Tipword
If you’re looking for a translator for your Mac, you’ll probably find DeepL first. It’s excellent at translating whole passages. Tipword does something narrower: it tells you what one word means, right where you’re reading. Here’s how they compare.
At a glance
| Feature | Tipword | DeepL for Mac |
|---|---|---|
| How you use it | Hold ⌥ and point at a word | Select text, press ⌘C twice |
| Best for | Single words while you read | Sentences, emails, documents |
| Text in images | Point at it where it is | Capture an area with ⇧⌘2 |
| Languages | 54 | 30+ |
| Price | $12 once | Free plan with limits; Pro is a subscription |
| Where text goes | Apple languages stay on your Mac | DeepL’s servers |
When DeepL is the better choice
- You need a full paragraph or email translated.
- You’re writing in another language.
- You translate whole documents.
When Tipword is the better choice
- You read in another language and get stuck on a word.
- The word is in a video, a picture or a scanned PDF.
- You want to stay on the page instead of switching windows.
Can you use both?
Yes, and many people do. They don’t clash: Tipword uses a held key and the pointer, DeepL uses a copy shortcut.
Questions
Is Tipword a subscription?
No. $12 once, with a year of updates. It keeps working after that.
Do I have to select text?
No. Hold ⌥ and point. Nothing to select, copy or paste.
Try itTipword is $12 once, with no subscription. Download it, add a license, and if it’s not for you within 14 days you get a full refund. Download for Mac