Mobile Lookup Bookmarklet

Look up any word on any webpage with a single tap. Works in Safari, Chrome, and any mobile browser.

PTW Lookup

Drag this button to your bookmarks bar, or follow the instructions below for mobile.

Installation Instructions

  1. Copy the bookmarklet code
    Tap the button below to copy the bookmarklet code to your clipboard.
    javascript:(function(){var t=window.getSelection().toString().trim();if(t)window.open('https://picturethewords.com/index.html?q='+encodeURIComponent(t),'_blank');else alert('Select some text first');})();
  2. Add any bookmark
    In Safari, tap the Share button (square with arrow) and choose Add Bookmark. Save it anywhere.
  3. Edit the bookmark
    Open your Bookmarks, find the one you just added, tap Edit, then replace the URL with the code you copied.
  4. Rename it
    Change the name to something short like PTW Lookup or Lookup.
How to use: On any webpage, select a word or phrase by long-pressing it. Then tap the bookmarks icon and choose your PTW Lookup bookmark. The definition will open in Picture the Words.
  1. Copy the bookmarklet code
    Tap the button below to copy the bookmarklet code.
    javascript:(function(){var t=window.getSelection().toString().trim();if(t)window.open('https://picturethewords.com/index.html?q='+encodeURIComponent(t),'_blank');else alert('Select some text first');})();
  2. Bookmark this page
    Tap the three-dot menu in Chrome and choose Add to bookmarks or tap the star icon.
  3. Edit the bookmark
    Go to Bookmarks (three-dot menu > Bookmarks), find the bookmark you just saved, long-press it, and choose Edit.
  4. Replace the URL
    Delete the current URL and paste the bookmarklet code you copied. Change the name to PTW Lookup.
How to use: Select text on any page, then type the bookmark name in the address bar. Chrome will suggest your bookmarklet - tap it to look up the selected text.
  1. Show your bookmarks bar
    Make sure your browser's bookmarks bar is visible (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + B in most browsers).
  2. Drag the button
    Drag the PTW Lookup button at the top of this page directly onto your bookmarks bar.
  3. Done!
    Select any text on a webpage and click the bookmarklet to look it up.
Pro tip: The desktop browser extension offers a better experience with hover-to-lookup and instant flashcard creation. Learn more about the extension.

Test Your Bookmarklet

Select this word, then use your bookmarklet to look it up:

勉強

This means "to study" - your bookmarklet should open Picture the Words with this word.

Other Ways to Look Up Words on Mobile

Share to Picture the Words (Android)

If you've installed Picture the Words as an app (Add to Home Screen), you can share selected text directly to it. Select text in any app, tap Share, and choose Picture the Words.

Copy and Paste

Copy any word, then open Picture the Words. If you have text on your clipboard, you'll be prompted to look it up automatically.

Browser Extension (Desktop)

On a computer, the Picture the Words browser extension gives you hover-to-lookup, instant flashcard creation, and access to 285,000+ words.