Why do I need to apply for translation services before using them?

Because these service platforms require third-party software like 划词翻译 to pay for using their services.

Take Baidu Translate as an example. Baidu Translate provides two channels for use:

1. Web online version https://fanyi.baidu.com/, Baidu Translate APP, etc. produced by Baidu Translate official
2. Translation API https://fanyi-api.baidu.com/, for third-party software like 划词翻译 to access

Although the web online version / APP is free and can be used directly, they are provided by Baidu official for end users. 划词翻译, as a third-party software not produced by Baidu Translate official, can only access through the translation API, which requires applying for a key in their platform before using.

However, these services will provide free usage quotas, and only need to pay after exceeding the free quota, but for individual users, the free quota is generally enough. For example, Tencent Translate provides 5 million characters of free quota per month. 划词翻译 also supports filling in multiple keys for the same service, for details please refer to Explanation of how 划词翻译 uses multiple keys for translation services.

If you don't want to apply by yourself, or the free quota is used up, then it is recommended to directly purchase translation points in 划词翻译 to use these services. The translation points you purchase are actually used to pay for the fees of these translation platforms, and have some additional advantages for translation points.

Simple explanation: The relationship between 划词翻译 and various translation platforms is like "car" and "gas station"

The car needs to refuel before it can drive, and 划词翻译 is the "car", and various translation platforms are the "gas stations". How much free quota the gas station gives you is up to the gas station, and the fuel money you pay is also collected by the gas station.

The gas station makes all decisions, and the 4S shop that sells you the car naturally has no right to interfere.

Translation points are like the 4S shop first buying oil from the gas station, and then as the car owner, you can let the 4S shop deliver the oil to you, saving you the trouble of going to the gas station yourself.