Translating foreign instructions

[BarrySR]

I think some Ship modelers might find this tip useful. If you’re building a model from a kit that has foreign instructions Italian even Chinese, and it’s missing English instructions or if it has them and they’re undecipherable, try this.
Using your iPhone, take a photo of the instructions then copy and paste the photo into ChatGPT. Then ask it to translate it into English. I did it and it works perfectly. It probably will also work with Copilot, Gemini or other apps.
Here’s an example.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

I have done same thing with google translate. For me, I did one section at a time and typed the translation into a word document for use when I build the kit.

 

[paul ron]

my son has an app on his apple phone, you just point the phone at the writing in any language, it shows in english translation.... or any language you want.

 

[Bob Cleek]

my son has an app on his apple phone, you just point the phone at the writing in any language, it shows in english translation.... or any language you want.

Now that you've mentioned it, you do understand you are morally obligated to post the link to this app, aren't you?

 

[paul ron]

i had to call my son to get it.

here ya go...

How to Use Apple's Built-In Translate App as Your Personal Translator

If you need a quick translation, the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch come with their own built-in translator app from Apple.

www.pcmag.com

Translate App - App Store

Download Translate by Apple on the App Store. See screenshots, ratings and reviews, user tips, and more apps like Translate.

apps.apple.com

Apple Translate App: New Features and Updates for 2026 - SimplyMac

Need to translate on the go? The Apple Translate app makes it simple to break down language barriers with just a few taps on your iPhone or iPad. This free

www.simplymac.com

i still use an old $30 folder phone. its just a tad above a walkie talkie.

 

[itwbluey]

i still use an old $30 folder phone. its just a tad above a walkie talkie.

Gold…..!!

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Sometimes an old "Dumb Phone" is the best choice, a lot less spam and text to worry about.

 

[Pepite 1/60]

i still use an old $30 folder phone. its just a tad above a walkie talkie.

Same here, but no folder, because smoke signaling is so environmentally reprehensive. And learning Italian, albeit slowly.

 

[AllanKP69]

Add to the translation from one nationality language to another the translation of maritime language. I've been having some fun lately to that end, trying to put together a pictorial dictionary of the marine that helps me. Maybe others will find it interesting when it's all done. Got a way to go, and totally open to comments/suggestions/corrections.
Allan

 

[paul ron]

ah yes the language is only part of the equation. translating maratime jargon is another story. but if an arrow is pointing to a part and the translator says its a woogie woogie... obviously you must have an idea of what that part is just based on your experiance and other reference's of that era. so some common sense is involved to have an accurate and complete translation.

but i think those real time translators are the best thing since slice bread. i saw it being used in an emergency room and am blown away.

i have a couple great travel stories from the days of the horse n buggy using a paper back book. this technology was only a dream like dick tracy communicator watches... now known as apple watches; or universal translators in star trek.