LanguageTool Release Notes

LanguageTool is the intelligent and multilingual writing assistant, where corrections of spelling, grammar and language style can be easily accepted. Just click with your mouse…

Hold there! This apt description of the tool was correct up until now, but recently, there was an update that promoted the Shortcut feature. It is now possible to use LanguageTool without any mouse clicks. With an individually defined keyboard shortcut, we can view error cards and accept corrections—just as usual.

The prior error analysis, suggestions, and conventional functions of LanguageTool remain the same. The display by different colored underlines works as follows:

Speling mistakes are underlined in red. A grammar error appear in yellow. Stylistic improvements are shown fastly by the color blue.

Checking provided by LanguageTool

Check your text with LanguageTool

Table of contents

1. How Can I Use the Shortcut?
2. Why Is It Useful for Perfect Writing?

How Can I Use the Shortcut?

Until a few days ago, you were supposed to click with your mouse on each error individually and accept the respective correction by selecting one suggestion from the blue boxes.

LanguageTool can now be controlled exclusively with the keyboard. First, you need a current version of LanguageTool. Then go to the settings of your browser add-on (the cogwheel) and activate the shortcut function. You can then select a key for the shortcut.

The feature "keyboard shortcut" can be set in your general settings of LanguageTool.

Find the shortcut functions in your general settings of LanguageTool.

• Windows
• Control: Crt
• ⇧ Shift: Lowercase/Uppercase
• macOS
• Alt (or Options) ⌥
• Shift ⇧
• Control (or Ctrl) ⌃

Left side: Standard use by mouse | Right side: Shortcut version only using the keyboard

Once you are in the text field, you can move to an underlined position with the arrow keys and then quickly double-click the set key. Immediately the familiar error card opens with explanation, correction, and possibly a referral link.

You can always see where you are, following the blue frame.

Using the arrow key, you can now target the individual options (if available) and select them by pressing enter. Otherwise, you can disable rules individually for each text, disable them generally, or ignore the corrections just as you would with a mouse.

This way you can work through the whole text one correction at a time using the arrow keys. If you are on a word for which there is no potential for improvement, you can activate the synonym function by using the same keyboard shortcut.

Using the shortcut allows you to enable the synonym card of a word.

Tip

It’s even faster if you accept an improvement by holding down your shortcut key plus the enter key, and jump directly to the next error.

Why Is It Useful for Perfect Writing?

Now you may rightly ask yourself what are the advantages of the Shortcut functionality. This video proves how easy and fast the corrections are done only by means of the keyboard:

Normally, you would have to click on the respective errors and then again select the correct suggestions individually.

And here is a short overview for the shortcut function:

• Efficiency: With a little practice and flair, corrections are effortless.
• Comfort: Many would agree that controlling exclusively with the keyboard is more convenient and a bit more flexible.
• Less hindrance: Whether you have trouble using the mouse or don’t have a mouse at all, the keyboard shortcut makes using LanguageTool more consumer-friendly.

Kindly note: Do you already know the other new feature, where you can accept several identical corrections with only one click? This feature can, of course, be combined with your new keyboard shortcut.

Original source

LanguageTool’s new Mac app works in several Apple-based programs and Microsoft Word. We explain installation, usage, and advantages of the new version for macOS.

Kindly note that the new LanguageTool Mac App is still in beta version. Unfortunately, this may cause some problems in its use. We are working constantly to improve the versions for various systems. Furthermore, the new app works exclusively on macOS devices (i.e., Apple). A version for Windows might follow in the future—as well as support for other apps and programs within the Mac app.

LanguageTool isn’t just a spell checker. It can also detect improper grammar and incorrect or missing punctuation.

In most cases, texts should be free of typos and grammar mistakes. If you make sure to include varied and stylistic words, your text will only become all the more convincing and appealing.

LanguageTool can be useful to you in many ways because this intelligent writing assistant can help you spot mistakes and uncertainties—in several languages. The tool functions according to the following color scheme:

Speling mistakes are underlined in red. A grammar error appear in yellow. Stylistic improvements are shown fastly by the color blue.

