ScreenTranslate

As an alternative to screen capture, ScreenTranslate offers a text selection mode that works with any selectable text in any application. Users simply highlight the desired text and press the shortcut Cmd+Option+Z to translate it instantly. This mode does not require OCR because the text is already selectable, making it even faster and more efficient for standard text. Importantly, this mode supports even more languages when users optionally connect cloud translation engines like DeepL, Google Cloud, or Azure. This gives users the flexibility to choose higher-quality translation for specific needs while still benefiting from the privacy and speed of the on-device option for other tasks. The translation result is displayed in a popup, allowing users to quickly grasp the meaning without leaving their current application. This seamless integration into the existing selection workflow eliminates the need for copy-pasting into separate translation tools, significantly streamlining the translation process for everyday reading and research.

ScreenTranslate is built on a foundation of privacy and transparency. All translation processing happens locally on the user's Mac using Apple's on-device translation framework, meaning no data is ever sent to external servers. This ensures complete privacy, with no tracking or data collection. Additionally, the tool works offline after an initial download of language packs, making it ideal for travel, remote areas, or secure facilities without internet access. ScreenTranslate is also fully open source under the GPL-3.0 license, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, or contribute to the code. This transparency builds trust and enables community improvements. Beyond the core features, users have access to a translation history that automatically saves every translation, accessible via the menu bar for later review. The menu bar also provides quick access to a Quick Translate panel, enabling ad-hoc translation without triggering the regular workflows. These features collectively make ScreenTranslate a versatile and trustworthy tool for daily translation needs.

ScreenTranslate's design philosophy is to provide translation without interrupting the user's current task. It offers two primary workflows: screen capture and text selection. Both are triggered by customizable keyboard shortcuts. In screen capture mode, pressing Cmd+E flips the cursor into a crosshair, allowing the user to draw a rectangle around the text to translate. The system then captures that area, runs OCR using Apple Vision, and passes the recognized text to Apple Translation. The result appears in a clean popup near the selection. In text selection mode, the user simply highlights any text in any app and presses Cmd+Option+Z. The selected text is directly sent to Apple Translation (or the chosen cloud engine) and the translation appears. The popup can be dismissed or kept open for reference. Every translation is automatically logged in the translation history, which can be searched and reviewed from the menu bar. This two-mode approach ensures that any text on the Mac can be translated, regardless of its form.

Consider a researcher reading a Korean-language PDF paper. They can capture a paragraph using Cmd+E and immediately get an English translation, enabling them to understand the content without leaving their PDF reader. A traveler might use ScreenTranslate offline to translate a foreign menu appearing in an image on a website. A gamer playing a Japanese role-playing game can capture UI elements to understand quest instructions. A developer studying documentation in French can select text in their browser and translate it without opening a new tab. These scenarios share a common outcome: the user saves time and maintains focus, as translation happens in place without disrupting their primary activity. The automatic translation history also helps language learners by allowing them to revisit translated phrases later. In all cases, the privacy and offline capabilities ensure that users can translate sensitive documents or work in environments without internet, providing freedom and security.

ScreenTranslate is designed for Mac users running macOS 15 Sequoia or later, supporting both Apple Silicon and Intel processors. It caters to a diverse audience including international students, researchers, travelers, developers, gamers, and privacy enthusiasts. The tool is free forever with no hidden costs, no account required, and no ads, making it accessible to everyone. For users with specialized translation needs, optional cloud engines like DeepL or Google Cloud can be integrated by providing a personal API key. This flexibility allows users to balance speed, privacy, and quality as needed. In summary, ScreenTranslate addresses the fundamental need for fast, private, and offline on-screen translation on macOS. By leveraging Apple's native technologies and offering an open-source, zero-cost model, it provides a unique value proposition that distinguishes it from web-based competitors like Google Translate or DeepL. It is an essential addition to any Mac user's productivity toolkit.