Refine

What it does

Refine is a macOS app that provides AI-powered grammar checking, fluency refinement, rewriting, translation, and text-to-speech entirely on-device. Unlike cloud-based tools like Grammarly, Refine processes all text locally using advanced AI models, ensuring that your writing never leaves your Mac. It works across a wide range of apps—including Mail, Messages, Safari, Chrome, Pages, Word, Slack, Notion, and many more—without requiring any setup. Simply start typing and get instant suggestions.

Who it is for

Refine is designed for anyone who writes on a Mac and values privacy, speed, and offline access. It is particularly useful for:

• Privacy-conscious users who do not want their writing sent to cloud servers.
• Writers, students, and professionals who need grammar and style checks in over 50 languages and regional dialects.
• Users who frequently write in multiple languages and need inline translation suggestions.
• People who work offline (e.g., on flights or in coffee shops) and still want writing assistance.
• Indie developers and multilingual users who appreciate a one-time purchase model with no subscription.

Why it matters

Refine addresses a growing concern about data privacy in AI writing tools. By processing everything locally, it eliminates the risk of sensitive or personal text being uploaded, monitored, or stored on external servers. Its offline capability ensures consistent performance without internet dependency. Additionally, Refine offers a lifetime license with a one-time payment, contrasting with the subscription models of competitors. The app also provides educational discounts and regional pricing based on purchasing power parity, making it more accessible globally.

Launch signal

Refine was launched on Hacker News as a "Show HN: Refine – A Local Alternative to Grammarly." The website indicates active development with version 1.33 recently released, adding an Academic rewrite preset, writing statistics charts, and support for Afrikaans. The app is currently available only for macOS 14+, with Windows and Linux versions on a waitlist. The developer, an indie developer known for another app called Input Source Pro, offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Brand and naming

The name "Refine" suggests polishing and improving writing, aligning with the app's core function of grammar and style enhancement. The brand emphasizes privacy and local processing, positioning itself as a trustworthy alternative to cloud-based tools. The tagline "Your offline AI for perfect grammar" clearly communicates its unique selling proposition. The website design is clean and modern, with a focus on demonstrating compatibility with popular apps and highlighting the local processing advantage.