Dictation and voice typing guides
How to dictate with the tools already on your computer, how to fix them when they stop working, and how to choose an app. Every step is checked on the maker’s own help pages, with the date.
Get started
- How to use TalkativHow to use Talkativ: your first dictation, the mic dot, tidy lists and amounts, Vocabulary, Genius Mode and Smart Edits, each shown step by step.
- How to do voice to text on a computerHow to do voice to text on Windows and Mac: the steps, the shortcuts, how to turn dictation on and off, and fixes if nothing types. Computers only.
- AI voice to text: what is AI dictation?AI voice to text explained in plain words: how AI dictation differs from plain speech recognition, a labelled before-and-after example, and honest limits.
On a Mac
- Apple Dictation: how to dictate on a MacHow to use Apple Dictation on a Mac: switch it on, start and stop it, what to say, and the settings worth knowing. Checked on Apple's own guide.
- Mac dictation shortcut: turn on and offThe Mac dictation shortcut explained: turn dictation on, start and stop it, switch it off and set your own keys. Checked on Apple's guide, 6 November 2026.
- Mac dictation not working: fixesMac dictation not working? Work through these checks: Dictation setting, shortcut, microphone, privacy permission and internet. Checked 6 November 2026.
On Windows
- Windows speech recognition and voice typingWindows speech recognition on Windows 10 and 11, explained: the Win+H voice typing shortcut, Voice Access, the older tool, settings and fixes.
- Free dictation software for WindowsFree dictation software for Windows, checked 6 November 2026: the tools built into Windows, and apps with free plans, with each limit stated plainly.
In the apps you use
- Google Docs voice typing, step by stepGoogle Docs voice typing in five steps: the browsers it works in, the spoken punctuation and commands, quick fixes, and what to use outside Docs.
- How to dictate in Microsoft WordSpeech to text in Word, step by step: where the Dictate button is, what Microsoft says you need, fixes if it's missing, and options without Microsoft 365.
- How to dictate in Gmail and OutlookHow to dictate in Gmail and Outlook on Windows and Mac: Outlook's Dictate button, the ways that work in Gmail, and tips for a clean email.
- How to dictate in Teams and SlackHow to dictate in Teams and Slack on Windows and Mac: the built-in shortcuts, what Slack's own mic button does, browsers, and when an app saves time.
- Voice coding with ChatGPT, Claude and CursorVoice coding in practice: the two ways to code by voice, how to dictate clear prompts into ChatGPT, Claude and Cursor, and a simple workflow to follow.
When it stops working
- Voice to text not working? FixesVoice to text not working on your computer? Step-by-step fixes for Windows and Mac: microphone, permission, language and internet. Checked 6 November 2026.
- Google voice typing not working: fixesGoogle voice typing not working? Check the browser, the microphone and the field you are in. Plain fixes for Windows and Mac, plus an any-app option.
Choosing software
- Best voice to text app: how to chooseHow to choose the best voice to text app for you: eight checks, a dated table of real options and their prices, and honest advice on who should pick which.
- Speech recognition software: what to chooseSpeech recognition software in plain words: the three jobs it does, what is built into Windows and Mac, free and open-source options, and how to choose.