Documentation

Requirements

Before installing NearWord, make sure your system meets these requirements:

• Operating System: macOS 12 (Monterey) or later
• Processor: Apple Silicon or Intel
• Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet: Required for dictionary lookups and AI features

Installation

1. Download the latest version from the download page
2. Open the downloaded .dmg file
3. Drag NearWord to your Applications folder
4. Launch NearWord from Applications or Spotlight

First-time Setup

When you first open NearWord, you'll be guided through initial setup:

1. Grant Accessibility permissions — NearWord needs this to detect text selections across all apps. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility and enable NearWord.
2. Choose your hotkey — Set a global keyboard shortcut to trigger word lookups. The default is ⌥ + D.
3. Select your theme — Choose between light, dark, or system-matched appearance.

Word Lookup

NearWord monitors your text selections system-wide. There are two ways to look up a word:

• Automatic: Select any word in any app. After a brief delay, the overlay appears automatically.
• Manual: Select a word and press your configured hotkey for instant lookup.

NearWord works in virtually any application — browsers, text editors, PDFs, ebooks, and more.

The Overlay

The overlay is a floating panel that appears near your selection. It displays:

• Word and pronunciation — Including phonetic spelling
• Part of speech — Noun, verb, adjective, etc.
• Definitions — Multiple meanings with numbered entries
• Examples — Usage in context when available
• Synonyms — Related words to expand your vocabulary

Click the + button to add the word to your collection, or press Esc to dismiss the overlay.

Word Collection

Your word collection is your personal vocabulary database. Every word you save is stored locally on your device.

• Search: Quickly find saved words by typing in the search bar
• Sort: Order by date added, alphabetically, or by review status
• Filter: Show all words, words due for review, or mastered words
• Delete: Remove words you no longer want to learn

Spaced Repetition

Spaced repetition is a learning technique that schedules reviews at increasing intervals. NearWord's system is based on the SM-2 algorithm.

How it works

1. When you add a word, it's scheduled for review the next day
2. During review, rate how well you remembered: Again, Hard, Good, or Easy
3. Based on your rating, the next review is scheduled accordingly
4. Words you know well are reviewed less frequently

Review sessions

Open the Review tab to see words due for review. Complete your daily reviews to maintain your streak and maximize retention.

AI Context

NearWord can provide AI-powered contextual explanations when you look up a word. This feature analyzes the surrounding sentence to give you a more relevant definition.

You can enable or disable AI context in Settings → Features → AI Explanations.

Hotkeys

Configure keyboard shortcuts in Settings → Hotkeys:

• Lookup hotkey: Trigger word lookup (default: ⌥ + D)
• Add to collection: Quick-add current word (default: ⌥ + S)
• Dismiss overlay: Close the overlay (default: Esc)

If a hotkey conflicts with another app, you'll see a warning. Choose a different combination to resolve the conflict.

Appearance

Customize how NearWord looks:

• Theme: Light, Dark, or System (follows your OS)
• Overlay position: Near selection or fixed position
• Font size: Adjust text size in the overlay

Data Export

Export your word collection for backup or use in other apps:

1. Go to Settings → Data
2. Click "Export Collection"
3. Choose format: JSON (full data) or CSV (spreadsheet-compatible)
4. Select save location

To import a previously exported collection, click "Import" and select your backup file.

Why isn't NearWord detecting my text selections?

Make sure NearWord has the permissions it needs on your operating system (for example, Accessibility on macOS). If it was already enabled, try toggling it off and on, then restart NearWord.

Can I use NearWord offline?

Your saved words and review sessions work offline. However, looking up new words requires an internet connection to fetch definitions.

Where does NearWord get definitions from?

We use multiple dictionary APIs including Free Dictionary API and WordsAPI as fallbacks. Definitions are aggregated to provide comprehensive coverage.

Is my data secure?

By default, your vocabulary data is stored locally on your device. We don't have access to your word collection or learning progress. See our Privacy Policy for details.

How do I completely uninstall NearWord?

Uninstall NearWord using your operating system’s normal uninstall flow. If you also want to remove local data, use NearWord’s Settings → Data tools (when available) to locate and delete the data folder.