Scanlation

Scanlation, short for "scanned translation," refers to the fan-led process of producing translated editions of manga or other comics that have not been officially localized for a target language. Volunteers in scanlation groups typically obtain raw scans, translate dialogue, adjust lettering and typesetting, and edit the pages to ensure legibility before sharing the finished files with others.

Although it began as a means to access Japanese manga in languages without official licenses, scanlation has grown into a broader international hobby and subculture. It often occurs online through dedicated communities, using formats such as image collections or PDFs, and may include translations for multiple languages.

Legality and ethics are contested. Scanlations generally operate without permission from copyright holders, leading to legal risk and takedown efforts. Some fans emphasize non-profit distribution, crediting authors, and supporting official licensing when possible. Publishers and industry groups argue that scanlations undermine sales and unsanctioned distribution can complicate licensing deals. The practice has declined in some markets as publishers accelerate official translations, while it remains active for works not yet licensed.

Impact and reception: scanlation has contributed to the global popularity of many titles and helped build international fan communities. It can accelerate fan engagement, influence localization decisions, and inform fan expectations, but it remains controversial within the broader media ecosystem due to copyright concerns.