Documentation: Autolanguage plugin

Follow these steps to create and secure an API key for use in Joomla or other translation applications.

Step 1: Create a New Project

4. Go to the Google Cloud Console.

5. Log in with your Google account.

6. Click the Project Dropdown in the top-left corner (next to the Google Cloud logo).
   

7. Click New Project in the top-right of the pop-up window.

8. Enter a name (e.g., Joomla-Auto-Translate) and click Create.
   
   
   

9. Important: Ensure the new project is selected in the dropdown menu before proceeding.
   

Step 2: Set Up Billing (Required)

Google requires a linked credit card or bank account to activate APIs, even if you stay within the "Free Tier" limits.

1. Open the main menu (≡) in the top-left corner and select Billing.
   

2. Click Link a billing account or Manage billing accounts.

3. Follow the prompts to enter your payment information.

Step 3: Enable the Translation API

The API key won't work unless the specific "Cloud Translation" service is turned on.

1. In the top search bar, type: "Cloud Translation API".
   

2. Select the result under "Marketplace" or "APIs".

3. Click the blue Enable button.
   

Step 4: Create Your API Key

1. Navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials via the sidebar menu (≡).
   
   

2. Click + CREATE CREDENTIALS at the top and select API key.
   
   
   
   

3. A pop-up will appear with your key (starting with AIza...). Copy this key for later use.
   
   

Step 5: Secure Your Key (Highly Recommended)

To prevent unauthorized use and unexpected costs, you must restrict your key.

1. In the Credentials list, click the Name of the key you just created.
   

2. Under API restrictions, select Restrict key.

3. Click the "Select APIs" dropdown, search for Cloud Translation API, and check the box.
   
   

4. Click OK, then click Save.

[Visual: Screenshot showing the "Restrict key" radio button and the API selection dropdown]

Step 6: Integration in Joomla

1. Log in to your Joomla Backend.

2. Navigate to Plugins > System - Autolanguage.

3. Open the Service & API tab.

4. Select Google Translate API 

5. Paste your key into the Google API Key field.
   

6. Save & Close.

Usage & Costs at a Glance