Documentation - NearWord

Getting Started

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

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

Note: On first launch, macOS may ask you to confirm opening an app from an unidentified developer. Right-click the app and select "Open" to bypass this.

First-time Setup

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

Grant Accessibility permissions — NearWord needs this to capture screen content. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility and enable NearWord.
Press the hotkey — Use ⌥ + ⇧ + S anywhere to look up the word under your cursor.
Select your theme — Choose between light, dark, or system-matched appearance in Settings.

Features

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
Contextual translation — Translation and explanation when signed in

Use the copy buttons to copy the word or full definition. Press Esc to dismiss the overlay.

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

Contextual Translation

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 Context with fair-use protection.

Privacy note: When using contextual translation, the captured text around your cursor is sent to our server for translation. No other personal data is transmitted.

Settings

NearWord supports Light, Dark, and System themes (follows your OS setting). Configure in the Settings tab.

Hotkey

NearWord uses a global keyboard shortcut to trigger lookups:

Action	Shortcut
Look up word	`⌥` + `⇧` + `S`
Dismiss overlay	`Esc`
Copy word	`⌘` + `C`
Copy definition	`⌘` + `⇧` + `C`

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

Learning

NearWord is utility-first: look up instantly, save useful terms, and review later when you have time.

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

FAQ

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.