# Selectly

Translate, explain, polish, and run AI workflows on text selected in your browser.

Canonical: https://samanhappy.com/en/projects/selectly
Language: en
Built by: Saman
Last updated: 2026-09-15

## Overview

Selectly brings AI text tools into the browser. Select a passage while reading or writing to translate it, explain it, polish it, or run a custom action.

## Who it's for

People who regularly read in another language, work with text on the web, or want AI assistance within their browsing workflow.

## Use it when

- You want to translate a passage without leaving the page.
- You need help understanding a concept or a section of text.
- You want to improve something you are writing in a browser.
- You have recurring text tasks that would benefit from a custom action.

## Key features

- **Selection-based actions:** work directly with the text you have selected.
- **Several ways to help:** translation, explanation, polishing, and conversation.
- **Custom workflows:** configure text actions around the way you work.

## Why I built it

Copying text between a web page and a chat window breaks the flow of reading and thinking. Selectly brings common actions to where the text already is.

For more background, read [Why I built another text selection extension](/en/writing/why-i-developed-selectly).

## Compared with a chat window

A general-purpose chat tool works well for open-ended conversation. Selectly focuses on quick actions around a particular piece of text in your browser.

## Status

Active. Check the website for supported browsers and current installation instructions.

## Links

- [Official website](https://selectly.app)
- [GitHub](https://github.com/samanhappy/selectly)

## FAQ

### What can Selectly do with text?

It supports common tasks such as translation, explanation, and polishing, as well as actions you configure for your own needs.

### Where can I install it?

Visit the official website for the current version and installation instructions.