Inline text explanation
Select text in any Mac app, press ⌥ Space, and get an explanation without leaving the current window.
MiniAi
MiniAi is a macOS app that explains selected text in place. Highlight text, press ⌥ Space, and get an AI explanation on macOS 14 or later.
Overview
MiniAi is a macOS app that explains selected text in place. Its core workflow is simple: highlight text you do not understand, press ⌥ Space, and read an instant AI explanation right over your window.
The product is designed for native Mac use and is available as a free download for macOS 14 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Setup requires installing the DMG, allowing the app in Privacy & Security, and granting Accessibility permission so it can read selected text.
Features
On-screen output
The app is positioned as native to macOS and works over your window instead of sending you to a separate interface.
Streaming responses
The setup guide says the app streams responses back as they are generated, so you can start reading before the full answer finishes.
Accessibility-based text access
The onboarding requires Accessibility permission so MiniAi can read the text you highlighted.
Direct macOS install
MiniAi is distributed as a downloadable DMG rather than through the App Store.
Usage limits with daily reset
The setup page notes a daily usage limit, which resets the next day if reached.
Use Cases
Understanding text in place
A reader can highlight an unfamiliar sentence or technical term in any Mac app and get a plain-language explanation without copying the text elsewhere.
Staying in the same workflow
Someone working through docs, notes, or messages can use the shortcut to clarify a confusing passage while staying in context.
Self-serve reading support
A user who wants to learn faster can select text they do not know and use the app as an on-demand explanation layer while reading.
General Mac text lookup
After setup, the app can be used as a quick lookup tool anywhere on the Mac where text selection is available, as long as Accessibility permission is enabled.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works directly over the current window, so you do not need to switch apps to get an explanation.
- Supports both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
- The setup guide is short and describes a quick first-time flow.
- Responses stream in as they are generated, which can make longer explanations easier to start reading sooner.
Cons
- It requires macOS 14 or later and Accessibility permission.
- It is distributed outside the App Store, so first launch includes an unidentified developer warning.
- The setup page mentions a daily usage limit, but does not publish the limit itself.
FAQ
How do you set up MiniAi on a Mac?
MiniAi is distributed as a DMG for macOS and is not installed from the App Store. The setup guide says it runs on macOS 14 or later and needs Accessibility permission so it can read selected text.
Does MiniAi work in any app?
Yes. The setup guide says MiniAi is ready to use after installation and accessibility approval, and it works in any Mac app where you can select text.
What happens after I press ⌥ Space?
MiniAi explains the text you select after you press ⌥ Space. The explanation appears over your window and streams in as it is generated.
Which AI model does MiniAi use?
The setup page says MiniAi uses Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4 (claude-sonnet-4-20250514) to generate responses.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI explanation app
- Platform
- macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- Install method
- DMG download
- Primary workflow
- Select text, press ⌥ Space, read explanation
- Model
- Anthropic Claude Sonnet 4 (claude-sonnet-4-20250514)
- Source domain
- miniai.dev
MiniAi Alternatives
Spotit
Spotit is a macOS app that reads your screen and highlights exactly where to click, using voice questions and on-screen guidance.
AakarDev AI
AakarDev AI helps teams manage AI provider access, project setup, logs, and analytics in one dashboard. BYOK support included.
recall
recall is an AI flashcard app that turns reading and notes into study cards with Claude, ChatGPT, or another MCP client. One-time lifetime access with spaced repetition review.
BookAI.chat
BookAI allows you to chat with your books using AI by simply providing the title and author.
Skills Janitor
Skills Janitor is a GitHub-hosted set of slash commands for auditing, tracking, and cleaning up Claude Code and OpenAI Codex skills.
FeelFish
FeelFish is a PC client for AI-assisted novel writing, helping writers plan characters and settings, draft and revise novels, and manage story context.