Install Dear Machine.

Install Dear Machine.

Download the official disk image, then add Dear Machine to your Mac.

1. Open Dear Machine.dmg from your Downloads folder.
2. Drag Dear Machine into the Applications folder.
3. Open Dear Machine from Applications, then confirm any macOS security prompt.
4. When installation is complete, eject the Dear Machine disk image.

Browser download notice: If Chrome or Edge marks the new download as uncommon, choose Keep or Keep anyway. The official app is signed and Apple-notarized.

Always download Dear Machine directly from dearmachine.app.

Allow microphone access.

Dear Machine needs microphone access to record and transcribe your speech.

1. Open Dear Machine from Applications.
2. Select Allow when macOS requests microphone access.
3. If access was denied, open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone and enable Dear Machine.

Dear Machine can transcribe locally. Your voice does not have to leave your Mac.

Allow text insertion.

Accessibility access lets Dear Machine insert finished text into the app you are using.

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
2. Enable Dear Machine in the app list.
3. Return to Dear Machine and select Re-check under Settings → General → Permissions.

macOS may request your password or Touch ID to approve this change.

Dictate your first sentence.

Use the default shortcut in any app with an editable text field.

1. Place the cursor where you want the text to appear.
2. Hold Option + Space and speak normally.
3. Release the keys when you finish, then review the inserted text.

If the shortcut does not respond, confirm both permissions and check that another app is not using Option + Space.