Smartcat Translator for macOS enables you to translate any text on your macOS computer in a single click.
It blends into your workflows, allowing for instantaneous, high-quality AI automatic translation in the moment and without the need to copy from one program and paste into an online translator. As a result, you can communicate or create content in multiple languages on the go.
In this brief article, learn how to get up and running with Smartcat Translator for macOS.
Installing Smartcat Translator easily and quickly
To install Smartcat Translator for macOS, just follow these simple instructions:
Step 1: Download the app
Get the Smartcat Translator for macOS integration here and carry out the install process. It's a standard installation process and is super quick.
A. Download the DMG file to your macOS computer
B. Double-click on the downloaded DMG file.
After the volume is mounted, the following window is displayed.
Drag or copy-paste the Smartcat Translator icon into your Applications folder.
You can find Applications via Finder → Applications. Then, locate Smartcat Translator and double click to run it.
Setting up Smartcat Translator
To set up Smartcat Translator, follow the on-screen instructions.
Granting extra permissions to Smartcat Translator
Additional permissions are required for Smartcat Translator for macOS to simulate keypresses and automatically copy selection to clipboard (⌘ C), as well as to then paste the translation back automatically (⌘ V).
Grant these permissions with these steps.
- Navigate to Settings → Security & Privacy.
- Open the Accessibility category.
- Click on the lock icon to unlock it.
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Locate Smartcat Translator in the list of applications and click on its checkbox to turn it on, as shown below.
Using Smartcat Translator for macOS: keystrokes and shortcuts
When you are inside the source text editor, use ⌘ Enter to translate the text box contents.
In addition to translating text directly in this window, you can translate it in any application, with the following keystroke sequence.
- ⌘ C (copies selection into clipboard)
- ⌘ \ (translates the clipboard contents and copies the translation to the clipboard)
- ⌘ V (pastes the translation)
See the Switching modes section below to learn how to simplify this down to a single keystroke.
Note that keeping your Smartcat Translator window open is not necessary. You can close it and continue using the shortcuts discussed above to perform translation.
There are also a few handy global shortcuts.
- ⌥ ⌘ \ (switches the translation's direction)
- ⇧ ⌘ \ (changes mode, see below for more details)
- ⌃ ⌥ ⌘ \ (shows or hides the main Smartcat Translator window)
Switching modes
By default, Smartcat Translator works in Translate mode. In this mode, Smartcat Translator reads the contents of the clipboard, translates it, and copies the translation to the clipboard.
This mode, therefore, requires that you manually copy the selection into the clipboard before doing the translation, and then manually paste the translation back. You may want to automate the copying, or pasting, or both. To do it, change mode to one of the following:
- Copy + Translate mode simulates pressing ⌘ C before performing the translation.
- Copy + Translate + Paste mode additionally simulates pressing ⌘ V after performing the translation.
Updates for Smartcat Translator for macOS
Smartcat Translator will automatically check for updates once you start up your computer. If there is a new version, a notification will be shown and the application will be updated upon system restart.
You can also manually run checks for updates using the system menu option, shown below.
You will now be able to open Smartcat Translator whenever you want to translate some text and use handy shortcuts to automatically translate text in your clipboard.
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