Set up WhisperInk
Install the app, choose a speech model, grant the permissions you need, and run your first dictation.
Before you begin
- An Apple silicon Mac.
- macOS 26 or newer.
- A microphone and enough free storage for your chosen models.
- An internet connection for the initial app and model downloads. Local models work offline afterwards.
Install and open the app
- 1
Download the DMG, open it, and drag WhisperInk into Applications.
- 2
Open WhisperInk from Applications. macOS may ask you to confirm that you want to open the downloaded app.
- 3
Complete onboarding: allow microphone access, allow Accessibility if you want automatic paste, and choose a speech model.
- 4
Keep WhisperInk running in the menu bar. Closing its window does not quit the app.
Your first dictation
- 1
Place the cursor in any Mac app.
- 2
Press Option–Space, speak, then press Option–Space again.
- 3
Wait while the audio is transcribed locally. The result is copied to the clipboard and, when Automatic paste is enabled, inserted at the cursor.
Default shortcuts
You can record different shortcuts in Settings. Each global shortcut must be unique.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start or finish Dictation | ⌥ Space |
| Dictation push-to-talk | ⌃⌥ Space |
| Start or finish Command | ⌥⇧ Space |
| Command with screenshot | ⌃⌥⇧ Space |
| Cancel the current action | Esc |
Where to go next
- Open Models to download or switch speech and writing models.
- Open Settings to configure shortcuts, automatic paste, sounds, the floating overlay, permissions, licence, and updates.
- Open History to find previous Dictation transcripts and Command conversations.
- Open Vocabulary to improve names, brands, abbreviations, and technical terms.