Free, local dictation on Mac with Cursay

Cursay is an open-source Mac dictation app that transcribes speech and pastes it at your cursor. Local Whisper runs on your Mac after a one-time model download. The native app supports macOS 13 or newer; the setup below uses the current source build.

Published and reviewed October 10, 2026 · Cursay product guide

Install the native Mac app

Check the GitHub release assets before downloading: the current v1.2.1 release contains the Ubuntu archive, not a Mac DMG. Mac source and a signed-release pipeline are available, but this guide does not promise a downloadable Mac installer. To build the native app, use macOS 13+, Xcode 15+ and Python 3.10+.

Clone the repository, run the build script, then open the assembled app. The script builds the native interface and bundled local speech service. These commands are for a development build; distribution signing is documented separately in the Mac build guide.

git clone https://github.com/shadoprizm/cursay.git
cd cursay/macos
./scripts/build-app.sh
open dist/Cursay.app

Allow microphone and automatic paste

Allow microphone access when macOS asks. To paste automatically, enable Cursay in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility. Without that permission, the transcript can still be copied for you to paste manually.

Open Settings and select Local Whisper. The first transcription downloads its model, so allow internet access for that first setup. Subsequent local transcription works without a cloud account.

Dictate into the app you are using

Raw mode skips Smart Polish and filler removal. Use it when you want the direct transcript. Professional, Casual, Prompt and Code offer different cleanup behavior; remote Smart Polish is optional.

Focus a text field in your browser, editor, email app or document.
Hold the shortcut shown in Cursay Settings. Option + Space is supported with Accessibility access.
Speak, then release the keys. Cursay transcribes and copies the result, and pastes when automatic paste is enabled.

If the shortcut or paste does not work

Check the configured shortcut and that the running Cursay app has microphone and Accessibility permission. A different installed copy may have a different permission entry. If text reaches the clipboard but not the target app, focus an ordinary editable text field and test manual paste first.

Local processing time depends on your Mac and model. Cursay Pro offers optional cloud transcription and polishing on Mac, but requires a linked account with active Pro or trial access. Signing in alone does not activate cloud access.

Common questions

Is Cursay an offline Mac dictation app?

Yes, Local Whisper works offline after the model is downloaded. Remote transcription and Smart Polish need a network connection.

Does Cursay replace the built-in macOS Dictation feature?

Cursay is a separate app with push-to-talk, local Whisper, writing modes and device-local history. You can choose whichever workflow suits you.

Sources and next steps

This guide follows the Cursay source setup guide and published release assets. Availability may change; check those sources before installing.

Review privacy, cloud subprocessors and pricing before choosing a remote provider.

Open Cursay on GitHub