Free TextSniper Alternative for Mac
Extract text from non-selectable PDFs, YouTube videos, and photos for free.
Does OCR text recognition work offline?
Yes. Notchy processes OCR 100% on-device using Apple's Vision framework.
Quick Setup Guide
- 1Install Notchy
Download Notchy from notchy.dev. It installs in seconds and takes up only 50MB of disk space.
- 2Grant Accessibility Permissions
Allow Accessibility access so Notchy can handle keyboard shortcuts, window snapping, and notch interactions.
- 3Open the Island
Hover over the notch at the top of your screen to reveal the interactive island and its built-in widgets.
What you get with Notchy
- On-device OCR — copy a screenshot, get its text (Apple Vision)
- Searchable clipboard — filter by text, file name, or OCR'd words
- Mac clipboard history shelf (password-manager safe)
- Image converter (HEIC, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF) + video → GIF
- Fluid Dynamic Island animations on the Mac notch
- Native SwiftUI, tuned for Apple silicon
- 134 languages, fully localized
- Command palette (⌃⌥K) — every action one keystroke away
- Now Playing music controls (Apple Music & Spotify)
Why Notchy leads the pack
While single-purpose utilities charge expensive subscription fees or license costs, Notchy gives you a completely free, native SwiftUI Dynamic Island. It integrates window snapping, clipboard history, Pomodoro timers, file drop shelves, and AI usage tracking directly into your Mac's notch.
Notchy vs TextSniper
An honest look at how a free all-in-one notch app compares to a dedicated OCR tool app.
| Feature | Notchy | TextSniper |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free forever | $12 one-time |
| OCR text extraction | ✓ Apple Vision | ✓ Core feature |
| Searchable clipboard | ✓ Included | — |
| Image conversion | ✓ Included | — |
| Notch widgets & HUDs | ✓ 20+ built in | — |
Where TextSniper shines: one-keypress capture-to-text from anywhere on screen — fair is fair. Notchy just happens to bundle OCR tool tools with 20+ other utilities, free forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does OCR text recognition work offline?
Yes. Notchy processes OCR 100% on-device using Apple's Vision framework.
Is Notchy free to use?
Yes, Notchy is 100% free with no subscription, no ads, and no data tracking. It is supported purely by optional user coffee donations.
Does it drain my Mac's battery?
No. Because Notchy is built entirely in native SwiftUI, it idles at ~0.1% CPU. It runs no web views or Electron in the background.