You’re drafting an email in Mail, tweaking copy in Figma, responding to a Slack message, and editing code comments in VS Code—all within the same hour. Each time you need AI help, you copy text, switch to ChatGPT, paste, wait, copy the result, switch back, and paste again. That workflow made sense in 2023. In 2026, it’s just friction.
AI writing assistants solve this by integrating directly into macOS. Select any text, press a keyboard shortcut, and AI appears right where you’re working—no app switching, no clipboard gymnastics. These tools understand that writing happens everywhere: email clients, browsers, design tools, terminals, note apps. The best ones feel invisible, surfacing only when needed and enhancing your words without disrupting flow.
This is fundamentally different from AI chat apps. Chat apps like ChatGPT, Claude, or BoltAI provide their own dedicated windows for extended conversations and deep exploration. Writing assistants, by contrast, work inside other apps—they’re the difference between having a conversation about your email and having AI improve your email while you’re writing it.
I’ve researched the top writing assistants for Mac, analyzed feedback from Reddit, Hacker News, and Product Hunt, and tested how each handles the practical workflows that matter: fixing grammar in a quick Slack reply, translating a document, rewriting a cold email, and cleaning up meeting notes. Here are the six best options, what makes each one special, and which fits your specific needs.
What we evaluated (and why it matters)
Before diving into the apps, here’s what separates excellent writing assistants from mediocre ones:
System-Wide Integration: Does it work in every Mac app, or only in specific contexts? The best tools work anywhere you can type—browsers, native apps, Electron apps, even terminal emulators.
Activation Method: How do you invoke AI? Keyboard shortcuts are fastest, but some apps use menu bar access, text selection triggers, or autocomplete. The right method depends on your workflow.
AI Model Flexibility: Can you choose between cloud providers (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini) and local models (Ollama, MLX)? BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) options reduce costs and increase privacy.
Privacy & Local Processing: Does text leave your device? For sensitive work—legal documents, medical notes, confidential communications—local processing is essential.
Writing Features: Beyond basic chat, what writing-specific tools exist? Grammar correction, tone adjustment, translation, summarization, and custom actions all add value.
Native Mac Experience: Is it a polished native app or an Electron wrapper? Performance, memory usage, and system integration all matter.
Now, let’s get to the apps.
The 6 best AI writing assistants for Mac in 2026
1. Cotypist — The intelligent autocomplete
Best for: Users who want AI to predict and complete their sentences without interrupting flow
Price: Free (during beta)
Cotypist takes a different approach from traditional writing assistants. Instead of waiting for you to invoke AI, it continuously predicts what you’re about to type and offers inline suggestions—similar to GitHub Copilot, but for all your writing across every Mac app.
What makes Cotypist special:
The autocomplete experience is genuinely seamless. As you type in any application, Cotypist displays ghosted text predictions that you accept with Tab or ignore by continuing to type. There’s no context switching, no shortcut to remember—AI assistance just appears naturally as you write.
Privacy is absolute. Cotypist processes everything locally on your Mac using on-device language models. Your keystrokes, documents, and suggestions never leave your computer. For users handling sensitive information, this isn’t a feature—it’s a requirement.
The adaptive learning is subtle but effective. Cotypist adjusts to your vocabulary, phrasing preferences, and writing patterns over time. The suggestions become more accurate the longer you use it, matching your personal voice rather than generic AI output.
Performance is surprisingly light. Despite running AI models continuously, Cotypist uses approximately 1-2GB of RAM and runs efficiently in the background. The developers have optimized specifically for Apple Silicon, achieving predictions fast enough to feel instantaneous.
Where Cotypist falls short:
Requires Apple Silicon. If you’re on an Intel Mac, Cotypist won’t work. The local AI models demand the Neural Engine and unified memory architecture of M-series chips.
Limited to autocomplete. Unlike full-featured writing assistants, Cotypist only predicts and completes—it won’t rewrite paragraphs, translate, or adjust tone. For users who want comprehensive writing tools, other options offer more.
