Install
Get Glossa running in a minute.
Works in Chrome, Edge, Brave and Arc, version 116 or newer.
- DownloadDownload Glossa (zip) and unzip it.
- Open extensionsGo to
chrome://extensionsand switch on Developer mode in the top-right corner. - Load itClick Load unpacked and choose the unzipped folder. A welcome tab opens with a practice paragraph.
- Pin itOpen the puzzle-piece menu in the toolbar and pin Glossa so it’s one click away.
Ways to explain
| Do this | Result |
|---|---|
| Select text, press ⌥E (Mac) or Alt+E | The meaning opens in the side panel |
| Click Explain next to the selection | Same, with the mouse |
| Right-click the selection → Explain “…” | Same, from the context menu |
| Press ⌥⇧E / Alt+Shift+E | Open the side panel |
| Click the toolbar icon | Quick lookup, pause, per-site settings |
Shortcut taken by another extension? Open chrome://extensions/shortcuts and choose a new one for “Explain the selected text”.
Use your own API key
The free plan needs no setup. For unlimited use, open the side panel → Settings → My own API key, pick a provider, paste your key and press Save and test. You can also try your key on the homepage first.
| Provider | Where to get a key |
|---|---|
| OpenAI | platform.openai.com/api-keys |
| Anthropic | console.anthropic.com |
| Groq | console.groq.com/keys |
| Google Gemini | aistudio.google.com/apikey |
| OpenRouter | openrouter.ai/keys |
| Custom | Any OpenAI-compatible server (Ollama, LM Studio, vLLM…). Enter its base URL in the extension. |
Your key is stored only in your browser and sent only to that provider.