Save words to the new word notebook

The new word notebook lets you save words you look up so you can review them later. This is useful for language learners building a vocabulary list from real reading.

The README includes a notebook screenshot but does not describe the review workflow in detail.

Know the dictionary API key limitation

The README says some dictionaries depend on API keys stored in a .env file. This matters only if you build from source, because the build instructions say to add a .env file following the .env.example format and to leave it empty if you do not use these dictionaries.

If you need a guaranteed dictionary source, check which dictionaries work in your build before you rely on them.

  • Copy the format from .env.example into a .env file
  • Leave it empty if you do not use dictionaries that need keys
yarn build

Build Saladict from source

To build from source, clone the repository, install dependencies, run the PDF step and then build. Artifacts are placed in the build/ folder according to the README.

git clone git@github.com:crimx/ext-saladict.git cd ext-saladict yarn install yarn pdf

What people use it for

  • Looking up unfamiliar words while reading a foreign-language news site
  • Translating a page without leaving the browser tab
  • Searching selected text in a PDF
  • Building a saved vocabulary list from everyday reading

Frequently asked questions

Is Saladict free?

The README says Saladict is a free and open-source project. The source code is licensed under the MIT License, which allows you to use, copy, modify and distribute it with the license and copyright notice included.

Does Saladict work offline?

The README does not describe an offline mode, so you should assume it needs a connection to its dictionary and translation sources.

Which browsers does Saladict support?

The README describes Saladict as a Chrome and Firefox WebExtension. It also links an Edge Add-ons listing.

Do I need an API key to use Saladict?

The README says some dictionaries depend on API keys set in a .env file. If you use the published extension, check which dictionaries work; if you build from source, leave the .env file empty when you do not use those dictionaries.

Is Saladict a desktop app?

No. The README describes it as a browser extension, not a standalone desktop application.

What are alternatives to Saladict?

The README lists comparable projects Immersive Translate, Google Translate extension and Yomitan. Compare them on the features you need, such as dictionary lookup, page translation or vocabulary saving.

New agent skills, repos and AI tools — every week

The best new skills and open-source projects, the fastest-growing repos, and one free prompt. Five minutes to read. Unsubscribe anytime.

Our verdict

Saladict suits language learners and readers who want pop-up definitions, page translation and a vocabulary notebook inside the browser, and who prefer an MIT-licensed tool. It is not a good fit if you need fully offline use, a standalone desktop app, or guaranteed dictionary sources without setup.

Install options & downloads