How to Translate with OpenAI
Want more natural, high-quality translations for your Shopify store? OpenAI delivers superior translation results with better accuracy and more natural phrasing compared to traditional translation tools. Transcy supports translating your Shopify store with OpenAI via two simple methods: Pay per use and API key.
In this guide, we'll show you how to use both methods and explain the costs so you can choose what works best for your business.
Table of Contents
I. What to know before translating with OpenAI?
II. How to translate with OpenAI?
III. How much does it cost to translate with OpenAI?
IV. Frequently Asked Questions
I. What to know before translating with OpenAI?
Before you can translate any language with OpenAI, that language must be set as "editable" in your Transcy settings. If your target language is currently non-editable, you'll need to switch it first. Learn how to switch from non-editable to editable language here.
Transcy supports translating your Shopify store with OpenAI through two methods:
- Pay-per-use (Without API key) - Simple, no setup required
- API key - More control and customization options
II. How to translate with OpenAI?
1. Method 1: Pay-per-use (Without API key)
Who can use it: All paid Transcy users
Main benefit: Super easy setup - no technical configuration needed, just start translating right away.
How to use:
→ Go to the "Translation" section in your Transcy app
→ Select the content sources you want to translate
→ Click the "OpenAI" icon
→ You can manage which element you wanna translate by select "Only translate specific elements"
→ Press "Start translating"
2. Method 2: API Key
Who can use it: Users with Premium plan and above
Main benefit: More control over translation tone - you can customize how your translations sound to match your brand voice.
Getting your OpenAI API key:
→ Visit https://platform.openai.com/apps
→ Select API
→ Go to Settings → Limits
→ Make sure your rate limit is Tier 1 (gpt-4-turbo) or higher
→ Return to API tab and select "Create a new secret key"
→ Copy the key for use in Transcy
Note: Transcy only supports gpt-4-turbo and above. If you're on the free OpenAI plan (gpt-3.5-turbo), you'll need to upgrade to Tier 1.
Setting up in Transcy:
→ Go to "Account & Settings" → "Localization"
→ Enter your OpenAI API key in the designated field
→ Choose your preferred "Tone" and "ChatGPT model"
→ Click "Save"
Using API key translation:
→ Go to the "Translation" section in your Transcy app
→ Select the content sources you want to translate
→ Click the "OpenAI" icon
→ You can manage which element you wanna translate by select "Only translate specific elements"
→ Press "Start translating"
III. How much does it cost to translate with OpenAI?
1. For pay-per-use (Without API key)
Cost: $1 per 1,000 words translated
2. For API key
Transcy doesn't charge any additional fees when you use your own API key.
You'll pay OpenAI directly based on their pricing. Check OpenAI's pricing page for the most up-to-date API costs.
3. Payment Options
Transcy offers three convenient ways to pay for pay-per-use translations:
- Top-up: Add money to your balance ahead of time. The system automatically calculates word count and deducts from your wallet.
- Usage charge: Set a maximum spending limit (cap) so the app can automatically charge you without asking for payment confirmation each time.
- One-time payment: Available only for Yearly plan users. Pay as you go - the system counts words and shows the price before each translation.
You can set up these payment methods in "Account & Settings" → "Localization".
IV. Frequently Asked Questions
• Is OpenAI available for all Transcy users?
→ OpenAI translation without API key works for all paid plans. However, translation with API key requires Premium plan or higher.
• Can I choose the tone of my translations?
→ Yes! When using an API key, you can select a translation tone that matches your brand voice in the settings - whether professional, friendly, casual, or formal.
• Why does OpenAI translation take longer than other methods?
→ OpenAI provides higher-quality translations with better accuracy and more natural phrasing. This extra quality requires more processing time, but the results are significantly better.
• How can I save money when using OpenAI translation?
→ Smart strategy: Use OpenAI for your most important content like homepage and main product pages, then use regular translation tools for less critical content like blog posts or footer text.
• What if I have issues with OpenAI registration or setup?
→ For OpenAI account problems, contact OpenAI support directly. For Transcy-related questions, we're here to help!
Need more help? Our support team is ready to assist you through LiveChat in your app or email us at support@transcy.io
Updated on: 31/07/2025
Thank you!