Plae
A macOS menu bar app that translates text on-device with a keyboard shortcut, keeping everything private and offline.
| What is it | A macOS menu bar app that translates text on-device with a keyboard shortcut, keeping everything private and offline. |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Paid |
| Free tier | No |
| Platform | Desktop Application |
| Best for | quickly translating text during conversations, displaying translations on screen for others to read |
| Domain registered | 2026 |
Data updated March 5, 2026
What does Plae do?
Plae is a translation app for macOS that lives in your menu bar. You press a global keyboard shortcut (Cmd+Shift+T) from any application, type the text you need translated, and get the result instantly. The translation happens entirely on your Mac; no text is ever sent to the cloud. It also includes a full-screen presentation mode, making it easy to show a translation to someone else on the same screen.
The tool stands out because of its strict on-device privacy and its flexibility. It offers three different translation engines that all run locally: the built-in Apple Translation for speed, Apple Intelligence for better context understanding, and a self-contained AI model (powered by Google's TranslateGemma) that you can download for complete independence from Apple's services. This means it works anywhere, even without an internet connection after the initial setup.
Plae is ideal for multilingual families having quick conversations, international teams double-checking messages, or expats and language learners navigating daily life. Its one-time purchase model and focus on privacy make it a straightforward, reliable tool for anyone who frequently needs fast, private translations directly within their workflow.
Key features
What makes it stand outWho is Plae for?
Who benefits most from this toolPricing
Plae
- Apple Translation (19 languages)
- Apple Intelligence translation
- Built-in AI model (download and go)
- Full-screen presentation display
- Translation history with favorites
- Global keyboard shortcuts
- All future updates included
- No account required
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