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Documentation: Autolanguage plugin

DeepL API Key

DeepL is only available in the PRO version.
Unlock this and other features by upgrading to Joomill Autolanguage PRO

Go PRO

Getting a DeepL API key is straightforward. It helps to know the difference between the DeepL API (for software integration, what Autolanguage uses) and the DeepL Pro subscription (for manual translation through the DeepL website or app).

Step 1: Choose a plan

Decide which version suits your needs. Note that even the Free tier requires a payment method for identity verification.

Feature DeepL API Free DeepL API Pro
Cost Free (€0/month) €4.99/month + usage costs
Limit Max. 500,000 characters/month Unlimited (pay-per-character)
Data privacy Texts may be used to train models. Texts are never stored.
Best for Hobby projects, testing, low-traffic sites. Businesses, confidential data, high volumes.

Step 2: Create your account

  1. Visit https://www.deepl.com/.
  2. You'll see two columns: DeepL API Free and DeepL API Pro.
  3. Click "Sign up for free" (Free tier) or "Buy now" (Pro tier).

Step 3: Registration and verification

This is the stage where most users run into issues.

  1. Account setup: enter your email address and create a password, or log in if you already have a standard DeepL account.
  2. Contact information: fill in your name and address details.
  3. Identity verification:
    • Even for the Free API, DeepL requires a valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.).
    • This prevents bot abuse and multiple account creation. You will not be charged on the Free plan unless you manually upgrade.
    • Without a credit card, it's currently nearly impossible to get a key, unless your bank supports SEPA direct debit (available only in specific regions).

Step 4: Find your API key

Your key is generated as soon as registration is complete.

  1. Log in at deepl.com.
  2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select Account.
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  3. In the top menu, click API keys & limits.
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  4. Click the blue "Create Key" button.
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  5. Give your key a name and save.
  6. Copy the long string of characters (e.g. f63c02c5-....:fx). If it ends with :fx, that confirms you're on the Free tier, Pro keys don't have this suffix.

Step 5: Add the key to Joomla

  1. Log in to your Joomla backend.
  2. Go to System > Manage > Plugins and open System - Autolanguage.
  3. Open the Service & API tab.
  4. Set Translation Service to DeepL.
  5. Paste your key into the DeepL API Key field.
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  6. Save.
  7. After saving, the plugin shows your API usage and status.
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