We have a new Mac service out for free download. But before we get to that, let’s talk a little about Services on the Mac.
Newcomers to the Mac may not be aware of Services – a powerful and extremely useful feature of macOS.
Services allow you to use features of other apps without opening that app, or in some cases, special features not specific to an app (standalone or add-on services).
Services
The Services menu can be found in the app menu (to the right of the Apple menu) under Services. In some apps the Services menu can also be found when right clicking on selected text.
Services can be based on context, so different services can appear depending on what you have selected, say a file in the Finder, or some text in a document.
You can turn on or off individual services from the Services settings. On your Mac, choose the Apple menu then System Settings…, click Keyboard in the sidebar, then click Keyboard Shortcuts…. Now choose Services on the left.
The services are divided into different sections based on their context. Expand the sections and turn on or off the different services you want to appear in your Services menu.
You can even set keyboard shortcuts for your favourite services.
Services Examples
Some of the default services include the ability to:
- Convert text to other languages
- Send email to a given address
- Search Google based on the selected text
- Make a new Sticky Note with selected text
- Summarise selected text
- Set a desktop picture
Some apps you download and install will give you additional services. For example, Transmit (a file transfer app) will provide services to upload a selected file. Xcode provides a number of services for developers to use.
Other Services
Though not officially listed as “Services”, Apple has a number of services that also appear under their own sections in the context menu (the menu when you right click on text), or in the Edit menu of the app. Some of these services include:
- Converting selected text to all upper case/lower case
- Speaking selected text
- Writing tools with AI (in the latest macOS)
It is worth knowing these exist as they come in very handy when writing, and they are available anywhere you can edit text (so Word, TextEdit, Notes etc.). You can select text in a document and have your Mac read the text to you, for example.
Copy Text Without Formatting
Here at curmi.com we’ve released a simple service that copies selected text without the images, formatting and links. You can download a copy for free. Our software page has all the details on how to install and use the service.
We hope you find the service useful, and encourage you to try out services on your Mac. You can even create your own through Automator if you are up to the challenge.