System-wide one-key dictation
Hold Right Option to start dictation from wherever your cursor is. Dictro writes into the text field you are already using, so there is no separate capture window or copy-paste step.
Dictro
Dictro is a private AI dictation app for Mac that turns speech into polished text in any editable app. It works on Apple Silicon Macs, processes locally by default, and can also run in an optional cloud Fast Mode.
Overview
Dictro is a private AI dictation app for Mac that turns spoken ideas into polished text directly at the cursor in any editable Mac app. It is built for Apple Silicon Macs and uses a local pipeline by default, so dictation, recognition, and cleanup happen on the device instead of in a browser or separate recorder.
The product is aimed at people who want voice input that produces finished writing rather than a raw transcript. Users hold Right Option to speak, release the key to insert the result, and can keep working even when Wi-Fi is off. A separate Fast Mode can use cloud processing, but it is optional and off by default.
Features
Local cleanup pass
Dictro is designed to clean up natural speech into readable text. It removes filler, handles corrections and restarts, and places the finished sentence at the cursor.
On-device processing by default
In on-device mode, speech recognition and language cleanup run on the Mac itself using Apple Silicon hardware. Audio and transcripts are not uploaded in the default flow.
Offline dictation
The app continues working without Wi-Fi, which makes it usable on planes and restricted networks as long as the Mac supports it.
Optional local transcript history
Transcript history is off by default. If enabled, past dictations are stored only on the Mac as private notes that can be searched and reused.
Local customization controls
Dictro includes custom words, app-aware writing preferences, and a visible usage count to help tune dictation over time.
Use cases
Email writing in Mail
Dictate replies, drafts, and short notes into Mail without opening a separate app or moving text between windows.
Messaging and team chat
Capture ideas, comments, and status updates in Slack while keeping your attention in the conversation flow.
Developer workflows
Insert code-adjacent notes, issue descriptions, and technical prompts into Xcode or terminal windows where text entry is already active.
General everyday writing
Write directly into browsers, Notion, and other editable fields when you want spoken input to become polished text in place.
Offline and privacy-sensitive dictation
Work with voice input on a plane, in a locked-down network, or anywhere without Wi-Fi, using the local on-device pipeline.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Works directly in standard text fields across Mac apps, including Mail, Slack, Notion, Xcode, terminals, and browsers.
- Default on-device workflow keeps audio and transcripts on the Mac.
- Offline use is supported when Wi-Fi is unavailable.
- The cleanup pass removes filler and turns rough speech into more polished prose.
- Transcript history is optional and stored locally if enabled.
Cons
- Mac-only today; Windows is listed as coming soon.
- Supports English only at present.
- Secure password fields and apps that block accessibility input are excluded.
- Fast Mode uses cloud processing when enabled, so the default privacy model does not apply in that mode.
FAQ
Does Dictro send my audio or transcript to the cloud?
Dictro’s default on-device mode keeps audio capture, speech recognition, and language cleanup on your Apple Silicon Mac. Optional Fast Mode can use cloud processing, but only when you deliberately enable it.
Which Macs can run Dictro?
Dictro supports Apple Silicon Macs with an M1 chip or newer running macOS 15 or later.
Which apps does Dictro work in?
Dictro works in standard editable text fields across macOS, including Mail, Slack, Notion, Xcode, terminals, and browsers. Secure password fields and apps that block accessibility input are excluded.
Can I use Dictro offline?
Yes. Dictro’s on-device mode keeps working with Wi-Fi off because the models run locally on your Mac.
Is Dictro available for Windows?
No. Dictro is a Mac app today, and the Windows version is only noted as coming soon with a waitlist on the site.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity
- Platform
- Mac (Apple Silicon, macOS 15 or later)
- Primary workflow
- Hold Right Option to dictate into the current cursor position
- Privacy model
- On-device by default; optional cloud Fast Mode
- Pricing shape
- Free plan available; Pro plan listed at $10/month
- Source domain
- dictro.com
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