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PopClip Alternative for Keyboard-First Mac Workflows

· 3 min read
gityeop
gityeop
Creator of OnText

If you are looking for a PopClip alternative for Mac, the real question is usually about workflow: do you want actions to appear automatically after every text selection, or do you want a keyboard-first command panel that appears only when you ask for it?

OnText is built for the second style. Select text anywhere on macOS, press your configured hotkey, then run an action by clicking it or pressing its assigned key.

How OnText Handles Selected Text​

OnText runs as a native macOS menu bar app. Its floating panel appears when you select text and trigger it with the hotkey, which is F2 by default. From there, you can search, copy, translate, count characters, show Large Type, or run custom workflows.

That makes OnText useful when you want selected-text actions without an automatic popup competing with typing, replacing text, or keyboard-heavy work.

Example Workflows​

Use the built-in actions for common tasks:

  • Search selected text in your browser.
  • Copy the current selection without changing focus.
  • Translate selected text.
  • Count characters or show text in Large Type.

Use custom actions when you want more control:

https://www.google.com/search?q={text}

That URL action searches the selected text. For automation-heavy workflows, OnText also supports shell scripts, AppleScript, macOS Shortcuts, regex context rules, custom icons, and Inline AI.

When OnText Is a Good Fit​

OnText is a good fit if you:

  • Prefer pressing a hotkey before a panel appears.
  • Want keyboard shortcuts for actions.
  • Need custom selected-text actions for URLs, scripts, Shortcuts, or app deep links.
  • Want a native macOS utility rather than a web app or browser extension.
  • Want AI workflows available from selected text, while keeping provider choice explicit.

If you specifically want a panel that appears automatically every time you select text, review OnText's floating panel behavior first so the interaction model matches how you work.

Setup Path​

  1. Install OnText and grant Accessibility permission.
  2. Select text in any supported Mac app.
  3. Press F2 or your configured hotkey.
  4. Run a built-in action or create your own.

Start with the first steps guide, then configure custom actions when you want selected-text workflows for scripts, Shortcuts, search URLs, or Inline AI.

Next Steps​