Offline, on-device translation
Use Apple Translation on the Mac as the default translation method, without a cloud translator or sign-in.
Menu-bar translation for Mac
Menu Linguo is a macOS menu-bar translator for typing or pasting text and viewing the translation in a compact two-language card. It is designed to remain accessible from the menu bar rather than appearing as a Dock application, and it does not require an account.
Apple Translation on the Mac is the default and works on-device. Users can optionally enable AI Translation through Apple Intelligence or their own API key for OpenAI, Gemini, or Anthropic. The app also supports selected-text translation, custom shortcuts, language-list management, and automatic language detection when text is entered in the wrong field.
Key features
Optional AI Translation
Enable a second translation pass with Apple Intelligence or a user-supplied key for OpenAI, Gemini, or Anthropic. The option is off until enabled.
Configurable keyboard shortcuts
Translate selected text and control the card with custom shortcuts for opening the window, keeping it open, and enabling AI Translation.
Two-language translation card
The menu-bar card displays exactly two languages, supports typing or pasting in either field, and includes copy and clear controls.
Personal language list
Maintain a personal language list, reorder it, and replace either language in the card by clicking its flag. The list starts empty rather than using preset defaults.
Menu-bar workflow
The app has no Dock icon, opens from the menu bar, and offers Settings, Keep Open, Launch at Login, Support, More Apps, and Quit from its context menu.
Practical use cases
Everyday bilingual work
Keep the card available from the menu bar while reading or writing foreign-language messages, documents, or web content, without switching to a separate translator window.
Translating text from other apps
Select text in another Mac application and invoke the configured shortcut to translate it, making the workflow useful when the source text is not already in Menu Linguo.
Working across several languages
Use the personal language list and flag controls to switch between different language pairs during travel, study, or multilingual correspondence.
Drafting and review
Leave the card open while drafting and checking text, then copy the result from the translation field when it is ready for use elsewhere.
Optional AI-assisted translation
Enable an optional AI pass when a second translation approach is wanted, while keeping the default on-device translation workflow available.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- On-device Apple Translation is the default, allowing offline use without an account or cloud translator.
- The lightweight menu-bar interface supports typing, pasting, copying translations, and translating selected text.
- Users can choose their languages, reorder the personal list, and configure shortcuts for common actions.
- Optional AI Translation supports Apple Intelligence and user-provided keys for OpenAI, Gemini, and Anthropic.
- The listing states that the developer collects no data from the app.
Cons
- Requires macOS 15.0 or later.
- The language list must be configured by the user, and two languages are needed before translation can begin.
- AI providers beyond the default on-device translation require the user’s own API key and are optional rather than included as a stated service.
FAQ
What does Menu Linguo require?
Menu Linguo requires macOS 15.0 or later and runs as a Mac menu-bar utility. On first launch, Settings opens until two languages have been added.
Does Menu Linguo require an account or cloud translator?
The app uses on-device Apple Translation as its default offline translation method. AI Translation is optional and can use Apple Intelligence or OpenAI, Gemini, or Anthropic with the user’s own API key.
How are languages selected?
Add languages in Settings using Add Language, or use Choice Language when the list is empty. Two languages are required before the translation card can translate; additional languages can be kept in the personal list and selected from the card.
How does the translation workflow work?
The card shows two languages, with the source above the translation. You can type or paste text, copy the translation, and use a keyboard shortcut for translating selected text. The app also supports automatic language detection when text is entered in the wrong field.
Is Menu Linguo designed for team use?
The app is listed for one Mac and supports Family Sharing for up to six family members when Family Sharing is enabled. The listing does not describe shared workspaces or team administration features.
Quick Facts
- Platform
- Mac; requires macOS 15.0 or later
- Category
- Utilities
- Price
- €3.99 on the German App Store
- Developer
- Gabriel Sgroi
- Size
- 2.7 MB
- Languages
- German plus 19 additional languages
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