Select To Search AI Assistant 4+

I got tired of constantly copy-pasting text and switching between apps and browsers to ask questions to my favourite AI Assistant. So, I built SelectToSearch to save 85% of my repetitive clicks and copy-pasting actions.

SelectToSearch is an AI-convenience browser which automates all this using keyboard shortcuts. With just a keyboard shortcut, it pulls up your favorite AI assistant in a floating browser and searches your selected text or screenshot as a prompt. It stays in front of all apps and can also be made transparent. With a keyboard shortcut, you can switch from one assistant to another. With another keyboard shortcut, it can hide/unhide the assistant. It’s lightweight at only around 1.5 MB download size and saves you clicks and time. It works in almost all apps including text editors, Xcode, VSCode, browsers etc.

How to use:

SelectToSearch needs Accessibility permissions to read text when you press keyboard shortcuts:

1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
3. Click + and add the SelectToSearch app from Applications (or your installation location).
4. Tun ON the switch next to SelectToSearch app name.

Now you are ready to use keyboard shortcuts to access SelectToSearch:

Option (⌥) + Period (.) = Searches for the currently selected text in the front most app.
Option (⌥) + Comma (,) = Searches for the whole line where your cursor is in the front most app.
Option (⌥) + A = Searches for all the text in the front most app.
Option (⌥) + I = Searches for a screenshot image of the portion of the screen. Press spacebar after it to select a specific app.
Option (⌥) + F = Searches for a screenshot of the entire screen.
Option (⌥) + C = Searches for the text or image currently in the clipboard.

Control (⌃) + Above Keyboard Shortcuts = Performs the same actions as above and places the cursor at the top of your prompt text but does not automatically submit the prompt. This gives you an opportunity to edit/add extra text to the prompt.

Example: Control (⌃) + Option (⌥) + Period (.) = Places the currently selected text into the AI assistant, places the cursor at the top of the prompt text, but does not automatically submit.

Option (⌥) + P = Toggles Pins/Unpins the AI assistant so that it’s always floating above all other apps.
Option (⌥) + S = Hides/Unhides the AI assistant.
Option (⌥) + Number = Switches between AI assistants. Click the ellipsis button (...) to see all available assistants.

Example: Option (⌥) + 2 will open ChatGPT assistant.

Scrolling up or down in the top part of the app window where the title is changes the Assistant's transparency.

“Select prompt text prefix” setting = This text will be set as a prefix for all your text prompts. Example: I often search for some iOS functions while programming. So I have set this prefix as: “Explain the usage of this function:”

SelectToSearch can also be called via the macOS "Services". If you have any text selected, right click on it, then go to Services, then select:

SelectToSearch Auto-Submit or
SelectToSearch Paste

I care about the privacy of your data. Therefore, this is all done locally on your Mac and I, the SelectToSearch's developer, don’t have access to your data & prompts. However, the AI assistant you use within my app will have access to the data & prompts you choose to send. Please fully read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service sections for more details.

The free trial version lets you use all features for free. Although trial is unlimited, a one-time-only in-app-purchase ensures continued improvements, updates, and pays for development costs over the years. I do not use subscriptions, ads, or trackers. If you have already purchased, use the "Restore Purchase" button.

Thank you for supporting small indie development.

Email me using the "Send feedback" button in the app or at pran@pranapps.com.

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Gradient provided by Craig Melville on Unsplash