How to use dictation on mac

Here's how to use dictation on a Mac:

Enable Dictation

1. Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences)

2. Click on Keyboard

3. Go to the Dictation tab

4. Turn on Dictation[1][4]

Using Dictation

1. Place the cursor where you want to dictate text in any app

2. Press the Dictation keyboard shortcut (Fn key twice by default) or choose Edit > Start Dictation

3. When you see the microphone icon, start speaking clearly[1][3]

Tips for Effective Dictation

• Speak clearly and at a natural pace

• Use voice commands for punctuation (e.g., say "comma" or "period")

• Say "new line" for a line break or "new paragraph" for a paragraph break

• To insert emojis, say the emoji name (e.g., "heart emoji")

• For best results, speak for no more than 40 seconds at a time[1][3][5]

Advanced Features

• Enable Enhanced Dictation for offline use and continuous dictation without time limits

• Select your preferred microphone and language in the Dictation settings

• Use Voice Control (in Accessibility settings) for more advanced dictation and computer control features[1][6]

Correcting Mistakes

• Dictated text with potential errors will be underlined in blue

• Click on underlined words to see alternative suggestions

• You can also manually edit or continue dictating to correct mistakes[1][3]

Dictation on Mac is a powerful tool that can significantly boost productivity, especially for those who prefer speaking over typing or have mobility limitations. It's available across most Mac applications, making it versatile for various tasks like writing documents, composing emails, or even coding[2][3].

Citations: [1] https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/mac-help/mh40584/mac

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jZaMtUU1Og

[3] https://transkriptor.com/dictate-mac/

[4] https://www.unimelb.edu.au/accessibility/guides-for-students/getting-started-with-mac-dictation

[5] https://www.ahead.ie/Mac-Dictation

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xalJD6V_M_4

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zx2W0GcNahA

[8] https://setapp.com/how-to/how-to-use-speech-to-text-to-dictate-on-mac

[9] https://www.xda-developers.com/how-to-use-mac-voice-dictation/

[10] https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/how-to-dictate-text-in-macos-14-sonoma

[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Pzvm_KGNE

[12] https://www.idownloadblog.com/2020/09/07/guide-keyboard-dictation-on-mac/ [

13] https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/pages/tan59042a403/mac

[14] https://support.apple.com/guide/pages/use-dictation-to-enter-text-tan59042a403/mac