What “offline” means
Choose a local model and Refine runs grammar and fluency checks on your Mac. Text used for those local checks stays there.
Downloading Refine, downloading the model, getting updates, and standard license activation require a connection. An online-activated license can continue through network errors for up to 21 days after its last successful license validation. Use Offline Activation for longer disconnected use.
Set up offline checking
- 1
Download Refine
Finish downloading Refine before you take your Mac offline.
- 2
Download a local model
Wait for the download to finish. A partial download won’t work offline.
- 3
Allow Accessibility access
Refine uses it to read and update text in compatible apps.
Test it before you rely on it
Open the app you plan to use and run a grammar check with Wi-Fi on. Then turn off Wi-Fi and any other network connections, change the text, and run it again.
If the second check stalls, confirm that the model download finished and grammar isn't assigned to a hosted cloud provider.
Use offline checks in Mac apps
Inline checks work when an app makes its text available through macOS Accessibility. Compatibility varies by app and text field. See the Mac app guide for compatibility details.
Know which providers work offline
A downloaded local model works without internet. Hosted cloud providers do not. Ollama, LM Studio, and a compatible endpoint running locally can work offline while they remain reachable. See How Refine Works for how local models and BYOK providers handle your text.
Check the hardware and app limits
- Refine requires macOS 14 or later.
- Refine recommends a smaller local model on Intel Macs or Macs with less than 16 GB of memory, and a larger one on Apple Silicon Macs with 16 GB or more.
- Any task assigned to a hosted cloud provider stops working offline. Ollama, LM Studio, and a compatible local endpoint are exceptions when they remain reachable.
- AI suggestions still need judgment. Review a change before applying it to important writing.
Activate a licensed Mac without connecting it
If you have a non-expiring full license, you can activate the Mac without connecting it. Start in Refine, scan the QR code with another internet-connected device, download the Offline License File, then move the file back and import it.
That Mac uses one device slot. If you later need that slot for another Mac, you can release it from your license page once 30 days have passed since activation.
Before you disconnect
- Refine is activated and the local model has finished downloading. For more than 21 days offline, use Offline Activation.
- Every task you need is assigned to Local Model or another provider that will remain reachable.
- Accessibility access is enabled for inline checks.
- Your usual writing app has passed a test with Wi-Fi off.