How do I dictate into a Mac app with PressSpeak?
- Install it in Applications.Download the disk image, drag PressSpeak into Applications, and open that copy. Running it from the disk image can prevent macOS from retaining the permissions it needs.
- Allow Microphone and Accessibility.Microphone lets PressSpeak record while you hold the floor. Accessibility lets it recognize the global shortcut and insert the completed text. It does not request Input Monitoring.
- Choose a shortcut.Use Fn/Globe, F19, or another combination in PressSpeak settings. Put the cursor in the app where you want the text.
- Speak, then press again.A visible indicator shows when recording is active. When you finish, PressSpeak transcribes locally and inserts the result once.
For permission troubleshooting, including when text lands on the clipboard but does not insert, see PressSpeak Support.
Does dictation still work without an internet connection?
Yes. PressSpeak includes a multilingual speech model and processes recordings on the Mac. Dictation requires no account, model download, or transcription server. Temporary audio is deleted after transcription; PressSpeak does not retain a transcript after insertion.
The app does not provide cloud syncing, a meeting recorder, or automatic rewriting. It inserts the words you dictated.
Which apps can receive the transcript?
PressSpeak inserts text into most ordinary Mac text fields, such as documents, notes, and message composers. An individual app may handle synthetic paste differently. If automatic insertion is blocked, the completed transcript remains on the clipboard so you can press Command-V.
PressSpeak is for Apple Silicon Macs. It does not run on Intel Macs or iPhone. See the comparison with MacWhisper and Wispr Flow if you need file transcription, meeting tools, or a writing assistant instead.
Is there a subscription?
No. Download PressSpeak for a 7-day full trial without a card. If you keep it, the direct Mac edition costs $19.99 once through Stripe. It does not renew automatically.