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Description

What is Bob Translate?

Bob Translate is a macOS-based translation and OCR utility that lets you translate text and perform text recognition from anywhere on your screen. Integrated into the macOS menu bar, it offers features like floating input boxes, screenshot-based translation, and support for multiple translation services—such as DeepL, Google, Microsoft, Baidu, and even OpenAI models([github.com][1]).

How to use Bob Translate?

  1. Install Bob from the Mac App Store or its official website.

  2. After launching, it will appear in the macOS menu bar.

  3. Use keyboard shortcuts to translate or OCR:

    • ⌥ + D: translate selected text
    • ⌥ + S: screenshot translation
    • ⌥ + A: manual text input translation
    • ⇧ + ⌥ + S: screenshot for OCR
    • ⌥ + C: silent OCR (copies directly to clipboard)([github.com][1], [apps.apple.com][2])

  4. Optionally, configure translation engines and settings in the preferences.

  5. View translations/recognized text in pop-up windows, with history and favorites available.

Bob’s Core Features

  • Global translation: instant translation of highlighted text or input text
  • Screenshot translation: select any screen region to translate
  • OCR across apps: screenshot OCR, Finder-based OCR, and silent OCR to clipboard
  • Supports multiple engines: including Google, Microsoft, Baidu, DeepL, OpenAI, and more
  • Multi-service translation: run up to 12 engines simultaneously for comparison([apps.apple.com][2])
  • Clipboard and PopClip support: translate from clipboard or via PopClip integration([github.com][1])
  • History & favorites: save past translations and mark frequently used ones([apps.apple.com][2])
  • Extensible via plugins: add-ons exist, e.g., an AI grammar-polisher([github.com][3])
  • Shortcut support: customizable hotkeys, with helper tools like BobHelper to address conflicts([formulae.brew.sh][4])

Bob’s Use Cases

  • On-the-fly reading: translate words, sentences, or passages in any macOS app
  • OCR translation: extract and translate text from screenshots or images
  • Multi-engine comparison: choose the most accurate translation among various services
  • Content polishing: use grammar-enhancing plugins for refined language output
  • Workflow efficiency: clipboard translation, history management, and hotkey control speed up tasks
  • Developer-friendly: AppleScript and plugin support offer automation and customization options([aisharenet.com][5], [github.com][1], [reddit.com][6])

FAQ from Bob Translate

What platforms does Bob support? Bob is exclusively for macOS (10.15+), available via the Mac App Store and the official website.

Which translation and OCR engines are supported? Text: Google Translate, DeepL, Microsoft, Baidu, Tencent, OpenAI, etc. OCR: Google OCR, Baidu, Tencent, Microsoft, plus offline recognition([raycast.com][7], [github.com][1]).

Can I use plugins? Yes! You can install AI-powered plugin extensions (e.g. grammar polisher) and configure custom model services like OpenAI or d.run([docs.d.run][8]).

Is offline use possible? Offline OCR works on macOS 11+; offline text translation isn’t supported—requires internet([apps.apple.com][2]).

How much does it cost? Bob is free to download; in-app purchases unlock pro features (approx. $8.99 USD).

Can I customize keyboard shortcuts? Yes. You can reassign hotkeys in settings and use helper tools like BobHelper to fix shortcut conflicts([formulae.brew.sh][4]).

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