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Speech to text on Mac

Updated 9 November 2026

Speech to text on a Mac means speaking and getting written words at your cursor. macOS includes a built-in option, and Kords is a free-to-start app that types what you said in most apps.

Built-in speech to text

macOS includes Dictation. Open System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation, switch it on, click into a text field and use the shortcut shown there. It is free and a good place to start.

When an app helps

A dedicated app adds a shortcut that suits how you work, a personal dictionary for names and jargon, optional tidy-up that still keeps your words, and translation. Kords does that, and it never stores your audio or transcripts.

How Kords speech to text works

  1. Download Kords and sign in. It needs macOS 14 or later and the internet.
  2. Allow Microphone, Speech Recognition and Accessibility when asked.
  3. Click where you want the text.
  4. Talk with your shortcut, then finish. Your words appear at the cursor.
  5. Optional: translate into Spanish, French or German, or unlock Kordies as your words add up.

Privacy in plain terms

Every dictation is sent to Kords' server, turned into text, then discarded. We never store your audio or your words. Your history, dictionary and snippets stay on your Mac.

Questions people ask

How do I turn speech into text on a Mac?

Use Apple Dictation in System Settings, Keyboard, Dictation, or download Kords and talk with your shortcut so text appears at your cursor.

Is there a free speech to text app for Mac?

Apple Dictation is free and built in. Kords is free for 2,000 words of dictation a week with no card.

Does Kords keep my audio?

No. Audio is turned into text and discarded. We never store your audio or your transcripts.

Can Kords translate while I speak?

Yes. Kords can translate as you speak into Spanish, French or German.

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