How to dictate on a Mac
Updated 12 October 2026
To dictate on a Mac, open System Settings, choose Keyboard, switch Dictation on, click into any text field and press the Dictation shortcut. Speak, then press it again to stop. For hold-to-talk dictation in every app, with your own dictionary and tidy-up, add an app like Kords.
How to turn on dictation on a Mac
- Click the Apple menu, then System Settings.
- Choose Keyboard and find Dictation. Switch it on, and confirm if macOS asks.
- Pick the language you speak, and check the Shortcut shown there. Which one you get depends on your keyboard and settings, and you can change it.
- Click into a text field, for example in Notes, Mail, Pages or a browser.
- Press the shortcut and start talking. Press it again, or click Done, when you have finished.
Most apps also have Start Dictation in the Edit menu, which does the same thing.
Speaking punctuation
You can say punctuation as you go: “comma”, “full stop” (or “period”), “question mark”, “new line” and “new paragraph”. Depending on your language and settings, macOS may also add some punctuation for you.
If dictation is not working
- Check it is switched on in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation.
- Check microphone permission. In System Settings, Privacy & Security, Microphone, make sure the app you are typing in is allowed.
- Check the input device. In System Settings, Sound, Input, pick the microphone you are speaking into and watch the level move.
- Check your language. Dictation only works in the languages you have added.
- Check your connection. Depending on your Mac and language, Apple Dictation may need the internet.
- Restart the app, then your Mac, if nothing else helps.
Apple Dictation or a dictation app?
Apple Dictation is built in and free, which makes it a good place to start. A dedicated app adds ways to start and stop that suit how you work, your own list of names and terms, and options for how the text is tidied.
| Apple Dictation | Kords | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, built into macOS | Free to download. Paid plans add Cloud accuracy, Voices and translation for all your dictation |
| How you start | Press a shortcut, press again to stop | Hold a key and talk, or double-tap to lock it on hands-free |
| Where speech is processed | Depends on your Mac and language. Apple says in the Dictation settings | On your Mac by default. Cloud is optional |
| Your own words and names | Not its focus | A dictionary of names and terms you add |
Dictate in any app with Kords
- Download Kords. It is free and needs macOS 14 or later.
- Allow Microphone, Speech Recognition and Accessibility when asked. Accessibility is what lets Kords listen for your shortcut and put the text at your cursor.
- Click where you want the text.
- Hold Right ⌥ (or the shortcut you choose), talk, and let go. Your words appear at the cursor, usually within two seconds.
- For a long stretch, double-tap to lock it on hands-free, then press once to finish.
Questions people ask
What is the keyboard shortcut for dictation on Mac?
It depends on your keyboard and settings. Open System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation and look under Shortcut. In Kords the default is to hold Right Option, and you can choose another key, a two-key combination or a mouse button.
Does Mac dictation work offline?
Apple Dictation can work offline for some languages on some Macs. Check the note under Dictation in System Settings. Kords' on-device mode works entirely on your Mac and does not need the internet.
How do I stop dictation on a Mac?
Press the dictation shortcut again, or click Done. In Kords, let go of the key you are holding, or press once if you locked it on.
Can I dictate in any app on a Mac?
Apple Dictation works in most text fields. Kords types at your cursor in most apps, but not in password fields or a few locked-down apps.