The main difference between literal and free translation is that literal translations involve word-to-word translation, while free translations involve translation of the general meaning of a text.
Translate translates the meaning and context of a text from one language to another. Verbatim translations and free translations are types of translation. Literal translation is the translation of a text word by word from one language to another without considering the meaning of the entire text, while free translation translates a text so that it reflects the general meaning of the original text.