Get started in three steps

Install Cicada, get a Ling key, then follow the guide in the app. About five minutes.

Requires macOS 26 or later on an Apple silicon Mac

Install it on your Mac

Send the download link to your Mac. You can sign up for a Ling key on your phone right now.

  1. Download and install

    Open the DMG and drag Cicada into Applications.

    Download free
    Blocked the first time you open it?

    That’s expected. Allow it once:

    System SettingsPrivacy & SecurityOpen Anyway
  2. Needed for the full experience · about 1 minute

    Get a Ling API key

    Cicada’s AI runs on Ling, Ant Group’s model service. Sign up on the Ling platform, click “Create Credential” and copy the string that starts with sk-. You’ll paste it into Cicada next.

    Get a Ling key (opens the Ling platform in a new tab)
    Ling gives ¥10 of credit every month

    About 10–50 hours of meetings, depending on how much is said. Offer as stated by Ling; your key is stored only on your Mac.

    With a key you get
    • Notes while the meeting runsSummary, topics, decisions and to-dos, with a full version afterwards
    • Sharper translationWhole sentences, with names and terms kept consistent
    • Natural interpretingSpeaks in about 2 seconds in a natural voice, or in your own

    Without a key, live subtitles and meeting records still work.

  3. Open Cicada and follow the guide

    The first-run guide takes you through three things:

    1. Let Cicada hear your Mac’s audio
    2. Paste your Ling key
    3. Play the sample video and watch subtitles and notes appear

    After that, Cicada starts on its own whenever a video or call plays.

    Cicada first-run step 1: hear the Mac’s audio (required) and microphone (optional)
    Guide 1/4: let Cicada hear your Mac
    Cicada first-run step 2: create a token on the Ling platform, copy the sk- key, then paste and check
    Guide 2/4: paste your Ling key

Turn on when you need it

Interpreting

Hold right ⌥ and talk; the meeting hears you translated. The first time, Cicada walks you through installing a virtual microphone.

Your own voice

Record 15 seconds and the translation is spoken in your voice. Record it in Settings › Interpreting.

Models, shortcuts, uninstalling and other details are in the README on GitHub.