Step 1
Hold your shortcut key
Press and hold your configured global hotkey from anywhere in macOS.
VibeWhisper
Push-to-talk transcription for macOS.
Hold a key, speak, release. Transcribed text appears in any focused text field — no app switching, no transcription window.
System-level integration via macOS Accessibility API. Works in any application.
One-time purchase. No subscription.
Step 2
Speak naturally
Talk at your normal pace. Whisper handles the rest.
Step 3
Text appears instantly
Transcribed text is injected directly into the focused text field.
$0.006
Per minute
OpenAI Whisper API cost. You pay OpenAI directly — no markup.
99+
Languages supported
OpenAI Whisper supports transcription in over 99 languages.
$19
One-time purchase
Buy once, use forever. No subscription, no recurring fees.
Voice input on macOS is broken
Developers need fast, reliable dictation that stays out of the way. Current tools don't deliver.
Context-switching kills flow
Opening a separate dictation app, copying text, switching back to your editor. Every interruption costs you minutes of deep focus.
Built-in dictation is unreliable
macOS Dictation activates unexpectedly, misses technical terms, and lacks the accuracy developers need for code and prose.
Subscriptions add up
Most voice-to-text tools charge monthly fees that accumulate over time. Another recurring cost for a feature that should be simple.
The solution
VibeWhisper: hold a key, speak, done
A menu bar app that turns your voice into text in any focused field. No windows to manage. No clipboard workarounds.
- System-level push-to-talk that works in any application
- OpenAI Whisper for accurate, low-latency transcription
- Text injected directly via Accessibility API — no clipboard
- One-time purchase. No subscription overhead.
Hold shortcut Speak Text appears
Three-step workflow
Hold your configured shortcut key, speak naturally, release. Whisper transcribes your speech and injects it directly into the focused text field.
How it works
From install to transcription in under a minute
Four steps. No account creation. No cloud dashboard. Just a shortcut key and your voice.
1
Install and configure
Your ActionDownload VibeWhisper and enter your OpenAI API key. The key is stored securely in macOS Keychain — it never leaves your machine.
View details
- Download the app and move it to Applications
- Enter your OpenAI API key on first launch
- Grant Accessibility permissions when prompted
2
Set your shortcut
Your ActionConfigure a global push-to-talk key in the menu bar. Pick any key or combination that works for your workflow.
View details
- Click the VibeWhisper icon in the menu bar
- Choose your preferred push-to-talk shortcut key
- The shortcut works system-wide, in any application
3
Hold and speak
Your ActionPress and hold your shortcut key, speak naturally, then release. VibeWhisper captures your audio while the key is held.
View details
- Audio is captured only while the key is held down
- Speak at a natural pace — no need to slow down
- Release the key when you are done speaking
4
Text appears
AutomatedYour speech is sent to OpenAI Whisper for transcription and the result is injected directly into the focused text field via the macOS Accessibility API.
View details
- Audio is transcribed by OpenAI Whisper with low latency
- Text is inserted at the cursor position in any application
- No clipboard involvement — direct text injection
Built on
System-level integration Privacy-first Minimal overheadThe result
Voice-to-text that works everywhere. No app switching. No transcription window.
Hold a key, speak, release. Text appears at your cursor in any application on macOS.
Features
Everything a developer needs. Nothing more.
System-level voice-to-text built for macOS. One shortcut, one workflow, zero friction.
Input
Global Push-to-Talk Shortcut
Configurable system-level key binding that works in any application. Hold the shortcut to record, release to transcribe. No window switching required.
Transcription
OpenAI Whisper
Low-latency, accurate speech-to-text powered by OpenAI's Whisper API. Supports 99+ languages out of the box.
Integration
Accessibility API Text Injection
Text inserted directly into the focused text field via macOS Accessibility APIs. No clipboard hijacking, no paste shortcuts.
Security
Secure Keychain Storage
Your OpenAI API key is stored in macOS Keychain. It never leaves your machine and is never transmitted to VibeWhisper servers.
Interface
Menu Bar App
Lightweight menu bar presence. Always available, zero overhead. Configure your shortcut and API key, then forget about it.
Use cases
Built for how developers actually work
VibeWhisper fits into your existing workflow. No new apps to learn, no windows to manage.
Vibecoding with AI assistants
Dictate prompts, describe code changes, and narrate your intent to AI coding tools without breaking your flow.
Stay in your IDE while describing complex logic faster than typing
- Dictate multi-line prompts directly into Claude, Copilot, or Cursor
- Describe refactoring intent naturally while reviewing code
Writing documentation
Draft READMEs, API docs, and architecture notes by speaking your thoughts. Faster than typing, more natural than bullet points.
