Bob is an excellent translation software for macOS that supports word selection translation, screenshot translation and other functions. By integrating APIYI, you can use AI models to provide more accurate and natural translation results.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.apiyi.com/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Quick Configuration
1. Install Bob
Download and install the latest version from Bob Official Website.2. Configure APIYI
- Open Bob settings (menu bar icon > Preferences)
- Switch to “Services” tab
- Add OpenAI translation service
- Configure parameters:
- API Key: Your APIYI key
- API URL:
https://api.apiyi.com - Model:
gpt-3.5-turbo
3. Test Configuration
Click “Test” button to verify configuration, save after showing success.Usage Methods
Word Selection Translation
- Select text to translate
- Press shortcut key (default
⌥ + D) - Bob pops up translation result
Screenshot Translation
- Press screenshot shortcut (default
⌥ + S) - Select area to translate
- Bob recognizes and translates text in image
Input Translation
- Bring up Bob window (default
⌥ + Space) - Input or paste text to translate
- Select target language
- View translation result
Model Selection
Recommendations for Different Scenarios
| Use Case | Recommended Model | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Translation | gpt-3.5-turbo | Fast, accurate |
| Professional Documents | gpt-4 | More accurate terminology |
| Long Text | claude-3-haiku | Good context understanding |
| Literary Works | claude-3-opus | Better literary style |
Multi-Model Configuration
Can configure multiple translation services using different models:- Add multiple OpenAI translation services
- Configure different model for each service
- Select which to use when translating
Advanced Settings
Custom Prompts
Prompt template for optimizing translation quality:Customize Shortcuts
Customize in Settings > General:- Word Selection Translation:
⌥ + D - Screenshot Translation:
⌥ + S - Input Translation:
⌥ + Space - Show/Hide:
⌥ + B
Translation Behavior Settings
Recommended configuration:- Auto-detect Language: Enabled
- Auto-copy After Translation: Based on needs
- Preserve Original Format: Enabled
- History: Enabled
Usage Tips
1. Professional Domain Translation
For specific domains, can specify in prompt:2. Batch Translation
When translating large amounts of text:- Use input translation mode
- Paste text in segments
- Use history to view all translations
3. Comparative Reading
When reading foreign language materials:- Enable “Show Original” option
- Use word selection translation to view in real-time
- Compare original and translation for learning
4. Terminology Management
Build personal terminology database:- Bookmark common terminology translations
- Customize specific word translations
- Export terminology database backup
Common Issues
Slow Translation Speed
Analysis:- Network connection issues
- Selected model is large
- API service busy
- Check network connection
- Use fast models like gpt-3.5-turbo
- Avoid peak hours
Inaccurate Translation
Improvement Methods:- Use more advanced models (like GPT-4)
- Optimize prompts, provide more context
- Specify domain for professional content
API Quota Exhausted
Handling:- Check APIYI account balance
- Use different models reasonably to control costs
- Set daily usage limits
Best Practices
1. Cost Control
- Use gpt-3.5-turbo for daily translation
- Only use gpt-4 for important documents
- Regularly check usage statistics
2. Translation Quality
- Provide sufficient context
- Specify domain when using technical terms
- Proofread important content
3. Workflow Optimization
- Set common language pairs
- Customize domain-specific prompts
- Make good use of history and favorites
4. Data Security
- Don’t translate text containing sensitive information
- Regularly clean translation history
- Keep API key secure
Advanced Features
URL Scheme Integration
Bob supports integration into other apps via URL Scheme:AppleScript Automation
Export Function
Regularly export translation records:- Enter history
- Select time range
- Export as CSV or JSON format
Integration with Other Tools
Raycast Integration
Quickly call Bob through Raycast extension:Alfred Workflow
Create Alfred workflow for quick translation:- Create new workflow
- Add Keyword trigger
- Connect Run Script action
- Call Bob’s URL Scheme
PopClip Extension
Install PopClip’s Bob extension to translate directly after selecting text.Troubleshooting
Service Unavailable
Check items:- API key is correct
- Network connection is normal
- APIYI service status
Shortcut Conflicts
Solutions:- Check for shortcut conflicts in System Preferences
- Set unique shortcut combinations for Bob
- Disable conflicting app shortcuts
Permission Issues
Ensure Bob has necessary permissions:- Accessibility permission
- Screen recording permission (for screenshot translation)
- Keyboard input permission
Performance Optimization
Reduce Latency
- Use faster models
- Enable local caching
- Optimize network settings
Save Resources
- Set reasonable translation history retention time
- Regularly clean cache
- Avoid running multiple translation services simultaneously
Improve Experience
- Adjust popup display time
- Customize interface theme
- Optimize font size and style