Monolingual for MAC
Free, open-source Mac utility that frees disk space by removing language files you never use, and unused processor code from apps.
Monolingual Overview
Most people use their Mac in one or two languages, yet apps and macOS carry translation files for dozens more. Monolingual removes the language files you do not need and gives that space back to you. Pick the languages to remove, and Monolingual clears them from your apps; it can also remove processor architectures you do not need from universal apps. English can no longer be selected for removal, because deleting it would break macOS.
Version 2.0 is a rewrite in Swift with a new interface. A removal shows what it is doing and how much space it has freed, and you can cancel it at any time; a notification tells you when it is done. The files are removed by a small helper that an administrator allows once in System Settings. Monolingual is made by Ingmar Stein and is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license. Version 2.0.2 needs macOS 27 on an Apple Silicon Mac. Older versions are available for older systems: 1.8.2 is the last for macOS 10.13 to 10.15. Removing files cannot be undone, so make a backup first.
Key Features
Monolingual gives you back the space spent on unused languages.
- Remove languages: delete translation files you never use.
- Remove architectures: strip unneeded processor code from universal apps.
- Search: filter the language and architecture lists as you type.
- Safe defaults: English cannot be removed.
- Watch progress: see each file and the space freed so far.
- Cancel anytime: stop a removal part-way.
- Notification: tells you how much space was saved.
- Free and open source: GPL-3.0, since 2001.
What’s New in Version 2.0.2
Monolingual 2.0.2 adds search and a new icon.
- A search field filters the language and architecture lists as you type
- A new app icon
- Simplified Chinese added, and all 17 translations complete
Monolingual FAQ
Is Monolingual free?
Yes. Monolingual is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 license.
Which macOS version does Monolingual need?
Monolingual 2.0.2 needs macOS 27 on an Apple Silicon Mac.
Is there a version for older Macs?
Older versions are on its website. Version 1.8.2 is the last for macOS 10.13 to 10.15; there is no version for macOS 11 to 26.
What does Monolingual remove?
Language files for languages you do not use, and, if you choose, processor architectures you do not need from universal apps.
Can Monolingual break my Mac?
English cannot be removed, because that would break macOS. Removed files cannot be put back, so make a backup first.
How much space will I save?
It depends on your apps. Monolingual shows the space freed as it works and tells you the total when it is done.
Why does Monolingual need a helper?
Removing files from apps needs administrator rights. Approve the helper once in System Settings › General › Login Items & Extensions.
Which folders does Monolingual clean?
By default /Applications and /Library. You can add your own folders in Preferences.
Can I install Monolingual with Homebrew?
Yes. Run brew install --cask monolingual.
Where does the Monolingual download on monolingual.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official Monolingual website at https://ingmarstein.github.io/Monolingual/. monolingual.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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