Checking provided by LanguageTool

You can find different plug-ins and add-ons, i.e., different versions of LanguageTool, depending on the operating system and application. A new version of the tool for the Mac has just been released that makes it possible to use LanguageTool within various desktop apps (Apple Mail, Notes, and Messages).

Note: You need at least the version macOS 11.

Installing the new LanguageTool macOS app is easy.

If you also want to use LanguageTool additionally as an editor, download the LanguageTool Editor from the Mac App Store. Follow these steps for a successful installation:

1. Download the Mac App. Unzip the app and drag it from your downloads folder into your applications folder. Open the app from there. You are greeted by a window that prompts you to accept our privacy policy.
2. Click on “Grant Permission” and then on “Open System Preferences.”
3. Grant accessibility rights to the app. LanguageTool requires permissions to access your written text in third-party applications such as Apple Mail. We won’t check texts, if you haven’t whitelisted an application. Unlock your settings and allow accessibility for each app individually by using checkmarks.
4. Open any of the supported apps (see list below). As a shortcut, you can use the button in the step-by-step guide to open Notes. Alternatively, you can just open any of the supported apps.
5. Enable checking for the app currently open. Once a supported app is open, you can click on the LanguageTool icon in the top right of your Mac’s menu bar to open the toolbar menu. Here, you can enable checking for the specific app (if supported). In addition, you can choose to enable picky mode either globally or per application. Any application has to be enabled that way. If you want to disable an application for checking, open the toolbar menu while the application is open and turn off the checking toggle.
6. Once you enabled one application, there’s the option to enable more of the supported apps. You can either decide to enable more or skip this step for now. More applications can always be enabled using the toolbar menu or the apps settings.
7. Click on “Finish Setup” and start using the Mac App.

LanguageTool works on multiple Mac apps, such as Notes, Messages, and Apple Mail, and can also be integrated with Microsoft Word.

Note

Some settings like the style guide, or the dictionary are supported, but cannot be changed. For this, you have to go to a web-based editor of LanguageTool.

Tip

The display language or display mode (dark mode) automatically adapts to your general Mac settings.

After the installation, you’re ready to go. Unlike in other versions, you don’t need to register for the Mac App. If you want to take advantage of a premium account, you’ll need to log in with your usual login credentials. LanguageTool can now be used on the following four apps. (As mentioned before, checking has to be enabled individually for each app.) Make sure you have a consistent Internet connection.

You don’t need a LanguageTool account to use the new macOS app. Once you install it, you’re ready to go.

LanguageTool on Apple Notes

Notes is a cloud-based application that can be used to create checklists, record ideas, or just keep notes.

Spell Checker for Apple Mail

Mail (or Apple Mail) is an email client that is preferred by many people with a Mac. Especially when writing an email, a comprehensive spell check is highly recommended.

LanguageTool on Apple Messages

Messages is a message service comparable to WhatsApp. Within the app, the FaceTime feature allows video calls.

Writing Assistant for Microsoft Word

The LanguageTool Mac app can now be integrated with Microsoft Word, meaning your writing will be error-free and top-notch, regardless of what type of text you’re writing.

Spell Checker for Slack

Slack is an instant messaging service owned by Salesforce. It can be used on all popular operating systems (iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Windows Phone) and also offers video calling, team functions, and more—comparable with Microsoft Teams.

More apps will be supported soon.

Quick Tip

If there is a new update for the Mac App, it will be shown to you on startup. Otherwise, you can click the arrow icon and reload the version.

Where Else Can I Use LanguageTool?

The Mac App is a system-wide desktop app. It works independently of other plug-ins of LanguageTool. With the LanguageTool Editor (also available on macOS), you may choose to save your text to edit later. Moreover, the mobile app (for iOS) of LanguageTool helps you to correct texts on your iPhone.

If you require any further assistance or suggestions, or encounter a problem using the Mac App, please feel free to reply to this blog post. You can also find a direct feedback button within the app, or send an email to [email protected].

