Modifier-key word lookup
Hold Option, Command, Control, or Shift and point at a word to see its meaning beside the original content.
Tipword
Freemium
Tipword is a macOS word-translation utility that shows a word’s meaning beside it when you hold a modifier key and point at the word. It is designed for reading subtitles, PDFs, images, websites, documents, messages, and other content in Mac apps.
What is Tipword?
Tipword is a macOS utility for translating individual words without leaving the app or document you are reading. Hold Option, Command, Control, or Shift, point at a word, and Tipword displays its meaning beside the word in your language.
It is intended for content that may be difficult to read in another language, including subtitles, PDFs, images, websites, documents, menus, messages, email, and screenshots. Accessibility access lets Tipword read the word under the pointer; optional Screen Recording access enables reading words in images and PDFs.
What can Tipword do?
Works with visual and text content
The site shows Tipword being used with subtitles, PDFs, pictures, screenshots, websites, documents, menus, chats, email, and other content on the Mac screen.
54-language coverage
Tipword supports 54 languages in total: 20 translate on the Mac with Apple, while 34 more can be used with the customer’s own Google key.
In-place reading workflow
The translation appears next to the word, allowing users to continue reading without switching to a separate translation window or manually copying text.
Optional image and PDF reading
Screen Recording access is optional and is used to read words in images and PDFs; Accessibility access is needed to read the word under the pointer.
Mac-native distribution
The downloadable app is listed as version 0.9.34, 1.8 MB, and compatible with macOS 14 or later.
Use Cases
“Watching subtitled video”
Point at unfamiliar words in subtitles on Netflix, YouTube, or another video player while continuing to follow the film or show.
“Reading PDFs and forms”
Use the pointer-based lookup while reviewing contracts, forms, papers, or other PDF documents with unfamiliar vocabulary.
“Understanding menus and signs”
Point at words in photos or screenshots of menus, signs, slides, and other visual material when the text is not available as selectable content.
“Browsing and messaging”
Check individual words in websites, news, recipes, chats, email, and workplace documents without moving the text into a separate translation tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use Tipword?
Hold Option, Command, Control, or Shift over a word in a Mac app and point at it. The word’s meaning appears beside it.
Can Tipword translate words in images and PDFs?
Yes. The site says it can read words in pictures and PDFs. Screen Recording access is optional and is used for those types of content.
Which languages does Tipword support?
The site lists 54 languages: 20 translate on the Mac with Apple, and 34 more are available using your own Google key.
Does Tipword have a free trial?
No. The site says there is no free trial; instead, purchases include a 14-day money-back guarantee. The refund policy says a full refund can be requested within 14 days of purchase.
What happens after the first year of updates?
Tipword continues working after the first year. Updates released after that first year are not included in the license described on the site.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Mac translation utility
- Platform
- macOS 14 or later
- Current download
- Version 0.9.34; 1.8 MB
- Language coverage
- 54 languages total
- Translation methods
- 20 languages with Apple on Mac; 34 more with your own Google key
- License scope
- One-time license; up to 3 Macs and 1 year of included updates
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