Still in beta. While free during this period, the final pricing isn’t announced. Early adopters get a useful tool at no cost but should expect changes as the product matures.
The verdict: Cotypist is ideal for users who want AI that enhances typing speed without changing workflow. If you find yourself typing similar phrases repeatedly—emails, code comments, documentation—the autocomplete predictions save significant time. The privacy-first local processing makes it suitable for any work context.
Learn more: Cotypist details
2. RewriteBar — The menu bar powerhouse
Best for: Non-native speakers and professionals who need polished writing in any application
Price: Free (100 requests) | Monthly: $5/mo | Annual: $40/yr | One-time: $29 (BYOK)
RewriteBar was created by a non-native English speaker frustrated with the constant effort of polishing written communication. That origin shows in every design decision: this is a tool built for people who write all day and need AI to make every message better.
What makes RewriteBar special:
The workflow is beautifully simple. Select text anywhere on your Mac, trigger RewriteBar with a keyboard shortcut, and choose an action—fix grammar, change tone, translate, simplify, expand. A side-by-side comparison shows exactly what changed before you accept. The whole interaction takes seconds.
Language support is extraordinary. RewriteBar handles translation across 500+ languages, powered by your choice of 14+ AI providers and 500+ models. Whether you’re translating Japanese customer emails or polishing French marketing copy, the breadth of language support is unmatched.
Custom actions and workflows unlock advanced productivity. Create personalized commands for tasks you repeat: extract action items from meeting notes, format transcripts, convert case styles, humanize AI-generated content. Chain multiple actions together for complex transformations.
The pricing model respects users. A generous free tier (100 requests) lets you evaluate properly. The $29 one-time BYOK option means unlimited usage with your own API keys—no subscription required. For users tired of monthly fees, this is refreshing.
Where RewriteBar falls short:
macOS only, with no plans for other platforms. Cross-platform users will need alternatives for Windows or Linux workflows.
Learning curve for advanced features. While basic usage is intuitive, custom actions and workflow chaining require investment to master. Casual users may never explore the full potential.
Cloud processing by default. While local AI options exist through Ollama and Apple Intelligence integration, the primary experience uses cloud providers. Privacy-focused users should configure accordingly.
The verdict: RewriteBar is the Swiss Army knife of Mac writing tools. The combination of broad language support, flexible AI providers, and workflow automation makes it suitable for almost any writing enhancement need. The one-time purchase option is particularly appealing for users who want ownership rather than rental.
Learn more: RewriteBar details
3. Fluent — The context-aware assistant
Best for: Power users who want AI that understands what they’re working on
Price: One-time purchase ($25-39) | 7-day trial | 14-day refund guarantee
Fluent’s innovation is context awareness. The Smart Panel doesn’t just see selected text—it captures context from browsers, applications, and your clipboard to understand what you’re actually doing. The result is AI assistance that feels surprisingly intelligent about your current task.
What makes Fluent special:
The Smart Panel is genuinely smart. Invoke it in any Mac app with a keyboard shortcut, and Fluent automatically captures relevant context: the webpage you’re browsing, the code you’re editing, the email you’re composing. AI responses factor in this context, producing more relevant output than tools that only see selected text.
Browser integration goes deep. Fluent understands content from Safari, Chrome, Arc, Brave, Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi. Working on a webpage? Fluent can reference its content without you copying anything. This is particularly valuable for research, content creation, and responding to web-based communications.
Model support is extensive. 450+ AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Grok, Mistral, OpenRouter, and Apple Intelligence—plus native MLX models that run locally on Apple Silicon. The flexibility to switch between cloud and local models based on task sensitivity is valuable.
30+ pre-built actions cover common tasks: translate, fix grammar, draft emails, extract key points, summarize, analyze. Create unlimited custom actions with personalized hotkeys for your specific workflow.
The one-time purchase model is welcome. No subscription, lifetime upgrades included. Educational users get 50% discount. For a tool you’ll use daily, paying once and owning forever makes economic sense.