Have fun with this version of LanguageTool for macOS!

Original source

Regardless if you’ve been writing for years or just getting started, once a habit becomes part of your routine—whether correct or incorrect, acceptable or not—it’s hard to recognize it, let alone revise it.

That’s why LanguageTool’s Style Guide is so helpful. Now you can define your own style rules so that those troublesome customs don’t make their way into your writing. This blog post will show you how the Style Guide can strengthen your writing, where you can find this new function, and how you can set it up.

What Is a Style Guide?

A style guide is a set of rules or guidelines that help set a standard for writing. This is especially useful in the business world, as a style guide can help a company remain consistent and on-brand. But now, LanguageTool has introduced this valuable feature to individual users too.

How can the new Style Guide feature be of use to individuals? Well, the way we write differs depending on who our audience is. For example, while abbreviations are common in everyday text messages (e.g., LOL, BRB, IYKYK, B4, etc.), they should not be used in academic or professional settings. This constant switching of writing styles can lead to an informal phrase slipping into a professional or academic setting. LanguageTool’s new Style Guide feature lets you define rules so that it can detect unwanted patterns you want to revise or remove altogether. Consider the following examples:

Example 1:

In grade school, we’re often taught that the body paragraphs of an essay should start with “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on. Maybe this lesson got so ingrained into your writing habits that many, perhaps too many, of your paragraphs start with these transition words. You can use the Style Guide to define a rule that will remind you to use more advanced transitions.

First, → To begin,

Second → Additionally,

Third → Furthermore,

Example 2:

Or imagine you’re a writer for a travel-based publication. You know all the rules of what you should and shouldn’t write. But every so often an old trait slips into your writing. LanguageTool’s Style Guide will detect the error (as you define it) and correct it.

Third-world country → Developing nation

These are just two examples of how the new Style Guide feature can help make sure your writing is flawless. The beauty of the Style Guide is that you can define as many rules as you’d like, however you’d like.

Where Can You Find The Style Guide Feature?

To access the Style Guide feature, you need to sign up for a Premium account. To do so, visit the homepage.

If you already have an account but would like to upgrade it, please contact customer support at [email protected].

Then, you need to access the settings to set your Style Guide rules. The settings can be reached on the web-based, Windows, or Apple editor. Once you’ve opened the settings, click on “Style Guide” on the left-hand side.

Please Note:

It’s important to remember that the Style Guide suggestions you define supersede those that LanguageTool usually makes.

The Style Guide can be accessed on the web-based, Windows, and Mac editor.

How Do You Use The Style Guide?

Using the Style Guide to define your rules is easy. All you have to do is follow these steps:

1. Once you’ve opened the settings and reached the Style Guide, click on “Add rule.”
2. Enter the word(s) or phrase(s) that you would like to exclude or edit.
3. Add the replacement word(s) or phrase(s) you want LanguageTool to suggest.
4. Then add the description that explains why the change is necessary.

And that’s it!

To edit or delete entries, you simply have to reach the Style Guide, click on the phrase, and either click the edit icon to make changes or the delete icon to remove it altogether.

If you’re also part of a team account, don’t worry: your personal Style Guide and Team Style Guide remain separate.

Adding rules to your Style Guide is easy.

The Style Guide can help you avoid embarrassing mistakes and typos.

If you have numerous rules to add, it might be easier for you to upload a CSV file instead. To do this, access the Style Guide and instead of clicking “Add rule,” select “Import style guide.”

CSV files will override your current rules! If you want to save your current Style Guide, make sure you add them to the CSV file before uploading it.

For more information on uploading CSV files, please visit the Helpdesk.

Uploading CSV files allows you to add numerous rules at once.

LanguageTool Just Got More Personal

Old habits die hard. Every writer has habits that they’re used to writing, but shouldn’t always be included in their texts. The personal Style Guide can help you avoid these mistakes. Whether you’re writing in a personal, professional, or academic setting, LanguageTool can help maintain the standard you have set for yourself.

