Take Dictation

Apple Dictation is a built-in macOS feature that lets users speak to enter text anywhere they can type. Once Dictation is enabled, it can be started with the Microphone key, a customizable keyboard shortcut, or Start Dictation, then stopped with Escape, the same shortcut, or the Microphone key. On Apple silicon Macs, users can continue typing while they dictate, and Dictation resumes listening after keyboard input stops. Spoken commands can insert emoji, punctuation, new lines, and new paragraphs, while supported languages can automatically add commas, periods, and question marks. Dictation supports text of any length and stops automatically after 30 seconds without detected speech. When macOS is uncertain about a word, it underlines the text so users can choose an alternative or correct it manually. Multiple Dictation languages can be enabled and switched while speaking, and users can select a preferred microphone or let macOS choose automatically.

PeakFlow AI Dictation is a desktop dictation app for Mac and Windows that transcribes speech and types the text into the active app. Hold a keyboard shortcut while speaking, then release it to insert the transcription at the cursor. The app uses OpenAI's gpt-transcribe model and offers optional light cleanup to remove filler words, add punctuation, and apply spoken corrections without rewriting the speaker's words. Users can customize the activation key, maintain a personal word list, and use their own OpenAI API key. Dictation is billed by the second based on talking time, with prepaid credits that do not expire. The app supports writers, developers, founders, and others who regularly enter text on a computer.