OpenFlow
Every Mac dictation command, searchable
What to say to get punctuation, symbols, and formatting with Apple's built-in dictation. Search it, filter it by category, or print the whole cheat sheet.
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These commands work with Apple's built-in dictation. OpenFlow takes a different approach: its Parakeet engine punctuates automatically as you speak, so you say your sentence like a human and the period shows up on its own.
How to turn on Mac dictation
- Open System Settings, click Keyboard, and turn on Dictation.
- Press the shortcut shown there. On most Macs that means pressing fn twice, or tapping the microphone key.
- Click into any text field and start speaking. Use the commands above whenever you need punctuation or symbols.
Fair questions
How do I turn on dictation on my Mac?
Open System Settings, choose Keyboard, and turn on Dictation. macOS shows the shortcut right there: on most Macs it is pressing the fn key twice, or tapping the microphone key. Press it in any text field and start speaking.
How do I say punctuation when dictating?
Speak the command name as part of your sentence. Say "thanks exclamation point" and your Mac types "thanks!". Say "quote" before and "end quote" after the words you want quoted. The cheat sheet above lists every command macOS understands.
Why does Mac dictation stop after a few seconds?
Apple's dictation listens for silence and times out when it thinks you are done, which often cuts you off mid-thought. Keep talking steadily, or press the shortcut again to restart it. Apps like OpenFlow use hold-to-talk instead: recording lasts exactly as long as you hold the key, so there is no timeout guessing.
Do I have to say punctuation commands with every dictation app?
No. Modern speech engines punctuate automatically from the rhythm and grammar of your speech. OpenFlow does this by default: say your sentence naturally and the periods, commas, and question marks appear on their own.
Say the sentence. Skip the commands.
OpenFlow punctuates for you: hold a key, speak naturally, release, and finished text lands at your cursor. Free forever, open source, and transcribed 100% on your Mac.
Apple Silicon, macOS 14 or later. About two minutes from download to first dictation.