Get Started with Paratext

To use Paratext you need to register for an account and activate the software with a registration code. The steps below walk you through the process.

Registration Tiers

Which tier are you on?

Paratext uses a tiered system. Which tier you’re on determines what resources and features you can access.

Basic Tier

Open to anyone

Register at registry.paratext.org and leave the organization field blank. You’ll receive a registration code immediately and have access to all standard tools and over 800 publicly available resource texts. Suitable for Bible study, research, or a personal translation project.

Translator Tier

For active translation teams

For teams actively translating Scripture into a language that needs it. Register with your organization to access model resource texts in over 1,730 languages, online backup, and Send/Receive for team collaboration. Your organization reviews your registration before approving it.

Publisher Tier

After external review

Projects move from Translator Tier to Publisher Tier automatically after a 30-day external review period, provided the project is in good standing. Publisher Tier projects are visible to reviewers in other organizations.

Before You Begin

System Requirements

Paratext 9

Paratext 9 runs on Windows (Windows 10 or later recommended) and Linux. A 64-bit operating system is required. For teams working in the field with limited connectivity, an offline installation option is available.

Paratext Lite

Paratext Lite runs on Android phones and tablets (Android 6.0 or later). It is designed for community translators and works well in low-bandwidth environments.

How to Get Started

Follow these four steps

Register as a user at registry.paratext.org

Create your account and request a registration code.

Download and install Paratext

Choose the build for your platform on the Downloads page.

Enter your registration code

Activate the software the first time you open it.

Start using Paratext

Head to the New User training videos to learn the basics.

Step One in Detail

Registering as a User

Go to registry.paratext.org. You can sign in with a Google account or create a new account using an email and password. Fill in your name and, if applicable, your organization.

If you leave the organization field blank you’ll receive a Basic Tier code immediately. If you register with an organization, your registration goes through an approval process and you’ll receive your code by email once approved.

Tip

When selecting your organization, choose your local organization rather than a regional or global one if both exist in the registry.

Step Two in Detail

Download Paratext

Once you have your registration code, download and install Paratext for your platform:

Paratext 9 for Windows

Download the standard installer from the Downloads page. For computers without a reliable internet connection, use the offline installer.

Paratext 9 for Linux

Available for Linux users. See the Downloads page for installation instructions.

Paratext 9 Beta

The latest preview build with new features still in testing. Recommended only if you’re comfortable using pre-release software.

Paratext Lite for Android

Download from the Google Play Store or from the Downloads page.

Additional Registration Options

Need to do more than register yourself?

Most users only need to register as an individual. If you need to do more, the following pages have step-by-step instructions:

Register an Organization

For any organization or group wanting to translate Scripture using the Translator Tier.

Independent Translator Status

For individuals not working with a registered organization who want to manage and publish their own project.

Register a Copyright Holder

For organizations that need to attribute copyright to an entity not yet in the registry.

Register a Project

Done inside Paratext itself (not on this website). Enables online backup and team collaboration.

What’s Next

Start with the New User videos

Once Paratext is installed and activated, the best place to start is the New User training videos. They walk through the basics step by step and cover everything from setting up your first project to working with your team.