Cursay
Open source · Local by default

Speak. Your words appear right here.

Free, open-source push-to-talk dictation for your desktop. Hold a shortcut, speak, and release: Cursay transcribes with local Whisper and pastes at your cursor in supported desktop apps. On Ubuntu and Mac, add Cursay Pro when you want managed cloud transcription and Smart Polish.

Install on UbuntuBuild for MacBuild for WindowsExplore Pro

Ubuntu GNOME on Wayland: release 1.2.1 · Mac 13+ and Windows 10/11: build from source · MIT licensed · No account for local use

See setup guides.

ReadyCTRL + SPACE
LATEST DICTATION

Let’s move the release forward, keep the privacy boundary clear, and make the next step obvious.

ProfessionalCursay CloudIncluded in Pro
Unlimited localNo account or subscription
Cloud dictationAudio and text not kept in our database
System-wideAcross desktop apps
Open sourceMIT licensed
01 / The whole interaction

One gesture between thought and text.

  1. 01Focus a text field

    In a supported desktop app: browser, editor, chat, terminal, or document.

  2. 02Hold your shortcut

    Speak naturally, including pauses and corrections.

  3. 03Release to paste

    Cursay transcribes, cleans, verifies, and pastes.

02 / Local remains complete

Your voice can stay on your machine.

Local Whisper, deterministic cleanup, history, and custom endpoints remain free and unlimited. Cursay Pro is a convenience layer, not a gate around the open-source app.

AudioNot kept in our databasePRO CLOUD
HistoryOn your device by defaultLOCAL
FallbackLocal when cloud cannot runRESILIENT
CredentialsSecret Service or KeychainSECURE
03 / Cursay Pro

Managed quality, predictable price.

1,500 managed-cloud minutes each month, Smart Polish after every cloud transcription, multilingual models, and three linked devices.

PRO$8/month

or $80 yearly

  • 7-day trial with 120 cloud minutes
  • No rollover or overages
  • Automatic local fallback

Cloud features work on Ubuntu and Mac. Windows supports local and custom endpoints only.

See full pricing
Get started

Dictation that fits your desktop.

Follow the setup and troubleshooting guide for your system, or compare local and cloud processing before choosing a provider.

Dictation on Mac

Build the native app from source, then set up permissions and push-to-talk.

Dictation on Windows

Build from source, set up the microphone and use local Whisper.

Dictation on Ubuntu

Install, approve the Wayland shortcut, enable automatic paste.

Local or cloud?

Privacy, speed, offline use and cost.

Is Cursay free?

Yes. Local Whisper dictation is unlimited and requires no account. Cursay Pro is an optional paid cloud service.

Can I dictate offline?

Yes, with Local Whisper after its model has downloaded. Cloud transcription and remote Smart Polish require an internet connection.

Where is my dictation history?

By default, history stays on your device. Cursay Cloud transcribes recordings and optional polishing without keeping your audio or text in our database. The privacy policy also describes Cursay Memory, an optional, separately consented feature that would save capture text to your account when available; it is not currently enabled.