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Mario
Mario

Posted on • Originally published at lazie.ai

How Do I Turn On Translate on My Mac? (Built-In + AI Options)

Apple's built-in Translate is on by default in macOS Monterey and later. For AI translation via Claude or GPT, install Lazie. Here's how to set up both.

Apple's built-in Translate (no setup)

Already on by default. Three ways to use it:

  • Translate app — Applications folder → Translate. Type or paste text.
  • Right-click any text → Services → Translate. Works system-wide in any app with selectable text.
  • Safari pages — click the translate icon in the address bar (when available for the page's language).

Offline languages: System Settings → General → Language & Region → Translation Languages → download packs.

AI translation (Claude / GPT) on Mac

For higher-quality LLM translation across any Mac app:

Download Lazie (free) at lazie.ai/download

  • Grant Accessibility permission on first launch (System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility)
  • Get a Claude API key from console.anthropic.com (or OpenAI key from platform.openai.com)
  • Paste the key in Lazie preferences
  • Select any text in any Mac app → Lazie translates via your chosen model

Total setup: 2 minutes.

Right-click Services → Translate not showing up?

System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Services → check "Translate" is enabled. Restart the app you're trying to use it in.


Originally published at lazie.ai — the AI translator for Mac.

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