---
title: Getting Started
description: Set up @better-i18n/next in 5 minutes
---

Get started with Better i18n in your Next.js app. Our SDK integrates seamlessly with `next-intl` to provide a type-safe, CDN-powered translation experience.

<Callout type="info">
**Prerequisite:** Before starting, create a project at [dash.better-i18n.com](https://dash.better-i18n.com). Your project identifier will be in the format `org/project` (e.g., `my-company/web-app`).
</Callout>

<Callout type="tip">
  **Integrating with AI?** Run `npx skills add better-i18n/skills` first — your agent (Cursor, Claude Code, or Windsurf) will already know the SDK patterns, CDN behavior, and key conventions. Then just ask it to set up the integration for you. [Learn more →](/mcp/agent-skill)
</Callout>

<Steps>

<Step>
### Install the SDK

Install the package via your preferred package manager:

<Tabs items={['npm', 'yarn', 'pnpm', 'bun']}>
  <Tab value="npm">
  ```bash
  npm install @better-i18n/next
  ```
  </Tab>
  <Tab value="yarn">
  ```bash
  yarn add @better-i18n/next
  ```
  </Tab>
  <Tab value="pnpm">
  ```bash
  pnpm add @better-i18n/next
  ```
  </Tab>
  <Tab value="bun">
  ```bash
  bun add @better-i18n/next
  ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>
</Step>

<Step>
### Configure i18n

Create an `i18n.config.ts` file in your project root. This file is shared between the SDK and the Better i18n CLI.

```ts title="i18n.config.ts"
import { createI18n } from "@better-i18n/next"; // [!code highlight]

export const i18n = createI18n({ // [!code highlight]
  projectId: "my-company/web-app", // [!code highlight]
  defaultLocale: "en", // [!code highlight]
}); // [!code highlight]
```
</Step>

<Step>
### Set Up next-intl

Configure the `next-intl` request handler using the exported configuration.

```ts title="src/i18n/request.ts"
import { i18n } from "../i18n.config"; // [!code highlight]

export default i18n.requestConfig; // [!code highlight]
```
</Step>

<Step>
### Add Middleware

Register the i18n middleware in your `middleware.ts`.

```ts title="middleware.ts"
import { i18n } from "./i18n.config"; // [!code highlight]

// Simple usage
export default i18n.betterMiddleware(); // [!code highlight]

export const config = {
  matcher: ["/((?!api|_next|.*\\..*).*)"], // [!code highlight]
};
```

For apps with authentication, use the callback pattern:

```ts title="middleware.ts"
import { i18n } from "./i18n.config";
import { NextResponse } from "next/server";

export default i18n.betterMiddleware(async (request, { locale, response }) => { // [!code highlight]
  const isLoggedIn = !!request.cookies.get("session")?.value;

  if (!isLoggedIn && request.nextUrl.pathname.includes("/dashboard")) {
    return NextResponse.redirect(new URL(`/${locale}/login`, request.url));
  }
});

export const config = {
  matcher: ["/((?!api|_next|.*\\..*).*)"],
};
```
</Step>

<Step>
### Use Translations

Now you can use standard `next-intl` hooks. The CLI will automatically track these scopes for syncing.

```tsx title="app/page.tsx"
import { useTranslations } from "next-intl"; // [!code highlight]

export default function Home() {
  const t = useTranslations("common"); // [!code highlight]

  return <h1>{t("welcome")}</h1>;
}
```
</Step>

</Steps>

## Next Steps

- Configure [caching and revalidation](/frameworks/nextjs/configuration)
- Set up [middleware options](/frameworks/nextjs/middleware)
- Explore the [API reference](/frameworks/nextjs/api-reference)


## AI Tooling

Now that you've integrated the SDK, your AI agent can check coverage, translate keys, and publish — all without leaving your editor.

<Cards>
  <Card title="MCP Server" icon="Bot" href="/mcp/getting-started">
    Translate keys, check coverage, and publish — all from your editor via Cursor, Claude Code, or Windsurf.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Agent Skill" icon="Sparkles" href="/mcp/agent-skill">
    Permanent better-i18n knowledge for your AI agent — SDK patterns, CDN behavior, key conventions. No prompts needed each session.
  </Card>
</Cards>
