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OpenWhispr provides a minimal, always-accessible dictation interface that lets you convert speech to text anywhere on your system.

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Getting Started

Once OpenWhispr is running, you’ll see a small floating panel in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This is your dictation control center.
1

Open any application

Navigate to any text field where you want to dictate — email, document, chat, terminal, or code editor.
2

Position your cursor

Click in the text field where you want the transcribed text to appear.
3

Start dictating

Press your hotkey (default: backtick `) or click the floating microphone button. The button will turn blue and show a pulsing animation.
4

Speak naturally

Dictate your text in a natural speaking voice. The recording indicator shows that OpenWhispr is listening.
5

Stop recording

Press the hotkey again or click the microphone button. The button will change to show processing waves.
6

Text appears automatically

Once transcription is complete, the text is automatically pasted at your cursor location.

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Activation Modes

OpenWhispr supports two activation modes to match your workflow:
How it works: Press the hotkey once to start recording, press again to stop.Best for:
  • Longer dictations
  • When you need to pause and think
  • Multi-sentence paragraphs
  • Hands-free operation after starting
Example: Press `, speak for 30 seconds about your meeting notes, press ` again to finish.
You can switch between modes in Settings → Hotkeys → Activation Mode.

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Visual Feedback

The floating panel provides real-time status updates:
StateVisual IndicatorMeaning
IdleSmall gray button with sound wave iconReady to record
RecordingBlue button with pulsing animationActively listening to your voice
ProcessingOrange button with wave animationTranscribing your speech
HoverSlightly enlarged with tooltipShows current hotkey
You can cancel an in-progress recording or transcription by clicking the small X button that appears when you hover over the panel.

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Draggable Positioning

The dictation panel can be moved anywhere on your screen:
  1. Click and hold on the microphone button
  2. Drag to your preferred location
  3. Release to drop the panel
Your position is saved automatically and restored when you restart OpenWhispr.
If the panel ever appears off-screen (e.g., after changing monitor setup), restart OpenWhispr to reset it to the default bottom-right position.

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Automatic Pasting

By default, transcribed text is automatically pasted at your cursor location using native system clipboard and paste simulation.

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How It Works

1

Clipboard copy

Transcribed text is copied to your system clipboard
2

Paste simulation

OpenWhispr simulates Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on macOS) or Ctrl+Shift+V in terminals
3

Text appears

Your dictated text appears exactly where you had your cursor

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Platform-Specific Behavior

  • Uses AppleScript for reliable pasting
  • Requires Accessibility permissions (granted during setup)
  • Falls back to manual paste if permissions are missing
  • Opens accessibility settings automatically when needed
  • Uses native SendInput API via compiled C binary
  • Automatically detects terminal windows and uses Ctrl+Shift+V
  • No special permissions required
  • Falls back to PowerShell SendKeys if native binary unavailable
  • X11: Uses native XTest extension (no dependencies)
  • Wayland: Uses uinput virtual keyboard or wtype/ydotool
  • Detects 20+ terminal emulators for Ctrl+Shift+V
  • Install xdotool (X11) or wtype/ydotool (Wayland) for best results
  • Text always copied to clipboard even if paste fails
If automatic pasting doesn’t work, the text is still on your clipboard — just press Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on macOS) to paste manually.

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Customizing Your Hotkey

The default hotkey is the backtick key (`), but you can customize it:
  1. Open Settings → Hotkeys
  2. Click in the Global Hotkey field
  3. Press your desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+Space)
  4. Click Save
OpenWhispr supports:
  • Single keys: F8, F9, backtick, etc.
  • Modifier combinations: Cmd+Shift+K, Ctrl+Alt+D, etc.
  • Special keys: Fn/Globe key on macOS
If your chosen hotkey is already in use by another app, OpenWhispr will automatically fall back to F8 or F9 and notify you.

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Hiding the Floating Panel

You can hide the panel when not in use:

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Manual Hide

  • Right-click the panel and select Hide for Now
  • Press Escape to hide temporarily
  • The panel reappears when you press your global hotkey

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Auto-Hide (Optional)

Enable in Settings → General → Auto-hide floating panel:
  • Panel automatically hides after transcription completes
  • Reappears when you start dictating
  • Perfect for minimal desktop setups

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Tips for Best Results

Speak Clearly

Use your normal speaking voice at a moderate pace. No need to shout or speak robotically.

Reduce Background Noise

Record in a quiet environment for best accuracy. Close windows, mute notifications, etc.

Use Proper Microphone

A quality USB or headset microphone performs better than built-in laptop mics.

Punctuate Naturally

Say “period”, “comma”, “question mark” to add punctuation, or edit afterwards.

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Troubleshooting

  1. Check that your microphone is plugged in and enabled
  2. Grant microphone permissions in system settings
  3. Restart OpenWhispr
  4. Use Settings → Microphone to select the correct input device
  1. Check if another app is using the same hotkey
  2. Try a different key combination in Settings
  3. On GNOME Wayland, check Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts for conflicts
  4. Restart OpenWhispr after changing hotkeys
  • macOS: Grant Accessibility permissions in System Settings → Privacy & Security
  • Linux: Install xdotool (X11) or wtype/ydotool (Wayland)
  • All platforms: Text is always copied to clipboard — use Ctrl+V to paste manually
Restart OpenWhispr to reset the panel to the default bottom-right position.

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Next Steps

Transcription Modes

Choose between cloud, BYOK, or local processing

AI Processing

Use AI to format, enhance, or transform your dictation

Custom Dictionary

Improve accuracy for names and technical terms

Notes System

Create and organize voice notes with folders

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