Updated October 2026 · checked against Apple's current requirements
The short version: if Writing Tools show up but are greyed out, Apple Intelligence is usually on, but the app or the moment isn't right. Most often there's no editable text selected, or the app doesn't use Apple's standard text views. If Writing Tools don't appear at all, see Writing Tools unavailable.
Rewriting needs editable text. Select some text in a field you can type in and open Writing Tools again. Text on a web page or in a read-only document can't be rewritten in place.
Writing Tools work in apps built on Apple's standard text views. Many Electron apps and apps with custom editors don't support them, or only support them in some fields. Electron apps gained even basic context-menu support only with Electron 36 (mid-2025), and only once each app updates. You can't fix this from your side. As a workaround, draft in Notes or TextEdit and paste the result back.
Right after you turn Apple Intelligence on, or change Siri's language, the models download in the background and Writing Tools may not work yet. Check System Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri, and keep the Mac on Wi-Fi and power until it finishes.
Both must be set to the same supported language. See Apple Intelligence not available in your country for the full list and the steps.
Apple Intelligence needs up to 8 GB free, or up to 14 GB on Macs with M3 or later and 12 GB or more of memory. Free up space, then check its status again.
IT can switch Writing Tools off with a device-management restriction, which can leave them greyed out or hidden. Your admin is the only fix.
Turn it on in System Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri. Turning it off removes the downloaded models, so it takes a while to be ready again.
Cause 2 is the one you can't fix: if the app you write in most doesn't support Writing Tools, they'll stay greyed out there. Rewrite works in any app with a text field, including Electron apps and browser text boxes, because it doesn't rely on the app supporting Apple's text views.
Rewrite is a menu-bar app for macOS 12 (Monterey) or later, on Apple Silicon and Intel. In any app with a text field, double-tap Option (or any key you pick) and the sentence you're writing is replaced at the caret with a clearer version, in your voice. It takes free-form instructions like "shorter" or "warmer", and a double-tap of Control on a highlighted message drafts a reply.
It doesn't use Apple Intelligence. It runs on your own ChatGPT account (a free one works) or a Claude Pro or Max plan. Before text leaves your Mac, names, organizations, email addresses and phone or card numbers are swapped for placeholders, and the real values are restored on your Mac afterward. The rewrite itself happens in the cloud; Rewrite has no servers of its own.
Free while in beta · macOS 12+ · Apple Silicon & Intel · signed & notarized direct download
Writing Tools work in apps that use Apple's standard text views. Apps with custom editors, and many Electron apps, don't support them, so they stay greyed out there even when Apple Intelligence works elsewhere.
The models are still downloading. Keep the Mac on Wi-Fi and power, and check the status in System Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri.
Yes. Organizations can disable Writing Tools on managed Macs with a device-management restriction. Ask your IT admin.
Yes. Rewrite works in any app with a text field, including Electron apps and browser text boxes, on macOS 12 or later.