Speak, set up, get writing.
Practical setup and troubleshooting, with clear platform availability and processing choices. Start with your desktop.
Free, local dictation on Mac with Cursay
Set up Cursay speech-to-text on macOS: build the native app, allow microphone and Accessibility access, use push-to-talk and keep dictation local.
Open-source speech-to-text on Windows with Cursay
Use Cursay local dictation on Windows 10/11: source-build availability, microphone settings, Ctrl + Space, automatic paste and current limitations.
Free speech-to-text on Ubuntu GNOME and Wayland
Install Cursay on Ubuntu GNOME with Wayland. Set up local Whisper, the global push-to-talk shortcut and automatic paste without Remote Desktop permission.
Local vs cloud dictation: privacy, offline use and cost
Compare local Whisper and Cursay Cloud dictation: where audio is processed, offline use, model speed, free local use and Pro allowances.
Local dictation stays free. See Pro pricing and our privacy policy before choosing cloud processing.