Last Tip:

Remember that the Style Guide and Personal Dictionary are two separate features. The Personal Dictionary allows you to add words and phrases that don’t need correction. This is especially useful for technical terms that aren’t recognized in standard dictionaries. Both of these features in use together can help elevate your writing even more.

Original source

LanguageTool’s Style Guide ensures that your team’s communication clearly and consistently represents your business’ brand, style, and tone.

Why the Style Guide Feature Can Be Beneficial to Your Business

No one knows your company’s brand like you do. Regardless of the size of your team, it can be a challenge to make sure that everyone accurately embodies the brand’s voice and style while communicating.

LanguageTool’s Style Guide can help. This feature can be beneficial to your business by:

• establishing clear and strong appropriate standards when communicating with clients and customers.
• ensuring consistency by suggesting different words and phrases that better represent your company’s brand.
• helping your team remain as professional as possible across all platforms.

Read on to learn how to create a team account and customize your company’s Style Guide.

How To Create a LanguageTool Team Account

Creating a team account is easy. Visit this page to subscribe. Once subscribed, you can invite up to 20 users to your team via email. You’ll be able to define roles, meaning certain users can help customize the Style Guide. If you need to invite more than 20 users, please contact our customer support directly: [email protected].

Please note: To upgrade an existing account to a team account, please contact support by this address, too.

Where To Find the LanguageTool Editor

Customizing the Style Guide requires access to LanguageTool’s editor. The editor is available online, but you can also download the app for Mac or Windows. The settings are in the same location, whether you’re using the online editor or the app. Here, you’ll be able to customize your Style Guide by adding suggestions and defining rules.

How To Change the Suggestions in Your Style Guide

Add a custom rule to your Style Guide in a few easy steps:

1. Open the editor and click on “Settings.”
2. Select “Style Guide” in the lower left-hand side (below “Team Dictionary.”)
3. Click on the “Add rule” button on the top right-hand side.
4. Define a word or phrase that your team members often use.
5. Then add suggestions, the full description as to why, and links to a more in-depth explanation or webpage.

When communicating with clients and customers, every situation is different. This is why the Style Guide feature simply makes suggestions (that could be ignored) instead of autocorrecting your text while writing.

To delete suggestions, simply click on the “X” next to the words or phrases you want to remove.

Keep In Mind

A Style Guide rule supersedes regular LanguageTool rules. This means that when writing, Style Guide suggestions will appear before the internal suggestion.

Uploading CSV files directly onto the Style Guide is available for teams that have numerous rules to define. Simply click on “Import style guide” and upload the document.

It’s important to remember that importing CSV files will override your current style guide rules. To save current rules, add them to the CSV file before uploading it.

A LanguageTool team account can be an essential asset for your business. Besides making sure your team is using correct spelling and grammar across all platforms, the Style Guide feature also ensures they communicate in a way that remains on-brand, regardless of how many members you have on your team.

Last Tip

LanguageTool’s Style Guide and Team Dictionary are two separate features that are both available on a team account. Use them both to get the most out of LanguageTool.

Although individual accounts do have access to their own personal dictionary, there is no style guide available for this plan. Style Guides are only available for team accounts.

Original source

LanguageTool, as a multilingual writing assistant, is now capable of improving all errors of the same kind with only one click.

But first, let me introduce the tool. It helps you in several programs and as a browser add-on with corrections to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and language style. In the process, all errors are color-coded as follows:

Speling mistakes are underlined in red. A grammar error appear in yellow. Stylistic improvements are shown fastly by the color blue.

Checking provided by LanguageTool

Check your text with LanguageTool

In addition, if you double-click on a word, you’ll get suitable synonyms—that is, alternative words.

LanguageTool is an online proofreading service for English, Spanish, and 20 other languages. Instantly check your text for grammar and style mistakes. You can find more information on the homepage.

To see how the new function works, it is useful to show a difference from as it was before. Let’s take a look at the following example, in which less favored quotation marks were used.

