On Mac, dictation runs through the Subtle app — no keyboard extension required. With Voicebuds connected, you can dictate into virtually any app without switching away from what you're doing.
How to dictate
- Make sure the Subtle app is open and your Voicebuds are connected.
- Click into any text field in any app (Mail, Notes, a browser, Slack, etc.) and confirm a blinking cursor is visible.
- Press your Voicebuds button or use the Subtle menu bar icon to start dictation.
- Speak naturally. Subtle transcribes your voice in real time.
- Press your Voicebuds button again (or click Stop in Subtle) to finish. The transcribed text inserts into the active text field.
Tips for best results
- Keep the cursor active in your target text field before triggering dictation — clicking away changes where text inserts.
- Speak at a natural pace with brief pauses between sentences.
- Quiet environments help — background noise can reduce accuracy.
- Review your transcript before sending — AI transcription can make errors with names, acronyms, and technical terms.
Accessibility permission
Subtle uses macOS Accessibility to insert text into other apps. If text isn't appearing, check that Subtle has been granted access: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → enable Subtle.
Something went wrong?
- Text didn't appear: See "Dictation recorded but text didn't insert"
- Poor accuracy: See "Improve dictation accuracy"