Where Fluent falls short:
Context awareness requires trusting Fluent with screen access. The features that make it powerful—understanding your browser content, seeing your active application—require permissions that privacy-conscious users may hesitate to grant.
Requires macOS 14.2 or later. Users on older macOS versions are excluded, though this is increasingly common for modern Mac apps.
Local model performance depends on your Mac. While MLX models run locally, they demand Apple Silicon with sufficient RAM. Older or base-model Macs may struggle with larger local models.
The verdict: Fluent feels like what Apple Intelligence should have been. The combination of context awareness, extensive model support, and system-wide integration creates a genuinely productive writing assistant. The one-time purchase makes it excellent value for daily use.
Learn more: Fluent details
4. Kerlig — The professional’s choice
Best for: Knowledge workers who need AI assistance across diverse applications
Price: Basic: $47 (1 Mac) | Pro: $94 (2 Macs) | Team: up to 10 devices
Kerlig has earned devoted fans among users who tested “just about every tool out there” and found nothing matching its polish. The focus on seamless macOS integration and broad application support makes it feel like a native part of the operating system.
What makes Kerlig special:
The integration feels native. Kerlig works in Slack, Figma, Gmail, Outlook, LinkedIn, VS Code, and essentially any Mac app. Summon it with a global hotkey (Option + Space by default), and AI appears instantly. Users consistently describe it as “lightning-fast and incredibly intuitive.”
Document interaction goes beyond text. Chat with PDFs, Word documents, EPUBs, CSVs, images, and 20+ file formats directly. Need to summarize a research paper or extract data from a spreadsheet? Kerlig handles document analysis alongside text enhancement.
Model support is comprehensive. 350+ AI models from OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Groq, OpenRouter, plus local Ollama models for complete privacy. The BYOK approach means you pay only for API tokens you use.
The developer support is notable. Users praise the active community engagement, rapid bug fixes, and responsive feature development. For a productivity tool you’ll rely on daily, knowing the developer is engaged matters.
Where Kerlig falls short:
API key requirement creates friction. Kerlig requires you to provide your own API keys—there’s no built-in AI access. For non-technical users, setting up OpenAI or Anthropic accounts may feel like a hurdle.
One-time purchase plus API costs. While the app itself is a one-time payment, you’ll pay ongoing API costs based on usage. Heavy users may find costs adding up, though this is true of any BYOK tool.
macOS only. No Windows, Linux, or mobile options. Users across multiple platforms need alternatives elsewhere.
The verdict: Kerlig delivers on the promise of “AI that comes to you.” The combination of polished integration, broad application support, and document analysis makes it a comprehensive writing assistant. For professionals who write across many contexts, Kerlig removes the friction of getting AI help.
Learn more: Kerlig details
5. Writing Tools — The free and open alternative
Best for: Users who want capable writing assistance at zero cost
Price: Free (open source)
Writing Tools proves that excellent AI writing assistance doesn’t require payment. This open-source project—which trended in the top 10 AI programs globally on GitHub—brings Apple Intelligence-style writing tools to any Mac, including Intel machines and users in regions where Apple Intelligence isn’t available.
What makes Writing Tools special:
Completely free, genuinely useful. No freemium limitations, no trial periods, no upsells. Download, configure an AI provider, and use forever. The open-source Apache 2.0 license means the code is auditable and community-maintained.
Works where Apple Intelligence doesn’t. Intel Macs, EU users, and anyone without Apple Intelligence can access similar functionality through Writing Tools. The project exists specifically to fill this gap.
Flexible AI backends. Use the free Gemini API for zero-cost operation, connect to OpenAI or Claude for premium quality, or run local models through Ollama and MLX for complete privacy. The choice is yours.
Native macOS implementation. The Swift port (SwiftUI + AppKit) feels like a proper Mac app, not a cross-platform wrapper. Rich-text formatting preservation during proofreading keeps documents looking right.
Where Writing Tools falls short:
Requires technical setup. Unlike commercial apps with guided onboarding, Writing Tools expects you to configure API keys or local models yourself. The target audience is comfortable with this; casual users may find it daunting.
