TextWarden
What TextWarden is
TextWarden is a free macOS writing assistant and browser extension that checks English spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style as you type. Its grammar engine runs locally with the bundled Harper checker. Suggestions appear in real time, with one-click corrections and a Fix All command for clear-cut errors. You can choose American, British, Canadian, Australian, or Indian English. Optional local language detection can pause English checks when text is confidently identified as one of 69 selected non-English languages, but it does not translate or proofread that text. The maker lists support for Slack, Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Apple Mail, Notion, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and supported browsers. On macOS 26 or later, compatible Apple M-series Macs can use Apple Intelligence for style suggestions, rewrites, and composition, disabled by default. Writing data stays on the Mac, with no cloud grammar service, telemetry, or analytics. TextWarden requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later and Accessibility permission.
Who it suits
It suits Mac users who want local English writing checks across desktop apps and browsers. It also fits writers choosing among several English dialects.
What it does well
- Free plan with no account or subscription
- Local grammar checking through bundled Harper engine
- Real-time suggestions and one-click corrections
- Supports five English dialects
- No cloud grammar service, telemetry, or analytics
What to know first
- English grammar checking only
- Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Accessibility permission is required
- Some editors may limit accurate underlines or corrections
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| TextWarden | macOS 14 Sonoma or later · English grammar checking · no account or subscription | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
TextWarden combines local English proofreading with broad Mac app support and a free plan. Check editor compatibility and the English-only limitation before relying on it across every application.
Facts from TextWarden's own pages
- Apple Intelligence
- On macOS 26 or later, a compatible Apple M-series Mac can use Apple Intelligence for style suggestions, rewrites, and composition; these features are off by default. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Browser extension
- A preview extension supports Chrome, Brave, Firefox, Zen, and Safari, but not Google Docs or complex web editors. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- English dialects
- Users can choose American, British, Canadian, Australian, or Indian English. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The maker lists support for apps including Slack, Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Apple Mail, Notion, Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, and supported browsers. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Language detection
- Optional local language detection can suppress English checks for passages confidently identified as one of 69 selected non-English languages; it does not translate or proofread them. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Local grammar engine
- Grammar checking runs locally using the bundled Harper grammar checker. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Mobile app
- No · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Notable limits
- Grammar checking is English-only, and the maker says some editors may not expose enough information for accurate underlines or safe corrections. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says writing, prompts, corrections, settings, and usage statistics stay on the Mac, and that TextWarden has no cloud grammar service, telemetry, or analytics. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The maker describes TextWarden as an actively developed side project. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- TextWarden requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later, an Intel or Apple Silicon Mac, and Accessibility permission to read and update text in other apps. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Style suggestions
- Yes · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Support
- The maker invites users to report bugs or request features and ask questions through the project’s GitHub issue and discussion links. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Tone detection
- No · github.com, 21 Sept 2026
- Updates and signing
- The configuration guide says release updates use an HTTPS appcast, EdDSA update signatures, Apple code signing, and notarized builds. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- What it does
- TextWarden checks English spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style while you type across macOS apps. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Writing suggestions
- It offers real-time suggestions, one-click corrections, and a Fix All command for clear-cut errors. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where TextWarden stands on Freedom251
- Grammar checkers#37 of 88