# NIM Translator

> Free, open-source AI translator for Skyrim mods that localizes ESP/ESM/ESL plugins, PEX scripts and MCM menus with context-aware batching.

- Official site: https://github.com/YD525/NIM-Translator
- Loot Llama page: https://lootllama.net/tools/nim-translator/
- Category: Mods (https://lootllama.net/category/mods/)
- Best for: Skyrim players and mod translators localizing mods into another language
- Strength: Reads and writes Skyrim plugin, script and MCM files directly, groups related dialogue so names and terms stay consistent, and works with cloud APIs or a free local model
- Caveat: Skyrim only and Windows only, and you bring your own translation API key or a local LM Studio model
- Pricing: Free / open source (LGPL-3.0); API costs separate
- Platforms: Windows, Skyrim
- Tags: Mods, Open Source, Local, Desktop
- Last verified: 2026-10-22

## Overview

NIM Translator (formerly SSELex and Lexicon AI Translator) is a free, open-source Windows tool for translating Skyrim mods. It opens .esp, .esm and .esl plugins, .pex scripts and MCM text files, works out which strings are safe to translate, and writes the translations back into the original file or exports them for Dynamic String Distributor (DSD).

Instead of translating each line on its own, its Aggregated Translation groups related strings, like a character's dialogue or repeated item names, and sends them with context so terminology stays consistent. A Sequential Text Mode keeps dialogue order for conversation-heavy mods. You can run several cloud AI or translation platforms at once with load balancing, or a local model through LM Studio, and every result is cached in a local database with user dictionaries for names and terms.

## Key features

- Edits ESP/ESM/ESL plugins, PEX scripts and MCM files directly
- Aggregated Translation groups related strings for consistent terms
- Sequential Text Mode for dialogue-heavy mods
- Cloud AI, DeepL and other APIs, or local models via LM Studio
- Translation memory, user dictionaries and rollback history
- DSD export for Dynamic String Distributor

## Use it for

- Translate a large English quest mod into your own language
- Keep NPC names and lore terms consistent across a whole mod
- Run translations on a local model to avoid API costs

## Pricing

The app is free and open source (LGPL-3.0). Translation costs depend on the engine you connect: cloud AI and translation APIs bill you directly, while a local model in LM Studio is free but needs a capable GPU. The author recommends setting a spending limit on paid APIs.

## Getting started

Download the latest release from the GitHub repo or the NIM Translator page on Nexus Mods (Skyrim Special Edition), unzip it, add an API key or point it at LM Studio, then open a mod's plugin or script file and pick a target language.

## Alternatives

- [Mantella](https://lootllama.net/tools/mantella/): Free mod that lets you talk to any NPC in Skyrim and Fallout 4 by voice.
- [Universal Modder](https://lootllama.net/tools/universal-modder/): Open-source toolkit that teaches AI coding agents how to mod PC games you own.
- [Player Games Creator Hub](https://lootllama.net/tools/player-games/): Describe a Minecraft or Hytale mod in plain English; the AI writes it, boots it on a real server and hands you the JAR and source.

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From Loot Llama (https://lootllama.net/), a curated directory of AI tools for gamers, modders and game developers. Full catalog: https://lootllama.net/llms-full.txt