Community support, not commercial support. Bug fixes and features depend on open-source contributors. Development happens on volunteer time, with priorities set by the community rather than a product roadmap.
Fewer conveniences than paid alternatives. No custom workflow automation, no document chat, no advanced integrations. Writing Tools focuses on core writing enhancement features.
The verdict: Writing Tools is the best free option for Mac writing assistance. If you’re comfortable with technical setup and want capable grammar correction, rewriting, and translation without paying anything, it delivers. The Gemini API integration means even the AI calls can be free.
Learn more: Writing Tools details
6. Elephas — The knowledge-powered assistant
Best for: Knowledge workers who want AI trained on their own documents
Price: Standard: $9.99/mo | Pro: $19.99/mo | Lifetime: $299-399
Elephas takes a fundamentally different approach: instead of just enhancing text, it builds a personal AI trained on your knowledge. Upload documents, notes, and research, then get AI assistance that understands your specific context and cites your own sources.
What makes Elephas special:
Super Brain transforms document retrieval. Upload files in 20+ formats—PDFs, Word docs, Apple Notes, Obsidian vaults, Notion workspaces, YouTube transcripts, meeting recordings—and create searchable AI knowledge bases. Ask questions, get answers with citations from your actual documents. This is RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) made accessible.
System-wide writing assistance (Super Command) works beyond the knowledge base. Invoke Elephas from any Mac app for grammar fixes, rewrites, translation, and summarization. Create custom “Snippets” for repeated tasks.
Native Apple ecosystem integration. Connect Apple Notes, Obsidian, Notion, and DEVONthink with single-click setup. Auto-sync keeps knowledge bases current. The iOS companion app extends functionality to iPhone and iPad.
Privacy options are comprehensive. Run completely offline with local models, or choose cloud providers. Your documents stay on your device, indexed locally. For users with sensitive information, this control is essential.
Where Elephas falls short:
Knowledge focus may be overkill for simple writing needs. If you just want grammar correction and don’t need document chat, simpler tools offer that without the complexity.
Subscription pricing or high lifetime cost. Monthly plans ($9.99-19.99) add up over time, and the lifetime option ($299-399) is a significant investment. Users wanting basic writing assistance may find it expensive.
Learning curve for Super Brain. Creating effective knowledge bases, understanding what to include, and learning to query them well takes time. The power is there, but it requires investment to unlock.
The verdict: Elephas is ideal for researchers, consultants, and knowledge workers who need AI that understands their domain. If you’re constantly referencing documents, research, and notes while writing, Super Brain makes that knowledge instantly accessible. For simpler writing enhancement, other tools are more focused.
Learn more: Elephas details
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Cotypist | RewriteBar | Fluent | Kerlig | Writing Tools | Elephas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (beta) | $29 one-time (BYOK) | $25-39 one-time | $47 one-time | Free | $9.99-19.99/mo |
| Local processing | Yes (only) | Optional | Yes (MLX) | Yes (Ollama) | Yes (Ollama/MLX) | Yes |
| AI models | Built-in | 500+ | 450+ | 350+ | Multiple | Multiple |
| Activation | Autocomplete | Keyboard shortcut | Smart Panel | Keyboard shortcut | Keyboard shortcut | Keyboard shortcut |
| Context awareness | Typing context | Selected text | Screen + browser | Selected text + docs | Selected text | Documents + text |
| Custom actions | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes (Snippets) |
| Document chat | No | No | No | Yes (20+ formats) | No | Yes (Super Brain) |
| Unique strength | Seamless autocomplete | Workflow automation | Browser context | Native polish | Zero cost | Knowledge base |
| Best for | Flow preservation | Non-native speakers | Power users | Professionals | Budget users | Knowledge workers |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cotypist if: You want AI that helps without you asking. The autocomplete approach preserves flow and accelerates typing without changing how you work. Ideal for repetitive writing tasks and users who value privacy absolutely.
Choose RewriteBar if: You need comprehensive writing tools with excellent language support. The workflow automation and one-time purchase make it ideal for non-native speakers and professionals who polish text all day.
