
Huoshui Pdf Translator
io.github.huoshuiai42Published by GitHub account huoshuiai42v1.0.0Updated Oct 24, 2026
An MCP server that provides PDF translation service
Overview
A local MCP server that translates PDF documents, especially academic papers with formulas, while preserving layout.
- What you can do
- Translate a PDF file, optionally to a chosen output path, producing dual-language and translated copies with formulas and layout preserved. Inspect a PDF to get its path, size and page count before translating. Check whether the underlying translation tool is installed and see its version and status. Download required fonts and models ahead of time to avoid first-run timeouts.
- When to use it
- Useful when you want an assistant to translate PDFs, particularly Chinese-English academic or technical papers with equations, without losing the original formatting. Best suited to desktop use where the files live on the same machine.
- Requirements
- Runs locally as a Python package (for example via uvx, pipx or uv tool) on a desktop machine. Network access is needed at least for the first-time download of fonts and models (about 50MB). The underlying pdf2zh-next tool is installed automatically if missing. PDFs are limited to 200MB.
Installation
In SourceWeft
- Open Huoshui Pdf Translator in the dashboard and add it to a workspace.
- Enable the server for the chats that should use its tools.
Desktop only via STDIO. STDIO servers start a local process, so they need the SourceWeft desktop host.
Other MCP clients
Follow the launch instructions in the repository.
README
Huoshui PDF Translator
Version: 0.1.0
Powered by: FastMCP & PDFMathTranslate-next
PyPI Package: huoshui-pdf-translator
An intelligent PDF translation assistant that specializes in academic papers with mathematical formulas. Built using the FastMCP framework and powered by PDFMathTranslate-next, it provides comprehensive translation capabilities with context-aware assistance.
🌟 Features
Core Translation Capabilities
- 📚 Academic Papers: Excellent handling of mathematical formulas and equations
- 🔬 Technical Documents: Preserves formatting and technical terminology
- 🌐 Multi-language Support: Auto-detection with Chinese ↔ English specialization
- 🎨 Layout Preservation: Maintains original PDF structure and formatting
Smart Assistant Features
- 🧠 Context-Aware Prompts: Multiple specialized prompts for different scenarios
- 🛠️ Tool Status Checking: Verify translation tool installation and availability
- 📊 PDF Analysis: Get detailed information about PDF files before translation
- 🔍 Flexible Path Handling: Support for both absolute and relative file paths
- ⚡ Progress Reporting: Real-time progress updates during translation
- 🚨 Intelligent Error Handling: Comprehensive error diagnosis and troubleshooting
MCP Features
- 📋 Resources: Translation capability listings and PDF file information
- 🎯 Tools: Translation, PDF analysis, and tool status checking
- 💬 Prompts: Role definitions, path guidance, options explanation, and error troubleshooting
- 🔒 Security: Safe path validation with system directory protection
🚀 Quick Start
Installation
From MCP Registry (Recommended)
This server is available in the Model Context Protocol Registry. Install it using your MCP client.
mcp-name: io.github.huoshuiai42/huoshui-pdf-translator
Using uvx
Claude Desktop Setup
Add this to your Claude Desktop MCP configuration:
Alternative Installation Methods
Via pipx:
Via UV tools:
Claude Desktop config for UV tools:
📖 Usage
First-Time Setup
- Warm up (downloads fonts/models): Use
warm_up_translatortool - Check status: Use
check_translation_tooltool - Translate: Use
translate_pdftool with your PDF path
MCP Tools
translate_pdf
Translates PDF documents while preserving mathematical formulas and layout.
pdf_get
Retrieves detailed information about a PDF file.
warm_up_translator
Downloads required assets and models. Run this first to avoid timeouts.
check_translation_tool
Verifies PDFMathTranslate-next installation and status.
MCP Prompts
role_and_rules: Core identity and operational rulesexplain_pdf_paths: Help with file path specificationsexplain_translation_options: Available options and best practicestroubleshoot_translation_error: Error diagnosis and solutionsexplain_translation_result: Result explanation and next steps
File Path Examples
The assistant supports flexible path specifications:
🎯 Translation Workflow
- Install:
uvx huoshui-pdf-translator - Setup Claude Desktop: Add MCP configuration
- Warm up: Run
warm_up_translatortool (first time only) - Translate: Use
translate_pdfwith your PDF path - Review: Two files created (dual-language and Chinese-only)
⚡ Performance
- First translation: 2-5 minutes (downloads fonts/models)
- Subsequent translations: 30-60 seconds
- File size limit: 200MB maximum
- Cache size: ~50MB for fonts and models
🔍 Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Translation Tool Not Available
The tool automatically installs pdf2zh-next when needed. If issues occur:
First Translation Timeout
PDF File Not Found
- Verify file path is correct
- Use absolute paths for clarity
- Check file hasn't been moved or deleted
Network Issues
- Ensure internet connection (required for first-time font downloads)
- Check firewall settings
Error Diagnosis
The assistant provides intelligent error diagnosis with specific solutions for:
- File not found errors
- Invalid PDF files
- Translation tool issues
- Network connectivity problems
- File size limitations
🛠️ Development
For Developers
Install from source:
Build and publish:
Project Structure
🔄 Updates
Update to latest version:
🤝 Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please:
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch
- Make your changes
- Add tests if applicable
- Submit a pull request
📄 License
This project is licensed under the Apache-2.0 License. See the LICENSE file for details.
🙏 Acknowledgments
- PDFMathTranslate-next: Core translation engine
- FastMCP: Framework for intelligent assistant capabilities
- Anthropic: MCP protocol and ecosystem
- UV & PyPI: Modern Python packaging and distribution
Source: README.md at commit 4681ece
Tools
0Version history
1- v1.0.0LatestSep 16, 2026
Score
40% of the applicable checks met
How complete this listing is, computed from the registry entry, the endpoint and public sources. Not a rating of the server and not a statement that it is safe or working today: reachability is a dated check, and no installs or reviews go into the score.
- Reached in the last 30 days25 pts
Keep the endpoint answering the MCP handshake; SourceWeft probes it every 30 days.
- Auth declared10 pts
Declare the credential headers in the registry entry, or keep the endpoint answering the probe so its auth can be classified.
- Tools listed15 pts
Answer tools/list without a credential, or ship a package that starts in a sandbox without one.
- DescriptionRequired15 pts
- Logo10 pts
- Documentation15 pts
- License10 pts
Declare a license in the repository or the registry entry.