With the new function, you can still accept the corrections one by one or all at once.

For certain punctuation suggestions, you can now always choose whether to accept the suggestions individually (blue box) or to fix all errors of this type by clicking the white box.

Tip

It doesn’t matter where you accept the suggestion. When the cursor reaches the bottom of the text, it’ll start again from the top. Please keep in mind that depending on the length of the text, it may take a few moments to scan and potentially improve everything.

Currently, the function exists for the following errors:

• Straight quotation marks instead of curly ones (style choice)
• Wrong quotation marks (accents, from different languages)
• Straight apostrophes instead of curly ones

This video shows how practical and simple the feature is. Moreover, we’ll get to see the listed error types in detail. You can also see why it seems like one domino falls after another falls by just one click. Additionally, we encourage you to try out the new shortcut feature.

— LanguageTool (@languagetool) May 20, 2022

Click once on the white box and sit back while LanguageTool corrects for you.

Note

Kindly note that the function is currently offered in all versions of LanguageTool (except Google Docs).

We hope the new way of correcting errors will simplify your text writing even more. You can try out the domino effect right now!

Original source

LanguageTool is now capable of correcting non-digital texts. Simply scan the writing with your iPhone and have the mobile app check it.

Table of contents

1. What Is a Text Scan (OCR Scan)?
2. How Can I Use the New Function With my iPhone?
3. Why Should I Use the Text Scan and LanguageTool Together?

What Is a Text Scan (OCR Scan)?

LanguageTool has always been considered an exceptional text editor, but only for digital texts. How cool would it be to scan printed and written texts from anywhere using the cell phone camera and then have it proofread in the mobile app? We don’t have to wonder anymore. This intelligent writing assistant now offers this effortless feature. You can use both text recognition (for iOS users) and LanguageTool at the same time.

The OCR technology (optical character recognition) makes it possible to hold the phone camera on a certain text for scanning. The text can be anything from a label to a written work or a sign to neatly written notes. It appears as digital text in the text field after scanning and can thus be checked by LanguageTool.

How Can I Use the New Function With my iPhone?

The scan feature is a unique selling point of the LanguageTool mobile app. You need the following to use the feature.

• An iPhone (at least model XS and all iPhones with Apple AX Bionic chip)
• LanguageTool’s Mobile App (at least version 1.2.1)
• An account to use the app
• A continuous internet connection
• The text you would like to check

Once you have downloaded the mobile app and are logged in, there are multiples ways to create a new text:

• Type a text
• Import a Word file
• Paste the text from the clipboard into the text field
• Scan a text using the Scan Text button. Focus your camera lens on the text and as soon as it is recognized, you can read it in the text field.

1. Click on “Scan Text.” 2) Use your camera to focus on any text. 3) This text appears in your text field up for immediate correction.

The handling is very easy. LanguageTool will now show you spelling and grammar errors as well as possible style improvements, as usual.

As with all texts, LanguageTool strictly adheres to the requirements of the GDPR. Since no actual photo is taken at any time, you do not have to worry about LanguageTool storing any image data. There is no access to the camera. LanguageTool only receives the scanned text from the operating system.

Minimum device requirement:

• iPhone XR
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPad Mini (5th Generation)
• iPad Air (3rd Generation)
• iPad (8th Generation)
• iPad Pro 11″ (1st Generation)
• iPad Pro 12.9″ (3rd Generation)

Why Should I Use the Text Scan and LanguageTool Together?

In the following situations, it is simply practical to combine the advantages of a writing tool with the ease of use of a text recognition.

• Digitization of letters, books, texts of any kind
• Correction of older works
• Final check of prototypes (flyers, brochures, menus, signs, etc.) before their printing
• Checking for strange-looking texts
• Texts don’t have to be copied manually anymore
• Scanning from screens or other devices to copy texts

Last Tip

By the way, LanguageTool saves scanned texts in the LanguageTool Editor. So, you can scan something on the go with your iPhone and then edit it further at home on your Mac, your Windows computer, or on the web.

Original source