Choose Fluent if: You want AI that understands context. The Smart Panel’s awareness of your browser content and active applications produces more relevant suggestions. The one-time purchase with lifetime upgrades is excellent value.
Choose Kerlig if: You value polish and reliability across many applications. The document chat capabilities and native feel make it suitable for diverse professional workflows.
Choose Writing Tools if: Budget is constrained or you prefer open source. Genuinely capable writing assistance at zero cost, with flexible AI backend options.
Choose Elephas if: You need AI trained on your own documents. Researchers, consultants, and knowledge workers who constantly reference their materials will find Super Brain transformative.
Writing assistants vs. AI chat apps: understanding the difference
Throughout this guide, I’ve emphasized that writing assistants are distinct from AI chat apps. Here’s why that matters:
AI chat apps (like ChatGPT, Claude, BoltAI, or Cherry Studio) provide dedicated interfaces for extended AI conversations. You switch to the app, have a back-and-forth dialogue, and switch back to your work. They’re excellent for brainstorming, research, code generation, and complex reasoning tasks where conversation depth matters.
Writing assistants integrate into your existing workflow. You don’t switch apps—AI appears where you’re already working. Select text in Mail, press a shortcut, get improved text, continue writing. The interaction is measured in seconds, not minutes.
The best productivity setup often includes both. Use a chat app for deep exploration (“Help me outline this article about quantum computing”), then use a writing assistant for execution (“Fix the grammar in this paragraph”). Different tools for different tasks.
If you’re looking for AI chat apps, see our guide to Best AI Chat Apps for macOS.
Common questions answered
Do I need to provide my own API keys?
It depends on the app. Cotypist runs entirely locally with no API needed. Writing Tools can use the free Gemini API. RewriteBar, Fluent, and Kerlig work best with BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) for unlimited usage. Elephas offers built-in credits on paid plans. For most tools, having an OpenAI or Anthropic API key unlocks full functionality.
Will these slow down my Mac?
Generally no. Most apps use minimal resources when idle. Cotypist runs continuously but stays under 2GB RAM. Tools like RewriteBar only activate when invoked. Local AI models (Ollama, MLX) use more resources during processing but are idle otherwise. Apple Silicon Macs handle these workloads efficiently.
Which is best for non-English languages?
RewriteBar leads with 500+ language support and was built by a non-native speaker specifically for multilingual needs. Elephas and Kerlig also offer strong translation capabilities. Writing Tools depends on your configured AI provider’s language support.
Can I use these for coding?
Yes, though dedicated coding tools may be better for complex development. These assistants excel at code comments, documentation, commit messages, and explaining code. For actual code generation and completion, tools like Cursor or GitHub Copilot are more specialized.
Are these safe for confidential work?
With proper configuration, yes. Cotypist processes everything locally by default. RewriteBar, Fluent, Kerlig, and Elephas all support local models through Ollama. Writing Tools can run entirely offline with MLX models. For maximum privacy, configure local processing and verify no data leaves your device.
Which should I try first?
Start with Writing Tools (free, open source) to experience AI writing assistance without cost. If you want seamless autocomplete, try Cotypist during its free beta. For a polished commercial experience, RewriteBar offers a generous free tier before requiring payment.
Final thoughts
The era of copy-paste AI workflows is ending. These six tools represent a better approach: AI that meets you where you write, enhancing your words without disrupting your flow. Whether you choose the seamless autocomplete of Cotypist, the workflow power of RewriteBar, or the context awareness of Fluent, you’ll write better with less friction.
For most users, I’d recommend starting with Writing Tools—it’s free, capable, and demonstrates what modern AI writing assistance can do. If you want more polish and don’t mind paying once, RewriteBar at $29 is exceptional value. Power users who need context awareness should explore Fluent, while knowledge workers managing documents will find Elephas transformative.
The best writing assistant is the one you’ll actually use. Try a couple from this list and see which fits how you work. Your future self—the one not constantly copy-pasting into ChatGPT—will thank you.