Mail and messaging
Examples: Mail and Messages
Let Refine check short replies as you type, or use a shortcut if you want to finish the message first.
Writing across Mac apps
Grammar checker for Mac apps
Refine can check text as you write in many Mac apps. It shows suggestions beside your text when macOS exposes enough information to edit it safely; otherwise, use the Floating Editor.
Published July 30, 2026 · Product behavior described for Refine on macOS 14 or later
Inline
Automatic or shortcut checks where macOS exposes enough text and position information
Fallback
Floating Editor when inline access or selection transfer is limited
Control
Filters for individual apps, domains, and subdomains
How it works
When Refine can check text inline
Refine uses macOS Accessibility to read a field's text, editable ranges, and on-screen position. When the app exposes enough information for a safe replacement, Refine can show suggestions beside your draft and apply or dismiss them there.
Setup asks you to grant Accessibility permission. That lets Refine reach text in other apps; the provider assigned to each task decides where that task’s text is processed.
Use app and website filters to include or exclude desktop apps, domains, and subdomains.
Automatic
Refine checks while you type. Choose Fast, Normal, or Slow typing responsiveness, or pause automatic checks when your Mac is on battery.
On demand
Turn off automatic checks, then press your configured shortcut when you're ready for suggestions.
Floating Editor
Open selected text in a resizable editor when inline suggestions aren't available. Check or rewrite it, then copy or paste it back.
Examples
Ways to check text in Mac apps
These apps are examples, not guarantees. Updates can change how a field behaves.
Browsers and web apps
Examples: Safari, Chrome, and Firefox
Choose which domains Refine checks. If an editor doesn't expose its text to macOS, open the selection in the Floating Editor.
Documents and notes
Examples: Microsoft Word and document or note apps with standard macOS text fields
Check as you draft, press your shortcut when you're ready, or edit selected text in the Floating Editor.
Collaboration
Examples: Slack
Automatic checks suit short updates. For longer posts, use a shortcut so suggestions wait until you're ready.
Google Docs and Sublime Text can have limited inline integration. When that happens, select the text and use the Floating Editor shortcut—or copy the text into the editor if the selection can't transfer.
Setup
Set up Refine for the apps you use
- 1
Grant Accessibility access
Refine uses it to read and update text in compatible Mac apps.
- 2
Pick automatic or on-demand checking
Leave automatic checks on to check as you type, or turn them off and use a shortcut. You can also change Typing Responsiveness and the battery setting later.
- 3
Set app and website filters
Include only the places where you want writing help, or exclude apps and domains where suggestions would be distracting.
Text processing
Accessibility and processing are separate
Accessibility access lets Refine read and update text in a compatible Mac app. Where each check runs depends on the provider assigned to that task: a local model processes it on your Mac, while a hosted provider receives it directly from your Mac.
See how Refine handles your textLimitations
Where inline checks can fall short
- Many Mac apps work with Refine, but macOS Accessibility doesn't expose every text field.
- If macOS doesn't expose a field's text, editable ranges, and on-screen position, Refine may not be able to show suggestions beside it. Use the Floating Editor instead.
- A browser can contain several kinds of text editor. A check that works in one field may behave differently elsewhere.
- An app or website update can change how a field behaves. The named apps are examples, not a permanent compatibility list.
Try Refine in the Mac apps you use
The seven-day trial includes every feature and doesn't ask for a credit card. Before you buy, test the specific text fields and websites you rely on.