Criticly is a menu bar AI toolkit that provides text analysis across any macOS or Windows application. The app eliminates context switching by bringing AI-powered critical thinking tools directly to the user’s current workflow.
The app activates via a global keyboard shortcut (Command+Shift+M on Mac). Users select text in any application, trigger the shortcut, and choose from eight analytical tools: Distill extracts core reasoning and structure. Evaluate identifies logical fallacies and hidden assumptions. Question generates clarifying questions. Counter develops opposing viewpoints. Expand adds depth through examples. Summary captures essential ideas. Explain breaks concepts to first principles. Quiz converts content into flashcards.
Criticly works consistently across email clients, document editors, messaging apps, and code editors. The analysis appears in a simple overlay window without switching applications.
The app supports multiple AI backends including GPT, Claude, Gemini, and OpenRouter. Users provide their own API keys, allowing flexibility in model selection and cost management. No selected text or analysis results are stored by the app, addressing privacy considerations for sensitive documents.
Pricing includes three tiers: a free tier with 10 daily uses (no signup required), monthly access at $8.90 for unlimited usage, and a lifetime license at $25 during early access ($40 regular). The app supports 10+ languages and includes three theme options.
System requirements: macOS 12+ or Windows 10+. Code-signed and notarized. Average response time approximately 3 seconds depending on AI model.
Limitations: Requires a separate API key from a supported AI provider, incurring additional costs beyond the app price. Response quality varies based on the chosen AI model. Heavy API users should calculate expected usage costs before committing.
Alternatives: Users preferring browser-based solutions can use ChatGPT or Claude directly. Raycast AI provides similar system-wide text analysis with different pricing. Notion AI integrates analysis within a specific workspace.
Suitable for users who regularly analyze text across multiple applications and want to reduce context-switching friction when using AI tools for research, writing, or decision-making.
