Guides
Write by voice on a Mac
Short, tested instructions for dictation on macOS, with and without Talki. Each guide says which macOS settings it touches and what to do when something does not work.
Quick answer
How do I dictate on a Mac?
Open System Settings > Keyboard and switch on Dictation. Put the cursor in any text field and press the Microphone key, your Dictation shortcut (for example Fn twice) or choose Edit > Start Dictation. Press Escape to stop; macOS also stops after 30 seconds of silence.
Built-in dictation types as you speak and keeps no recording. If you want each dictation saved as audio with its transcript, a personal dictionary or a choice of speech models, that is what Talki adds. Start with the full dictation guide; if something stops working, the troubleshooting checklist covers nine causes.
How to dictate on Mac
How to turn on dictation on a Mac, which shortcut starts it, how to stop it, and when a dictation app like Talki is the better tool. Step by step.
GuideMac dictation not working
Mac dictation not starting, stopping early or typing nothing? Check the Dictation switch, microphone, shortcut, language, Voice Control and permissions.
GuideFn push-to-talk
Set up Fn push-to-talk dictation in Talki: tap to latch, hold to talk, the 350 ms threshold, Input Monitoring and Accessibility permissions, and fixing Fn conflicts.
GuideYour own OpenRouter key
Connect an OpenRouter API key to Talki to dictate with Whisper and other speech models. Where the key is stored, what it costs, and how to turn it off.
GuideRecover a recording
What happens when a transcription fails, the network drops or the app quits mid-recording, and how to retry without losing what you said.
GuidePersonal dictionary
Teach Talki the names, brands and terms you use. Add, edit and disable replacements, and learn how corrections are applied without changing the original transcript.
GuideSpeech to text on Mac
The two ways to turn speech into text on a Mac, what each one keeps, and how to choose. Built-in Dictation for live typing, Talki when you want the recording saved.
GuideVoice notes on Mac
How to keep voice notes on a Mac with the recording and the transcript together: record, organize in projects, search, replay and export to Markdown with Talki.
GuideBrain dump by voice
How to do a brain dump by voice on a Mac: speak for a few minutes, keep the recording, and sort the notes into projects afterwards with Talki.