Support

Help for Explain This

Need a hand?

Get in touch through osborne.vc. Please include your macOS version, the Explain This version (shown in Settings) and which AI provider you use.

Getting started

Explain This needs your own API key from Google Gemini, OpenRouter or Vercel AI Gateway. Open the app, choose a provider, paste your key and press Verify. Then select text in any app and press the hotkey (⌘⇧E by default).

Common questions

The hotkey does nothing

Check that Explain This is allowed in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility, and that the shortcut isn't taken by another app (see Settings).

“Busy”, “Too many requests” or “Quota exceeded”

These come from your AI provider, not from Explain This. A busy message is usually temporary, and the app retries automatically before showing it. Quota errors mean your provider account or free tier has reached its limit. Check usage and billing with your provider.

“Rejected your API key” or “Model not found”

Open Settings → AI Provider, re-paste your key and check the model name against your provider's list.

Where is my data stored?

Your API key is stored in the macOS Keychain. Selected text goes directly from your Mac to the provider you chose. There is no Explain This server. See the privacy policy.

Refunds and billing

Purchases are handled by Apple (Mac App Store) or Gumroad (direct download). Use that store's own support and refund process.