Documentation

Requirements

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

• Operating System: macOS 13 (Ventura) or later
• Processor: Apple Silicon or Intel
• Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet: Required to download dictionary packs and use 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 capture screen content. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility and enable NearWord.
2. Press the hotkey — Use ⌥ + ⇧ + S anywhere to look up the word under your cursor.
3. Select your theme — Choose between light, dark, or system-matched appearance in Settings.

Word Lookup

NearWord captures the screen area around your cursor and uses OCR to detect text. Press the hotkey to look up any word — in any app.

• How it works: Press ⌥ + ⇧ + S, and NearWord captures a region around your cursor, runs OCR to extract text, then looks up the word in the dictionary.
• Works everywhere: Browsers, PDFs, games, ebooks, videos — anything visible on screen.
• Limitations: OCR accuracy depends on font size, contrast, and text clarity. Very small text or stylized fonts may not be detected reliably.

The Overlay

The overlay is a floating panel that appears near your cursor. 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
• AI Context — Translation and explanation when signed in

The best answer always comes first — AI Context when it is available, the top dictionary entry otherwise — with the remaining dictionary cards below. When a state needs something from you (sign in, retry), a single action button appears at the bottom of the panel.

The overlay takes keyboard focus while open: press ⌘ + C to copy the full result, or Esc to dismiss it. Clicking anywhere outside the overlay or switching to another app also dismisses it.

History

Every word you look up is automatically saved to your history. Your history is stored locally on your device.

• Search: Find past lookups by typing in the search bar
• Review: Click any entry to see its full definition again
• Delete: Remove individual entries or clear your entire history

AI Context

When signed in, NearWord translates words in context. It analyzes the surrounding text captured by OCR to give you a relevant translation and description.

Free accounts get 300 welcome lookups after sign-in, then 5 free per day (keeps up to 30). Pro subscribers get unlimited AI Context with fair-use protection.

Hotkey

NearWord uses a global keyboard shortcut to trigger lookups:

Dictionaries

Manage installed NearWord dictionary packs and the cards shown in the overlay:

• Dictionary Library: Download or remove verified NearWord packs
• Overlay Cards: Choose installed packs, remove cards, and reorder them independently from installation
• AI Context: Toggle the locked first AI card without making it a dictionary pack

Review from History

Every lookup can be revisited from your local history list. This lets you build a lightweight learning loop without leaving your main workflow.

• Capture in context: Save terms while reading, gaming, or watching
• Review later: Re-open definitions and examples when you are ready
• Keep control: History remains on your device by default

Why isn't NearWord detecting text?

Make sure NearWord has Accessibility permissions on macOS (System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility). Try toggling the permission off and on, then restart NearWord.

Can I use NearWord offline?

Yes. OCR and installed dictionary packs work offline after download. Downloading additional packs and using AI Context require an internet connection.

Where does NearWord get definitions from?

NearWord uses verified NearWord dictionary packs installed on your device. You can download packs in Dictionary Library and choose which installed packs appear as overlay cards in Settings.

Is my data secure?

By default, your vocabulary data is stored locally on your device. We don't have access to your lookup history. See our Privacy Policy for details.

How do I completely uninstall NearWord?

Uninstall NearWord using your operating system's normal uninstall flow. To remove local data, delete the NearWord data folder from your home directory.