UPDATE: Thanks to the suggestions below, I've imported AppScript. In this thread ( Can I use OS X 10.8's speech recognition/dictation without a GUI?) a user suggests he figured it out with CGEventCreateKeyboardEvent(src, 0x3F, true), but there is no code.Īny ideas? Code samples would be appreciated. Creating a variable by using the speech-to-text content as part of the input function, i.e. Step 1: Simulate a keystroke to double-press the Fn key, launching the Dictation tool, and then

If this is the case, is there a way to combine the keystroke command with the input command? Something like: To launch a dictation, you have to double-press the Fn key inside any text editor. Their transcription feature can be used for free upload a video or audio file, and within a few minutes, you can read or download the transcribed text.Does anyone have any ideas on how to use the Mac’s built-in dictation tool to create strings to be used by Python? I tested the same files on Welder that I used with Dictation, and Welder was better about adding punctuation and separating multi-person interviews. Pop over to QuickTime Player, and play your audio or video file, and watch as the words are transcribed as if by magic!Īlternative: Welder (or other online services)Īs an alternative, you could use an online upload-to-transcribe service like Welder. Then go back to TextEdit, and in a new document, activate Dictation using your configured shortcut (e.g. In there, choose the new 'Transcription Device' sound input: Quit Loopback (the device will still be present on the system after quitting), then go back to the Dictation settings in System Preferences. Delete the default Pass-thru source, and add in Quicktime Player as a new source: If you have Rogue Amoeba's Loopback, you can also use it to route the audio signal internally, so you don't have to have audio playing out through the speakers.Īfter you have Loopback installed and running, create a new device called 'Transcription Device'. Bonus: Routing audio internally on the Mac with Loopback The mic should pick up the audio and start transcribing live into the open document.

press the dictation key), then start playing back your audio file through your Mac's speakers. Make sure you have your Mac's microphone selected, then open up TextEdit and create a new document:Īctivate the dictation shortcut (e.g. You'll use that to activate dictation later. 'press dictation key' or 'press control twice'. Turn on Dictation, and when prompted, accept the terms for Apple's Dictation service.

These instructions were last updated for macOS Monterey 12.4.įirst, open up System Preferences, go to Keyboard, then the 'Dictation' tab: You can use the Dictation feature built into your Mac to transcribe audio files, and in my experience, it's been about 98-99% accurate, so it saves a lot of time if you want to index your audio files, or you need a transcript for some other purpose.

Macos dictation