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How to Migrate from DeepL to MachineTranslation (Step-by-Step)

Last updated: April 2026

While DeepL offers exceptional single-engine translations, users may migrate to MachineTranslation.com to gain comparative insights across multiple AI translation engines simultaneously. This migration is ideal for professionals who need to verify accuracy, compare nuanced translations, or select the best engine for specific content types. This guide covers the complete migration process from DeepL to MachineTranslation, including data transfer considerations, feature mapping, and practical steps to transition your workflow efficiently while maintaining translation quality.

Estimated Timeline

solo user

2-4 hours for setup plus 2 weeks parallel testing

small team

1-2 days for setup, training, plus 3-4 weeks parallel testing

enterprise

1-2 weeks for assessment, integration updates, training, plus 4-6 weeks phased migration

Migration Steps

Assess Your DeepL Usage and Requirements

easy

Export Your DeepL Data and Resources

medium

Create Your MachineTranslation.com Account

easy

Test Translation Comparisons with Your Content

medium

Set Up New Workflows and Integrations

hard

Train Your Team on the New Comparison Approach

medium

Run Parallel Testing Period

medium

Complete Migration and Cancel DeepL Subscription

easy

Feature Mapping

DeepL	MachineTranslation Equivalent	Notes
Single-engine neural translation	Multi-engine comparison	MachineTranslation doesn't translate itself but shows outputs from DeepL, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and others side-by-side
Document upload translation	Document comparison across engines	MachineTranslation supports document upload but shows how different engines would translate the same document
Glossary/custom terminology	Engine performance analysis	No direct glossary feature, but you can compare which engines handle specific terminology best
API access for integrations	API for comparison results	MachineTranslation API returns multiple engine outputs instead of single translation
Language detection	Multi-engine language detection	Shows detection results from different engines for verification
Formal/informal tone options	Tone comparison across engines	Compare how different engines handle formal vs informal language
Translation history	Bookmark comparison results	No built-in history, but you can bookmark or save comparison URLs

Data Transfer Guide

DeepL doesn't offer bulk export of translation history, so you'll need to manually copy important translations. For glossaries and custom terminology: 1) Log into DeepL, navigate to Glossary, and export each glossary as CSV. 2) For MachineTranslation.com, you cannot import glossaries directly, but you can use the comparison results to identify which engines handle your terminology best. Save frequently used translations in MachineTranslation by bookmarking results or copying to your preferred documentation system. Since MachineTranslation aggregates outputs rather than storing your translations long-term, maintain important translations in external documents. For API users: transition by updating integration code to call MachineTranslation's API instead, which requires modifying endpoints and authentication methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from DeepL to MachineTranslation?+

You can manually export glossaries and copy important translations, but there's no automated bulk transfer. MachineTranslation doesn't store your translation history like DeepL, so maintain critical translations externally during migration.

How long does migration take?+

For individual users, setup takes 2-4 hours plus 2 weeks of parallel testing. Team migrations require additional training and workflow adjustments, typically 1-2 weeks for full transition with confidence in the new comparison-based approach.

Will I lose any features switching to MachineTranslation?+

You'll lose DeepL's glossary integration and translation memory features. However, you gain comparison capabilities across multiple engines. MachineTranslation shows DeepL outputs alongside competitors, so you still access DeepL translations within the comparison interface.

Can I use both tools during migration?+

Yes, maintain both tools during a 2-4 week parallel testing period. This allows you to compare results and build confidence in MachineTranslation's multi-engine approach while having DeepL as backup for critical translations.

Is MachineTranslation cheaper than DeepL?+

Both offer free tiers. For paid plans, MachineTranslation's value comes from comparison capabilities rather than direct cost savings. You pay for access to multiple engines simultaneously, which may reduce costs from subscribing to multiple translation services separately.