How to enable speech to text on MacBook?

Date 28/11/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple How to?, Apple Macbook Blog
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How to enable speech to text on MacBook?

 

Enabling speech-to-text on your MacBook enables seamless conversion of spoken words into written text. Learn how to activate and utilize this feature for convenient dictation and text entry.

Instructions on how to enable speech-to-text on a MacBook

Enabling speech-to-text or dictation on a MacBook is a helpful feature that allows users to convert spoken words into written text. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set up and use speech-to-text on a MacBook:

  1. Access System Preferences:
    • Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
  2. Open Keyboard Settings:
    • In the System Preferences window, locate and click on “Keyboard.”
  3. Go to Dictation Settings:
    • Within the Keyboard settings, click on the “Dictation” tab located at the top.
  4. Enable Dictation:
    • Toggle the Dictation feature to “On” to enable it. Choose your preferred language for dictation from the available options.
  5. Select Dictation Shortcut (Optional):
    • Click on the “Dictation Commands” button to set up specific spoken commands for actions like starting or stopping dictation.
  6. Choose Dictation Mode:
    • Decide whether you want to use Enhanced Dictation, which allows offline use and continuous dictation, or the standard mode, which requires an internet connection.
  7. Activate Dictation Shortcut (Optional):
    • In the Accessibility settings or within the Dictation preferences, assign a shortcut key or combination that will trigger the dictation feature. By default, it’s the “fn” (function) key pressed twice.
  8. Begin Dictating:
    • Once set up, activate the dictation feature by using the assigned shortcut key or double-pressing the “fn” key (if the shortcut was not changed).
  9. Start Speaking:
    • When the dictation window appears, start speaking clearly. Your spoken words will be transcribed into text in real-time.
  10. Edit and Use Text:
  • After dictating your text, you can edit and format it as needed. Dictated text is entered wherever the cursor is placed, in text fields, word processors, or other applications.
  1. End Dictation:
  • To stop dictation, click the Done button on the dictation window or use the dictation shortcut key again.

By following these steps, users can easily set up and use the speech-to-text or dictation feature on their MacBook, facilitating hands-free or quicker text entry for various purposes, including writing documents, emails, or messages.

How do users enable Enhanced Dictation for offline use and continuous dictation?

To configure and activate Enhanced Dictation on a MacBook, providing offline use and continuous dictation capabilities, users need to follow specific steps within the Dictation settings:

  1. Access Dictation Preferences:
    • To enable Enhanced Dictation, users should navigate to “System Preferences” on their MacBook and select “Keyboard.” Within the Keyboard settings, click on the “Dictation” tab located at the top of the window.
  2. Choose Enhanced Dictation Mode:
    • Within the Dictation preferences, users will find the option to enable Enhanced Dictation. This mode allows for offline dictation by downloading a language package to the MacBook. Toggle the “Enhanced Dictation” option to turn it on.
  3. Download Language Package:
    • Upon enabling Enhanced Dictation, the system prompts the user to download the necessary language package. Click “Enable Dictation” and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the language pack associated with the preferred language for dictation.
  4. Verification and Activation:
    • After downloading the language package, the system verifies and activates Enhanced Dictation on the MacBook. Once activated, users can enjoy the benefits of offline dictation, allowing them to dictate text even without an internet connection.
  5. Utilize Continuous Dictation:
    • With Enhanced Dictation enabled, users can also benefit from continuous dictation. This feature allows users to speak for extended periods without time limits, enhancing the usability of the dictation function.

Enabling Enhanced Dictation in the MacBook’s Dictation settings provides users with the ability to perform dictation tasks offline, eliminating dependency on an active internet connection. Moreover, the continuous dictation feature allows for prolonged dictation sessions, enabling users to dictate longer passages of text without interruptions or time restrictions, thereby enhancing the overall convenience and usability of the dictation function.