How to Talk to Type on Mac

Talking is roughly 3x faster than typing for most people. If you're writing emails, drafting documents, taking notes, or even coding comments, voice typing on Mac can seriously speed up your workflow.

There are two main ways to do it: Apple's built-in dictation, or a dedicated app like EmberType. Let's walk through both.

Method 1: Apple's Built-In Dictation

Every Mac has dictation built in. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open System Settings
2. Go to Keyboard
3. Scroll down and toggle Dictation on
4. Choose your language and shortcut (default is pressing Fn twice)
5. Click in any text field and press your shortcut to start dictating

That's it. Press the shortcut, speak, and your words appear as text.

Apple Dictation Limitations

Built-in dictation is convenient, but it has real limitations:

• Accuracy drops with complex vocabulary — medical terms, code, and technical jargon often get garbled
• Limited punctuation — you have to say "period," "comma," "new paragraph" manually
• Enhanced mode needs internet — Apple sends your audio to servers for better accuracy
• No text cleanup — filler words, false starts, and pauses all get transcribed literally
• No file transcription — it only works with live speech

For quick texts and simple notes, Apple Dictation is fine. For anything more, you'll want a dedicated app.

Method 2: EmberType (Recommended)

EmberType is a dedicated talk-to-text app that uses OpenAI's Whisper AI to convert your speech into text. It runs entirely on your Mac — no internet, no cloud processing.

Setup (Under 5 Minutes)

1. Download EmberType from embertype.com
2. Open the DMG and drag EmberType to Applications
3. Launch the app and grant microphone + accessibility permissions when prompted
4. Download a Whisper model — the app guides you through this (Large v3 Turbo recommended)
5. Set your keyboard shortcut — pick any key combo you like
6. Start talking — press your shortcut from any app and speak naturally

The model downloads once (~1.6 GB for Large v3 Turbo). After that, everything works offline.

Why EmberType Is Better for Voice Typing

Compared to Apple's built-in dictation, EmberType offers:

• Higher accuracy — Whisper AI handles technical terms, accents, and natural speech better
• Automatic punctuation — no need to say "period" or "comma"
• AI text cleanup — removes filler words, fixes capitalization, formats text
• True offline — your voice never leaves your Mac, even briefly
• Works in any app — email, Slack, VS Code, Google Docs, anything with a cursor
• File transcription — drag in an audio file and get a transcript
• Desktop audio capture — transcribe Zoom calls, podcasts, or any audio on your Mac

Tips for Better Voice Typing

Whether you use Apple Dictation or EmberType, these tips will improve your results:

• Use a decent microphone — Your MacBook's built-in mic works, but AirPods or a USB mic will improve accuracy
• Minimize background noise — Close windows, move away from fans, or use a noise-canceling mic
• Speak naturally — Don't over-enunciate. Modern AI handles normal conversational speech well
• Don't worry about filler words — EmberType's AI cleanup removes "um," "uh," and false starts automatically
• Use a larger Whisper model — If accuracy matters more than speed, choose Large v3 Turbo

Who Benefits from Voice Typing?

Voice typing isn't just for people who hate typing. It's genuinely useful for:

• Writers and bloggers — get first drafts down 3x faster than typing
• People with RSI or carpal tunnel — reduce strain on hands and wrists
• Professionals on the go — dictate emails and notes without sitting at a desk
• Non-native typists — speak in your language faster than you can type it
• Anyone who thinks faster than they type — capture ideas before they disappear

Apple Dictation vs EmberType

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Frequently Asked Questions