Dictation for less typing: check the whole workflow

Choose how to start and stop

For a short phrase, hold your Aqua key while speaking and release it to finish. To dictate without holding the key, double-tap it, speak, then press it again to finish.

To add another shortcut, open Settings and find Keybindings. Open the shortcut's three-dot menu, choose Add Alternative, press the key combination you want, and save it. See the activation keys guide for options.

Bindings are specific to each device. Aqua's activation shortcuts are global, so check for conflicts with shortcuts in your other apps. Current desktop builds also support mouse buttons 3, 4, and 5 as shortcuts; see the desktop changelog.

Try one complete task in each app

Start in a practice draft with your usual input tools. Repeat the check in each editor or field you plan to use.

1. Reach the field. Place the cursor and confirm which field has focus.
2. Dictate and stop. Speak a short sentence, finish dictation, and review the text. Check punctuation and line breaks.
3. Correct a word. Select it, replace it, and try undoing the change. Use an input method that works for you, such as a keyboard, pointing device, or another tool you have tested.
4. Send or save. Check what Enter does and how the app submits text. Finish dictation before sending. If helpful, draft in a separate document and copy the reviewed text.
5. Repeat after switching apps. Note where focus, selection, insertion, or stopping behaves differently.

Secure or restricted fields may not accept dictation. If a field blocks entry, use another supported input method. The Edit Mode guide explains selected-text editing and its limits.

Plan for the actions around text entry

Aqua handles dictation and selected-text editing. Moving between apps, opening menus, positioning the cursor, and selecting text still need an input method you can use.

Apple Voice Control offers spoken commands for Mac navigation and text editing. Microsoft voice access provides PC control and text authoring on Windows 11. Their documentation lists device, language, and setup requirements.

These are separate operating-system tools. Pairing them with Aqua or other assistive technology has not been verified for this guide. Use the checklist above to evaluate your own setup.

Build on a setup that works for you

Once you can start, stop, and correct comfortably, try the voice writing guide for longer drafts. Read Aqua's Privacy Policy before using private material.

This guide covers software setup. For pain, RSI, or other health concerns, ask a qualified clinician about your needs.