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Voice-to-Text Setup Guide

Quick reference for setting up voice input for hands-free AI collaboration.

Option 1: Wispr Flow

Wispr Flow lets you dictate text anywhere on your computer using your voice.

Install Wispr Flow

  1. Go to Wispr Flow
  2. Download the app for your operating system
  3. Run the installer
  4. Launch Wispr Flow

Configure Wispr Flow

  1. Grant microphone permissions when prompted
  2. Set your preferred activation method (keyboard shortcut or push-to-talk)
  3. Test dictation in any text field

Tips for Wispr Flow

  • Speak naturally—Wispr Flow handles punctuation and formatting
  • Use the keyboard shortcut to start and stop dictation
  • Works in any application (editors, browsers, chat apps)

Option 2: Claude Desktop Quick Entry (macOS Only)

Claude Desktop has a Quick Entry feature that lets you access Claude from anywhere on your Mac, including voice dictation.

Requirements: - macOS 12 or later (macOS 14+ required for voice dictation) - Claude Desktop installed and running

Note: Quick Entry is currently only available for macOS. Windows users can use Claude Desktop but without quick entry features.

Enable Quick Entry

  1. Open Claude Desktop
  2. You'll be prompted to turn on the shortcut—click Continue
  3. Grant permissions when prompted (accessibility, screen recording, speech recognition)
  4. Manage settings in Settings → General

Configure Voice Shortcut

  1. Go to Settings → General
  2. Find Voice shortcut (disabled by default since it overrides Caps Lock)
  3. Enable and set your preferred key (default is Caps Lock)

Using Voice Input

  1. Press your voice shortcut key (e.g., Caps Lock) to start dictation
  2. Speak your prompt
  3. Press the shortcut key again to stop
  4. Review and adjust the transcription if needed
  5. Press Enter or click the send button to run

Claude Desktop launches with your transcribed prompt and responds.

Tips for Claude Desktop Voice

  • Use voice for longer prompts or when you want to think out loud
  • The shortcut works from anywhere on your Mac—Claude opens automatically
  • Review the transcription before sending
  • You can also use Quick access shortcut (double-tap Option) to open Claude without voice

Learn more: Use Quick Entry with Claude Desktop on Mac

When to Use Each

Tool Platform Best For
Wispr Flow Mac, Windows Dictating anywhere—code editors, documents, emails, terminal
Claude Desktop Quick Entry Mac only Speaking directly to Claude from anywhere on your desktop

Troubleshooting

Microphone not detected - Check system privacy settings for microphone access - Grant permissions to the specific app

Poor transcription accuracy - Speak clearly and at a steady pace - Reduce background noise - Check microphone input levels in system settings

Voice input not activating - Verify the keyboard shortcut isn't conflicting with another app - Restart the application

Next Steps

  • Practice dictating a few prompts to get comfortable
  • Review the course slide deck for detailed walkthrough
  • Post in Slack if you encounter issues

Resources