Local-first dictation
Speech is processed on your Mac using local models. No account, no mandatory cloud path, and no upload step between your voice and your text.
Features
Everything you need.
oto turns your voice into text on your Mac with local engines, global hotkeys, auto-paste, history, file transcription, and no cloud transcription by default.
100+ languages
Three local engines
Auto-paste
File transcription
Works anywhere
Use a global hotkey, speak naturally, and send the finished text into the app where your cursor already is.
Built to keep
One Mac App Store purchase unlocks the full app, including future updates and Family Sharing support.
Core workflow
Fast from speech to text.
These are the pieces you use every day: start recording, speak, finish, and put the text exactly where it belongs.
Smart hotkeys
Tap to toggle, hold for push-to-talk, or double-tap to avoid accidental recordings.
Auto-paste
Text lands at your cursor, with clipboard-first behavior when you want more control.
History + playback
Search transcripts, replay audio, export text, and recover interrupted sessions.
File transcription
Transcribe existing WAV, MP3, M4A, AIFF, AAC, FLAC, CAF, MP4, MOV, and more.
100+ languages
Automatic detection, mixed-language speech, and English translation with Whisper.
Optional AI cleanup
Use local enhancement through Ollama or bring your own OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini key.
Quick re-paste
Access recent transcriptions from the menu bar without hunting through files.
Long-form capture
Record longer sessions with recovery support and clear recording status.
Engines
Pick the model for the moment.
Whisper
Choose smaller models for speed or larger models for accuracy. Whisper supports 100+ languages and can translate speech to English.
Parakeet v3
A fast local engine for supported languages when you want solid accuracy with a lighter feel.
Apple SpeechAnalyzer
Apple's on-device speech engine on supported macOS versions, with language support improving through the system.
Access and polish
Designed for the way people actually use a Mac.
Keyboard-first
Global hotkeys, full keyboard navigation, and reduced-motion behavior make oto usable without mouse-heavy flows.
VoiceOver ready
Controls are labeled and state changes are announced clearly for assistive technology.
Low-friction support
If something gets blocked by macOS permissions, the support page explains the likely fixes and gives you direct email contact.
Own the whole feature set.
Download oto from the Mac App Store, or try the full app free through TestFlight.
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