FAQ

Speech2Type

Is it free?

Yes! Speech2Type is completely free and open source. You only need a free Deepgram API key for transcription, which includes generous usage limits for personal use. No subscription fees, no hidden costs.

What are the requirements?

Speech2Type requires:

• macOS 13+ - Uses modern Swift APIs for system integration

• Node.js 18+ - Required for the CLI application

• Deepgram API key - For speech recognition service (free tier is enough)

• System permissions - Microphone, Accessibility and Automation

• Xcode Command Line Tools - For compiling Swift binaries (only needed for development)

Does it work on Windows?

No, Speech2Type is currently macOS-only (macOS 13+ required). It uses native Swift APIs for global hotkey detection, microphone capture, and text insertion. Windows support is planned for the future.

How can I install it?

Quick CLI Install:

1. Install globally: npm i -g speech2type

2. Start: s2t start

3. Provide your Deepgram API key from deepgram.com

4. Grant microphone and accessibility permissions when prompted

5. Press ⌘; and speech-to-type!

What permissions does it need?

Speech2Type needs two key permissions:

• Microphone - For capturing your speech (will be prompted automatically)

• Accessibility - Allows listening for shortcuts (have to be done manually).

Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Accessibility → Add your terminal app.

• Automation - Allows injecting text at your cursor in other applications (have to be done manually).

Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → Automation → Add your terminal app → enable "System Events".

These permissions are standard and secure - we never store any personal data.

What languages are supported?

Speech2Type supports 40+ languages through Deepgram's advanced speech recognition: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, and many more.

Configuration: s2t start --language

How can I change the shortcut?

The hotkey is fully customizable! Default is ⌘; (Command+Semicolon).

Configuration: s2t start --hotkey

Supports any combination: cmd, shift, alt, ctrl + any key (a-z, 0-9, function keys, etc.)

How can I get a Deepgram API key?

Getting your free API key is easy:

1. Visit deepgram.com and create a free account

2. Go to "API Keys" section and click "Create New Key"

3. Configure: s2t start --deepgram-api-key

Why Deepgram? Because it consistently outperformed other speech-to-text tools like Whisper — Speech2Type is not affiliated with them.

Free tier includes generous usage limits perfect for personal use. No credit card required.

What apps are supported?

Every: Claude Code, Warp, Cursor, VSCode, IntelliJ, ChatGPT,Slack, Notion, Safari, Chrome, Lovable, Replit, X, LinkedIn...

Speech2Type works in any app that has a text input with ⌘;!

How does it work? (Step-by-step tutorial)

Check our GitHub for a complete walkthrough.