Translate Like Me translates selected text in-place within any macOS application, replacing the original with a translation that reflects a user-defined writing style rather than producing a generic literal result.
The in-place replacement workflow differs from conventional translation tools. Instead of copying text to a separate translation window and pasting back, users select text in any application, trigger a global keyboard shortcut, and the text is replaced with the translation. Automatic language detection identifies the source language within a configured language pair, so the shortcut works regardless of which direction translation is needed.
Users configure up to three language pairs, each with its own keyboard shortcut. Each pair includes a writing style description—for example, “formal British English” or “casual conversational tone”—that the AI engine uses when generating translations. This makes the output consistent with how the user naturally writes in the target language.
Translation engines include Claude, ChatGPT, and Grok, with users providing their own API credentials. All text sent for translation goes directly to the chosen provider; the app has no server and collects no telemetry.
System requirements: macOS 15 or later. Apple Silicon Macs only. Requires Accessibility permission. The app is signed and notarized.
Pricing: Free and open source (Apache-2.0). API costs depend on the chosen translation provider and the user’s subscription or usage-based billing with that provider.
Limitations: Requires macOS 15 and Apple Silicon, excluding Intel Macs and users on earlier macOS versions. Translation costs depend on the user’s AI provider API usage. Accuracy and style adherence depend on the capabilities of the chosen AI engine. The three language pair limit may not suit users working across many languages simultaneously.
Alternatives: DeepL offers high-quality translation via its own engine as a subscription. Google Translate and Microsoft Translator are free web-based options. PopClip extensions can trigger web-based translation on selected text.
Suitable for multilingual professionals, translators, or frequent writers who work across two or three languages and want translations that match their natural writing style within their existing applications.
