How to translate screenshot text on a Mac
Use OCR when you only need local text extraction. Text translation is a separate action: when you open it, Clipture can recognize the image and immediately send text to multiple configured services. Review the original and copy the translated text; no translated image is generated.
Applies to Clipture 1.6.0 · macOS 14+ · Pro required
Text translation requires Pro. In Clipture 1.6.0, Apple system translation requires macOS 15+, supported languages and available resources. Other configured providers need their own credentials, network access and any applicable fees; macOS 14 can use these services.
In the app
- Before translating sensitive content, check all configured services and their data policies. OCR alone remains local and does not start translation.
- For Apple system translation, confirm macOS 15+, supported languages and available system language resources; no third-party API key is needed. If you use an external provider, configure that provider’s credentials and endpoint in Settings. Provider accounts, API permissions, quotas and fees are separate from Pro.
- Start the translation tool and select the on-screen text. It can recognize and immediately request translations from multiple configured services. Review the original and target language; if you change the target language, request translation again as needed.
- Switch between returned service results, review the translated text and copy it. Switching results does not make the selected service the only recipient. Network access and third-party charges are separate from Pro.
Sample interactive demo
Compare the source image, original text and prepared translation below. Changing service in the webpage makes no network request and does not measure a provider’s quality.
Recognized original
Keep the original screenshot. Review the text before sharing.
Prepared translation · Simplified Chinese
保留原始截图。 分享前请核对文字。
Translation service
Standard screenshots and Vision OCR are processed locally. Starting text translation can send the recognized text to multiple configured services. Optional custom image services can also receive submitted images. Check every configured provider before sending sensitive content.
Read the privacy policy ↗If the result is not right
- Apple option unavailable: macOS 14 can run the app but cannot use this Apple translation bridge. Check macOS 15+ and language resources.
- Provider authentication or quota failure: verify the account, API permission, endpoint and remaining quota with the provider. Do not send API keys to support.
- Network or timeout failure: check connectivity and service availability before retrying. Recheck target language and service after changing settings.
- Unexpected translation: correct the OCR original and retry. This workflow does not generate an image preserving the original layout.
Continue on your Mac
