AALookup / Wiki
Start using AALookup
Set up your device, prepare a dictionary, and complete your first lookup.
Choose the right entry point
On Mac and Windows, AALookup can read text from other apps and show a lookup panel beside the word. On iPhone, iPad and Android, use the app to search dictionaries, save words and study. The website offers online dictionary pages and the Learn workspace; it does not read text from other apps.
Get the installer or current iOS distribution link from the download page. Features described here follow the current app implementation; availability also depends on your installed version, device permissions and account benefits. Check release notes when an entry is missing.
Set up a desktop
- Open Getting Started and review its preparation checklist. On macOS, grant Accessibility access for reading text; allow Screen Recording when you want screen recognition.
- Choose a working lookup trigger: a keyboard shortcut, a supported mouse gesture, or a three-finger trackpad tap on Mac. If OCR is enabled, finish the relevant permission or recognition-engine setup.
- Add an online dictionary from the catalog or import local MDict files. When the collection is empty, continuing setup may try the recommended Learner’s English dictionary; a failed download does not prevent you from entering the app.
- Enter the app directly or try an optional tutorial. Point at a word in another app, use your trigger, and read the result next to the word.
Start on a phone or tablet
- Open the app and choose to sign in or start without an account. Sign-in is optional for local use.
- Choose online or local dictionaries, or enter the app directly. An online dictionary needs a connection; an imported local dictionary can be read offline.
- Search for a word, save it to Words, or open Study to select a book. Sign in later if you want account synchronization.