Same dictionaries, no rework
Point AALookup at your MDict folder. You get groups, a style and zoom level per dictionary, and an online catalog for more.
Compared with GoldenDict
Your GoldenDict library, looked up where you're reading.
GoldenDict is where many of us keep our dictionaries. AALookup opens the same MDict files in their publisher's layout, but the panel appears beside the word you point at in any app, reads text that can't be selected, explains the sentence, and keeps the word for review. The Windows download is 20 MB.
No account needed. Your dictionaries stay on your computer.
What you can do
Where a popup can't go
Games, video, scans and apps that block selection are read from the screen. Point and tap, with nothing to copy.
After the lookup
The meaning this sentence is using, the word saved with its sentence, spaced review, and the same list on your phone.
AALookup and GoldenDict-ng, side by side
| Compared on | AALookup | GoldenDict-ng |
|---|---|---|
| Download size | 20 MB (Windows), 17 MB (macOS) | 146 MB (Windows installer), 219 MB (macOS) |
| Text that can't be selected | Read from the screen: games, video, scans | Needs selectable or copied text |
| Meaning in context | An explanation of this sentence, then the entry | Dictionary entries |
| After the lookup | Spaced review, word books, Android and iPhone apps | Sends words to Anki; no built-in review |
GoldenDict-ng column from its 26.8.0 release on GitHub (2026-08-05) and its documentation, measured 2026-09-16. AALookup 1.0.3.
Free, no sign-up
How to start
- Download and open AALookup
macOS or Windows, under 20 MB, no account needed.
- Let it see your screen
On a Mac, allow Accessibility so it can read the word under your pointer, and Screen Recording for text in games and images. Windows asks for nothing.
- Point at a word
Three-finger tap on a Mac, or press your shortcut on Windows. The meaning appears next to the word.
What users say
I used to chain two apps together, one for grabbing words off the screen and GoldenDict-ng for the dictionaries. AALookup does all of that on its own, and the UI is done really well.
A really good tool. On Windows I used STranslate and always wished it could open my local dictionary files, because a local lookup is always faster than asking an AI. This solves exactly that.
Common questions
Do I have to give up GoldenDict?
No. Both can read the same dictionary folder. Keep GoldenDict for browsing and use AALookup for looking things up while you read.
Which dictionary formats?
MDict, meaning .mdx with its .mdd resources. Other formats stay in GoldenDict.
Does AALookup keep the dictionary's layout?
Yes. The publisher's HTML and styles render as they are, and you can add your own style and zoom level per dictionary.
Is it free?
Yes. Dictionary lookups are free, offline and unlimited. AI explanations come with a free trial, and Plus adds more.
Get AALookup
Free download
Local dictionaries work offline and without limits. AI explanations come with a free trial.
Checking the latest release…