How to download and install DeepL on Mac
DeepL for Mac is a free translator and writing assistant from DeepL, and it comes from DeepL’s website as one installer for every Mac. Here is how to install it, translate with a shortcut and fix the shortcut when it does nothing.
DeepL
- macOS 14 or later
- One file for Apple Silicon and Intel
- Free. DeepL Pro is paid
Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:
The links go to the developer’s website (deepl.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:
brew install --cask deeplHomebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.
No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.
Before you download
DeepL has one installer that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, so there is no version to choose. You can translate without an account. Signing in with a DeepL account unlocks the features of your plan.
DeepL for Mac needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Download it only from deepl.com.
How to install DeepL
- Open
DeepL.dmgin your Downloads folder. - In the window that opens, drag DeepL to the Applications folder.
- Eject the DeepL disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
- Open DeepL from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.
- Optionally, click Login and sign in with your DeepL account.
What to set up after the first launch
- The shortcut. Select text in any app, hold ⌘ and press C twice: the translation appears in a small window. You can change the shortcut in DeepL’s settings, on the Keyboard shortcut tab.
- Accessibility. If macOS asks to let DeepL use accessibility features, allow it in System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility: without it, the shortcut may not work in other apps.
- Opening at login. If you don’t want DeepL to start with your Mac, turn it off in System Settings › General › Login Items.
- The installer. Move
DeepL.dmgfrom Downloads to the Trash once DeepL runs.
If DeepL won’t install or open
- «DeepL is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete the file and download it again from
deepl.com. - DeepL doesn’t start on an older Mac. Check your macOS version in About This Mac: DeepL for Mac needs macOS 14 or later. On an older Mac, translate in the browser at
deepl.com/translator. - The shortcut does nothing. Check that DeepL is running and is turned on in Accessibility above. Turn it off and on again if it already is.
- DeepL keeps failing. Remove it with its settings and install it again: see how to uninstall DeepL on Mac.
Alternatives to DeepL
Keep your Mac tidy
System Junk in MacWashing finds the caches apps build up over time and shows how much space they take. And if you decide to remove DeepL, the Uninstaller takes its files with it.
Free trial · macOS 14 or later
Questions and answers
Is DeepL for Mac free?
Yes. The app is free and translates without an account, with limits. DeepL Pro is a paid plan with more features. Sign in to the app with your account to use it.
Is DeepL in the Mac App Store?
The full DeepL for Mac app with the shortcuts comes from deepl.com. The App Store has DeepL’s app for iPhone and iPad.
Does DeepL send everything I copy?
No. According to DeepL, a normal ⌘C sends nothing. Only the ⌘C C shortcut sends the selected text for translation.