01 / BUILT IN
Translate selected text in macOS.
- Select text in a document, email, message, webpage or compatible third-party app.
- Control-click the selection.
- Choose Translate.
- Select the source and target languages if macOS did not detect them correctly.
- Copy the translation, listen to it, or replace the selected text when the app supports replacement.
Apple documents these steps in its current Translate text on Mac guide. Availability varies by language, region and macOS version.
02 / ON DEVICE
Download languages for offline translation.
Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Language & Region, then choose Translation Languages. Download the language pairs you need. Enable On-Device Mode if you want translation processed on the Mac even while an internet connection is available.
Apple notes that offline results may be less accurate than translations processed with its servers, and that Siri and Safari still process translations online. “Offline” therefore describes the selected-text translation mode, not every language feature in macOS.
A translation app can use Apple's local models, its own local model, or a cloud API. Look for a precise disclosure instead of assuming that every app marked “AI” or “native” is offline.
03 / LIVE TEXT
Translate text in a photo or screenshot.
When macOS recognizes text in an image through Live Text, select that text and open the same Translate command. This works well for a menu, label or screenshot. If selection is not available, check that Live Text is supported and enabled for your Mac and language.
For long documents, scanned PDFs or tables, use a tool designed for OCR and document layout. The selected-text translator is fastest when the source is a paragraph, caption or short message.
04 / THE RIGHT PATH
Choose the shortest translation workflow.
| Need | Best starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One phrase in an app | Control-click > Translate | No extra utility or account |
| Private or offline text | Downloaded languages + On-Device Mode | Keeps supported translation processing on the Mac |
| Text in a photo | Live Text + Translate | Selection and translation in one flow |
| Many short snippets all day | A persistent compact translator | Avoids reopening menus and windows |
| Long or formatted documents | A document translation tool | Better layout and batch handling |
05 / FIDE ISLAND
Put repeat translations near the MacBook notch.
Fide Island includes a Translator tab on macOS 15 or later. It uses Apple's Translation framework for a small source-and-result workflow around the notch. Translation content is processed on the device and is not sent to Fide Island servers.
Apple's developer documentation says the Translation framework can request language-model downloads when needed. Apple may collect API usage and performance information such as the app bundle identifier and the original and translated languages, but not the original or translated content.
This does not replace the built-in Control-click command. It is an alternate path for people who repeatedly move short text between apps and prefer a predictable surface at the top of the display.
06 / QUICK ANSWERS
Mac translation FAQ.
Can a Mac translate text without an app?
Yes. In many macOS apps, select text, Control-click and choose Translate. You do not need a separate third-party app for occasional translations.
Can Mac translation work offline?
Yes, for supported languages after you download them under Language & Region and enable On-Device Mode. Apple warns that offline translations may be less accurate, and some services such as Siri and Safari remain online.
Does offline translation require Apple Intelligence?
The selected-text Translation feature and downloaded translation languages are separate from Apple Intelligence features such as Live Translation in calls. Requirements differ, so check the specific feature and your macOS version.
Does Fide Island send translation text to a server?
No. Its Translator tab uses Apple's Translation framework on macOS 15 or later, and the translation content is not sent to Fide Island servers.