How to access macOS Writing Tools using PopClip

[nick]

Recently, I have received several requests along the following lines:

I was wondering if you were considering adding a PopClip extension that accesses the new Apple “Writing Tools” feature.

If I could make an extension that “just works”, I would. But achieving what we want will need a bit of customization from you.

This guide will show you how to create your own PopClip extension for macOS Sequoia’s AI-powered writing tools.

1. Enable Apple Intelligence in settings. First of all you will need to be running macOS Sequoia, set to US English locale and enable Apple Intelligence features in System Settings.

2. Now go to an app in which you can edit text. For example TextEdit. You’ll see in the Edit menu the new Writing Tools submenu.
   

   

3. Decide which feature(s) you want a PopClip action for. Let’s say you want a Proofread action.

4. Go to System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → App Shortcuts and add a new entry under “All Applications”. Set the Menu title to “Proofread” and choose a keyboard shortcut (here, I chose control option command P).

5. Now we create the PopClip extension. In any plain text editing app write out a PopClip extension snippet like this:

#popclip
name: Proofread
icon: iconify:tabler:file-text-ai
key combo: control option command P

You’ll need to set the key combo to match whatever you chose. You can set the name and icon how you like.

6. Install the extension by selecting the text of the snippet.

7. Test it out!

Please note, it will only work in apps that have the “Writing Tools” menu.

[kkleia]

In non-editable content : Context menu → Writing Tools → Summarize , Writing Tools can work normally.

But when using the method described in the post, it does not work properly,
of course, using the shortcut key directly is the same.

What I mean is, is it possible to have a plugin that allows the normal use of Writing Tools in non-editable content?
If possible, that would be another great plugin.

[nick]

I don’t know how that would be done. PopClip can only work within the confines of the system. But if anyone has any ideas, please show the way.

I suppose we need a helper tool that puts whatever text you want in a window and lets you invoke writing tools on it.

[kkleia]

I made a simple Writing Tools plugin, you can check it out if you’re interested.
https://github.com/kkleia/PopClip-Extensions-Writing-Tools.git

[nick]

Thanks for sharing – clever “universalising” approach to copy the text to Stickies.

[hercut]

Hello,

Do you have any idea why Show Writing Tools is not working with PopClip? I’m trying to use it via PopClip, but since updating to macOS 27 it no longer works correctly. The rewriting tool works well with PopClip, unlike “Show Writing Tools”, which, on the other hand, responds to the keyboard shortcut – the same one configured in the plugin. I can’t understand.

I have of course defined the shortcuts in the settings, which I can clearly see in the menu. An idea, perhaps?

[nick]

I thought that in macOS 27 they took away Writing Tools and replaced it with “Write with Siri.”

Perhaps someone else can confirm?

[hercut]

What surprises me is that the keyboard shortcut works.
Why does this not work on Popclip?

[nick]

Let me try to recreate the situation myself.

Could you post the exact PopClip snippet you are using?

Also how are you able to access the writing tools menu to set a keyboard shortcut on it? I don’t have the writing tools menu in macOS 27

[hercut]

ok,

#popclip
name: Show Writing Tools
icon: iconify:mingcute:apple-intelligence-line
key combo: command opt shift command w

Regarding the menu, I couldn’t tell you. I only have what I have like in the screenshot.

[nick]

@hercut

I only have what I have like in the screenshot.

What app is the menu in the screenshot from?

[hercut]

Librewolf.