Mac: Use dictation function - how it works
The dictation feature included in Mac OS works amazingly well. We show you how to activate and use the function.
Mac: Activate the dictation function
- Click on the apple icon in the top left and select "System Settings".
- Then click on "Dictation & Language".
- Under the "Dictation" tab, activate the "Dictation:" option by marking "On".
- If necessary, you can now also download the "Extended dictation function" for offline use (requires almost 1 GB of space). Otherwise click on "Later".
- In the next window click on "Activate dictation function".
- Under "Shortcut" you will find the function that you have to perform to start the dictation function. On Mac OS X Mavericks, the Fn key is pressed twice as a shortcut by default.
Use dictation on Mac
The dictation function works with all Apple software in which text can be entered. This is for example the sticky note or the mail program.
- For example, open your mail program and a new email draft.
- Click in the content area of the email and double-tap the Fn key or the function that you defined when activating it as a shortcut.
- Now speak your text and click "Done" when you want to complete the process.
- The spoken text is displayed.
- You can also dictate punctuation marks and paragraphs. For example, use the term "comma" or "period" and for a new paragraph the term "new line".
Note: If you do not download the advanced dictation function, you should be connected to the Internet to use the dictation function. The dictated text is processed on one of the Apple servers, so internet is necessary. We have also put together the best voice recorder apps for iOS and Android. Also, did you know that you can only operate your Mac with a keyboard?