When it comes to writing long texts generally, on some occasion we have been tempted to record our voice and then use recognition software that transcribes our voice into text. Another option is to use the Dictation function offered by macOS, an option through which the operating system is responsible for transcribing our voice.

If we are in a hurry to write a document and our typing is not fast, it is likely that this function can be useful for you. macOS also offers us different options to be able to use this function offline, without an Internet connection. If you want to start using this function using a keyboard shortcut, here is how to do it.

If we want to natively activate the Dictation function offered by macOS, we only have to press the Fn key twice. At that time, the Dictation function will come into operation.

How to Dictate on Mac

Step 1. To dictate on mac first go to System preferences.

How to Dictate on mac

Step 2. Click on the Keyboard icon on system preferences.

Step 3. A new window of Keyboard will open. Go to Dictation.

How to Dictate on mac

How to Dictate on mac

Step 4. Now to use Mac dictation click the dictation “On”. Once you will click on “On” button a new will open to ‘ Enable Dictation”. Do read the message in the window.

How to Dictate on mac

Step 5. Now to use mac dictation commands offline, click on “ Use Enhanced Dictation”

How to Dictate on mac

Step 6. When the “ Enhanced dictation is off” you cannot choose hindi language. So choose either the variations of english language or your preferred language.

How to Dictate on mac

How to Dictate on mac

Step 7. When the enhanced dictation is off you can choose hindi language.Select the language by clicking on the drop down menu. You can click on customise to choose from the list of languages. Choose you preferred language and click “OK”

How to Dictate on mac

Step 8. To set the shortcut click on the click on the drop down menu and select from the given options or customise your own shortcut

How to Dictate on mac

Step 9. Now open notes, pages or any document where you can type the text. Press your shortcut to start the Mac dictation. A mic will appear to indicate that your Mac is listening you.

How to Dictate on mac

Step 10. Start speaking and the text will appear on the notes. For question mark say “question mark” to enter “?”, For full stop say “ Full Stop” to enter “.” etc.

Step 11. To stop the dictation either press again your shortcut key or press “Done” below the mike.

How to Dictate on mac

By default, this function will use the default microphone of our equipment, so if we want to use an external microphone, we must configure it previously through System Preferences> Sound> Input.

Within the Dictation configuration options, we can also use other keys to quickly activate this function, such as: double-clicking on the Right Command key, pressing on the Left Command key, or double-pressing on any Command key.

The improved Dictation function, which I have mentioned above, allows us to make use of this function without the need for an Internet connection. If you regularly traveled to places where you do not have Internet access, it is recommended to check the box so that the data necessary for it to work is available on your computer to be able to use this function at all times.