Globalize gives you a few ways to reach the same backend. Most people now only need the first one. Here's how they fit together.
The app — the default path
Sign up, connect your GitHub or GitLab repo, done. The scan detects whether your codebase needs i18n preparation, the conversion does the code changes in the cloud, translations run automatically, and results are pushed to your repo. You never install anything — the conversion even installs the agent skills for you, so if you later want to drive globalize from your editor, they're already in place. If you're not sure which path you want, this is the one — see "How globalize.now works — overview".
The skills — the agent path for changing code locally
npx skills add globalize-now/globalize-skills installs a playbook into your coding agent (Claude Code, Cursor, Codex). If you used the in-app conversion, the skills are already installed — no npx needed. The agent then does the codebase work locally in your editor: detects your framework, installs the right i18n library, turns hardcoded text into translation keys. Choose this when you want the conversion to happen on your machine, under your eyes, with your agent driving.
If your agent is already connected to the MCP server, the install-skills prompt installs the whole set in one step — no manual npx needed.
The MCP server — drive Globalize from inside your agent
Connects an AI agent to your Globalize account: create projects, add languages, translate locale files, connect your repo, manage glossary and style guides — all from chat, without leaving your editor. It works on locale files and settings; it doesn't edit source code.
The CLI — the command layer underneath
The globalize CLI is the surface the skills call for account, project, and repo setup. You rarely run it directly; it's there for scripted, non-interactive control.
The short version
Want the result with the least setup? Use the app. Want the conversion to run locally through your own agent? Skills first, then MCP/CLI. Either way, the ongoing loop is identical: push new text, get a translation pull request.