On-device speech recognition
Yap uses Apple's on-device Speech framework so dictation happens locally on your Mac instead of being sent to a remote service.
Yap
Yap is a macOS voice dictation app that turns speech into text anywhere you can type, using on-device speech recognition. It works locally on your Mac without an account, API key, or network connection.
Overview
Yap is a voice dictation app for macOS that turns speech into text anywhere you can type. It is built to run entirely on your Mac, using Apple's on-device Speech framework rather than sending audio to a cloud service.
The product is positioned around speed and privacy. You trigger dictation with a shortcut, speak, and the transcribed text is pasted back into the field you were using. Yap also keeps a local, searchable transcript history, and it works without a network connection.
Features
Single shortcut control
Start and stop dictation with one keyboard shortcut, and change the shortcut to a different key if you prefer.
Works in any typing field
Text is pasted into the app or field you were already using, whether that's a browser, terminal, or another text box.
Private by default
Yap does not require an account, API key, or telemetry, and the source says audio never leaves your Mac.
Local transcript history
Every transcript is saved locally on your Mac and can be searched or reused later.
Offline operation
Because it uses no network code, Yap still works when you are offline.
Use cases
Writing everyday messages
Draft emails or quick replies by speaking instead of typing, then let Yap paste the transcript into the message field you were already using.
Developer workflows
Use Yap to prompt coding agents or enter longer commands in a terminal without switching away from your current window.
Saving spoken notes locally
Capture ideas when you want to move quickly and review them later from Yap's local transcript history.
Offline dictation
Dictate while disconnected from the internet, such as on a plane or in another low-connectivity environment.
Private dictation on a personal Mac
Use Yap when you want system-wide speech-to-text input without handing audio or account data to a cloud service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Runs locally with Apple's on-device Speech framework.
- Does not require an account or API key.
- Works in whatever text field you are already using.
- Keeps transcripts on your Mac for later reuse.
- Can be used offline.
Cons
- The page does not describe support for platforms beyond macOS.
- The source does not provide many details about advanced editing, formatting, or language options.
FAQ
Where can I use Yap?
Yap is designed for macOS and is meant to work anywhere you can type. The source describes it as a system-wide dictation tool that pastes text into the field you were already using, from browser forms to terminal windows.
How does Yap handle privacy?
The source says Yap uses Apple's on-device Speech framework, so it runs locally on your Mac without needing an account, API key, or network connection.
How do I start dictation?
Yap is started and stopped with a single shortcut, and that shortcut can be rebound to another key.
Does Yap keep a history of transcripts?
Yap saves each transcript locally on your Mac and makes it searchable for later reuse.
How can I install or get Yap?
The page says Yap is free and open source and was built by Frigade. A Homebrew cask is shown for installation, alongside a download for macOS and a GitHub link.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Voice dictation
- Platform
- macOS
- Primary use
- Speech-to-text input anywhere you can type
- Privacy model
- On-device; no audio leaves your Mac
- Availability
- Free and open source
- Distribution
- Direct download, GitHub, and Homebrew cask
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