Bob

Bob

Professional translation and OCR software for macOS that seamlessly integrates with large language models like DeepSeek through its plugin system, providing high-quality cross-application translation and text recognition experiences

What is Bob

Bob is a translation and OCR tool for macOS that allows users to instantly translate and recognize text in any application. It features a clean interface and rich functionality, supporting text selection translation, screenshot translation, and input translation. Through its flexible plugin system, Bob can integrate various translation services, including large language models like DeepSeek, providing high-quality translation and OCR experiences.

How to Use

Leverage Bob's cross-application feature to achieve instant translation in any software without switching windows, greatly improving work efficiency.

Step 1: Installation and Configuration

Download the latest version of Bob from the official website and follow the prompts to complete installation. After opening the application, follow the guide to set up commonly used shortcuts (such as text selection translation, screenshot translation, etc.).

Step 2: Install Plugins

Visit the Bob plugin store or GitHub to download needed plugins (such as the DeepSeek translation plugin bob-plugin-vac-gptranslate), double-click to install, then enable and configure API keys or account information in settings.

Step 3: Start Translating

Use the configured shortcuts (such as Option+D for text selection translation or Option+S for screenshot translation), or directly input text in Bob's input box to get translation results. You can enable multiple translation services simultaneously for comparison.

Core Features

Diverse Translation Methods

Supports text selection translation, screenshot translation, and input translation, allowing users to quickly obtain translation results in various scenarios.

Powerful OCR Functionality

Provides screenshot OCR, silent screenshot OCR, and Finder image selection OCR, supporting offline recognition, continuous recognition, QR code recognition, and intelligent segmentation.

Multi-service Support

Built-in support for multiple translation services such as Volcengine, Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu, Youdao, Google, Microsoft, etc., allowing users to enable multiple services simultaneously for comparison.

Flexible Plugin System

Through the plugin system, users can easily connect to more translation services, including AI large models like DeepSeek, to obtain more accurate and natural translation results.

DeepSeek Integration

Through plugins like bob-plugin-vac-gptranslate, Bob can call DeepSeek-v3 and DeepSeek-r1 models for high-quality translation, and even display the translation thinking process.

Use-and-Go Experience

No need to switch applications, quickly access translation and OCR functions in any software, maintaining workflow continuity.

Use Cases

Foreign Language Learning

When learning foreign languages, quickly translate unfamiliar words or sentences through text selection or screenshots to aid comprehension and learning.

International Communication

When communicating with foreign friends, use Bob to quickly translate conversation content, reducing language barriers.

Document Translation

When dealing with foreign language documents, quickly understand document content through screenshot OCR and translation functions.

Web Browsing

When browsing foreign websites, quickly translate unfamiliar content to improve web browsing efficiency.

Image Text Extraction

Quickly extract text from images, screenshots, or PDFs for subsequent processing or translation.

Technical Documentation Reading

When reading foreign technical documentation, use Bob to quickly understand technical terms and complex concepts, improving learning and work efficiency.

Key Advantages

Highly Customizable

Through rich setting options and plugin systems, users can customize Bob's functionality and appearance according to their needs.

Multi-service Comparison

Supports enabling multiple translation services simultaneously, allowing users to compare different translation results and choose the most accurate translation.

Privacy Protection

Options for local OCR recognition protect user data privacy, suitable for handling sensitive content.

AI-Enhanced Translation

By integrating large models like DeepSeek, Bob can provide more accurate and natural translation results than traditional translation services.

Native macOS Experience

Specifically designed for macOS platform, providing highly integrated system experiences, including native notifications, shortcuts, and interface styles.

Regular Updates

An active development team provides regular updates, continuously adding new features and improving performance, ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does Bob integrate with DeepSeek?

A: Bob integrates with DeepSeek through its plugin system. Users can install plugins like bob-plugin-vac-gptranslate, configure the corresponding account information, and then call DeepSeek-v3, DeepSeek-r1, and other models for high-quality translation. These plugins support streaming transmission, and the DeepSeek-r1 model in particular can show the translation thinking process.

Q: How does Bob's plugin system work?

A: Bob provides a standardized plugin interface that allows developers to create translation and OCR plugins for various services. Users can download plugin files (usually in .bobplugin format) from the plugin website or GitHub, double-click to install, then enable and configure in Bob's settings.

Q: Does Bob support offline use?

A: Bob's basic functions and some OCR functions support offline use, but most translation services (including DeepSeek) require an internet connection to work.

Q: How do I use Bob for screenshot translation?

A: Users can bring up the screenshot tool through the configured shortcut (default is Option+S), select the area that needs translation, and Bob will automatically recognize the text and display the translation result.

Q: Is Bob compatible with all macOS applications?

A: Bob is designed to work with most macOS applications, including browsers, document editors, chat software, etc. However, some special applications may have compatibility issues.

Q: Is payment required to use the DeepSeek plugin?

A: This depends on the specific plugin design. Some plugins like bob-plugin-vac-gptranslate require account registration and may involve certain fees, but usually provide some free allowances. Please check the plugin documentation for details.