Mac users who want private voice typing; building from source needs Xcode and some Swift comfort, and macOS 15 or later is required.

What can you build with VoiceInk?

Dictate emails, notes and documents into any Mac app instead of typing. Set different writing styles for different apps, such as chat versus a code editor. Add your product names and technical terms to a dictionary so they transcribe correctly. Study a real Swift macOS app that wraps whisper.cpp and Parakeet models. Fork the code and adapt a local dictation tool for your own use.

Beingpax /

VoiceInk

Mac dictation app that turns speech into text using models on your device

6.9k stars
272 stars since 3 Oct
Swift
Updated yesterday
Beginner friendly
Productivity & personal

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VoiceInk is a Mac app for dictation. You press a shortcut, speak, and the text appears where you were typing. The README says transcription runs offline, so your voice data is not sent anywhere.

It runs local speech models: whisper.cpp for OpenAI's Whisper, FluidAudio for Parakeet, and others such as SenseVoice Small. The app adds the parts around the models: global shortcuts, push-to-talk, and a personal dictionary for names and jargon.

It also has modes that switch settings by app or URL, plus an optional AI assistant mode. The source is GPL v3, but the author is not accepting pull requests. The paid download adds automatic updates and priority support, and comes with a free trial. You can also build it yourself.

What it does

Offline transcription
Local models turn speech into text on your Mac. The README says nothing leaves the device.
Global shortcuts and push-to-talk
Start recording with a configurable keyboard or mouse shortcut, or hold a key to talk.
Per-app modes
The app detects which app or URL you are in and applies the settings you configured for it.
Personal dictionary
Add custom words, industry terms and text replacements so your vocabulary is spelled correctly.
Context-aware AI and assistant
It can use what is on your screen to adapt output. A voice assistant mode gives a ChatGPT-like chat.

What you could build

Dictate emails, notes and documents into any Mac app instead of typing.
Set different writing styles for different apps, such as chat versus a code editor.
Add your product names and technical terms to a dictionary so they transcribe correctly.
Study a real Swift macOS app that wraps whisper.cpp and Parakeet models.
Fork the code and adapt a local dictation tool for your own use.