macOS · Devices
Turn speech into text anywhere you type
Dictation lets you speak instead of type in nearly any text field on the Mac, converting speech to text using either on-device processing or enhanced online recognition depending on the language and settings.
How to open Dictation
- Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation
- Turn on Dictation and choose a language
- Select a shortcut key to trigger Dictation
- Enable Automatic Punctuation if desired, then test in any text field
What you should know
- Toggle-able keyboard shortcut to start and stop dictation, such as pressing the Fn key twice
- Language selection independent of the system display language
- Offline (on-device) dictation available for many languages on supported Macs
- Automatic punctuation option that inserts punctuation from spoken cues
Why it matters
Dictation offers a genuinely fast alternative input method for people who type slowly, have RSI or other conditions that make prolonged typing uncomfortable, or simply think faster than they can type. Because it works inside virtually any standard text field system-wide, it does not require switching to a special app, and on-device processing options mean dictation can work reliably even without an internet connection on supported hardware.
Best practices
- Enable Automatic Punctuation to reduce manual cleanup after dictating longer passages
- Use on-device dictation, if available for your language, for better privacy and offline reliability
- Speak in a quiet environment and close to the microphone for higher transcription accuracy
- Learn basic dictation commands like 'new paragraph' and 'question mark' to reduce post-editing
Common problems and fixes
- Dictation shortcut does not activate
- Confirm the shortcut is not already assigned to another function elsewhere, and re-enable Dictation from settings if needed.
- Transcription accuracy is poor
- Check the selected dictation language matches what you are speaking, and reduce background noise near the microphone.
- Dictation requires internet unexpectedly
- Confirm your language is supported for on-device dictation, since not every language offers an offline option.
Tips and tricks
- Double-tap the assigned shortcut key to quickly start dictating without reaching for the mouse.
- Say punctuation explicitly, like 'comma' or 'period', for more predictable results than relying solely on automatic punctuation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dictation the same as Voice Control?
No, Dictation converts speech to typed text, while Voice Control lets you operate the entire interface, including clicking and navigating, by voice.
Does Dictation send my voice to Apple's servers?
Only when using enhanced online dictation for languages without on-device support; on-device dictation processes speech locally.
Can I dictate in a language different from my system language?
Yes, Dictation language can be set independently from the Mac's overall system language.
Related settings
- Voice ControlVoice Control lets you operate your entire Mac — clicking, typing, opening apps, and navigating menus — using only spoken commands, with all speech processing done on-device for privacy. It's built for people who can't use a traditional mouse and keyboard, but works for anyone who wants hands-free control.
- Language & RegionLanguage & Region settings control which language macOS and your apps display in, plus regional formatting for dates, times, numbers, currency, and the calendar system used system-wide. You can also set different preferred languages per individual app.
- Sound Output & InputSound Output & Input settings let you select which speakers or headphones play audio and which microphone captures it, and adjust device-specific levels like output volume balance and input gain.
More Devices guides for macOS
- TrackpadTrackpad settings control click pressure, tracking speed, scrolling direction, and the full set of multi-touch gestures used for navigating macOS — everything from a simple tap-to-click to four-finger app switching.
- MouseMouse settings control tracking speed, scrolling direction, and secondary-click behavior for any connected mouse, including Apple's Magic Mouse, which also supports its own set of swipe gestures.
- KeyboardKeyboard settings control key repeat speed, modifier key behavior, text input sources, and Dictation — plus Touch Bar customization on supported MacBook Pro models. It's also where you add languages and manage keyboard shortcuts across the system.
- Printers & ScannersPrinters & Scanners settings let you add, configure, and manage printers and scanners connected over USB, Wi-Fi, or a network, including setting a default printer and checking on active print jobs.
- BatteryBattery settings show battery level history, condition, and power usage by app on Mac laptops, and let you configure power modes and options like optimized battery charging.
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