First drafts in a fraction of the time, directly in your editor
- Dictate into Markdown files, Notion, or any text editor
- Capture design decisions as you think through them
Drafting messages and emails
Compose Slack messages, emails, and PR descriptions by voice. VibeWhisper works in any text field across macOS.
Respond to messages without switching mental gears from your main task
- Dictate into Slack, Mail, Gmail, or any web form
- Quick replies without interrupting your workflow
Capturing quick notes
Jot down ideas, meeting notes, or to-dos by voice. Hold the shortcut, speak your thought, and it appears wherever your cursor is.
Capture thoughts before they disappear, without leaving your current context
- Voice-to-text in Obsidian, Apple Notes, or any note-taking app
- Zero friction from idea to written note
Works in any text field on macOS
VibeWhisper uses the macOS Accessibility API. If you can type in it, you can dictate into it.
Comparison
See the difference
Compare built-in macOS dictation and subscription tools to VibeWhisper's approach.
Without VibeWhisper
- macOS Dictation activates accidentally and interrupts your flow
- No push-to-talk control — dictation starts and stops unpredictably
- Poor accuracy with technical terms, code, and developer jargon
- Text goes to a dictation overlay, not directly into your focused field
- Subscription-based alternatives charge $10-20/month for similar features
Recommended
With VibeWhisper
- Explicit push-to-talk shortcut — you control when transcription happens
- OpenAI Whisper delivers accurate transcription of technical language
- Text injected directly into the focused field via Accessibility API
- Lightweight menu bar app with zero visual overhead
- One-time $19 purchase — no recurring fees, no account required
Bring your own API key
VibeWhisper uses your OpenAI API key directly. You pay OpenAI for usage at approximately $0.006 per minute of audio. No middleman markup.
Why not just use macOS Dictation?
Built-in dictation works for casual use, but developers need explicit control, better accuracy, and direct text injection.
- System-level integration that works in every macOS application
- Push-to-talk model gives you explicit control over when to dictate
- OpenAI Whisper for superior accuracy, especially with technical terms
- One-time purchase instead of yet another monthly subscription
Privacy & Security
Your data stays on your machine
VibeWhisper is privacy-first by design. No accounts, no cloud storage, no data collection.
API key in macOS Keychain
Your OpenAI API key is stored in the macOS Keychain, the same secure enclave used for passwords and certificates. Never transmitted to VibeWhisper servers.
Audio sent directly to OpenAI
Voice data is sent straight to the OpenAI Whisper API for transcription. VibeWhisper does not store, log, or process your audio on any intermediary server.
No telemetry on voice data
VibeWhisper does not collect analytics on what you say or transcribe. Your dictation content stays between you and OpenAI.
Open architecture
VibeWhisper uses standard macOS APIs (Accessibility, Keychain, CGEvent). No kernel extensions, no background daemons, no hidden processes.
How your data flows
VibeWhisper records audio only while you hold the shortcut key. The recording is sent directly to OpenAI's Whisper API using your own key. The transcribed text is injected into your focused text field. Nothing is stored or logged.
Audio recorded only while shortcut is held
Direct API call to OpenAI — no intermediary servers
Temporary audio buffer discarded after transcription
Pricing
One price. No subscription.
Buy once, use forever. No recurring fees, no usage limits from us.
One-Time Purchase
VibeWhisper
$19 one-time payment
No subscription. No recurring fees. Buy once, use forever.
- Lifetime license — no expiration
- All future updates included
- Global push-to-talk shortcut
- OpenAI Whisper transcription
- Accessibility API text injection
- Secure Keychain storage
- Lightweight menu bar app
Bring your own API key
VibeWhisper uses your OpenAI API key for Whisper transcription. You pay OpenAI directly — approximately $0.006 per minute of audio.
Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later
What You Get
- VibeWhisper macOS app
- Lifetime license with all future updates
- Global push-to-talk shortcut that works in any application
- OpenAI Whisper-powered transcription
What You Do
- Provide your own OpenAI API key (stored locally in Keychain)
- Pay OpenAI directly for Whisper API usage (~$0.006/min)
- Configure your preferred shortcut key
- Grant Accessibility permission on first launch
Start dictating in any app on macOS
One-time purchase. No subscription. No account required. Just a shortcut key and your voice.
Resources
Learn more
Guides, articles, and documentation to help you get started with VibeWhisper.
Getting Started
How to set up VibeWhisper on macOS
A step-by-step guide to installing VibeWhisper, configuring your OpenAI API key, and setting up your push-to-talk shortcut.
Use CaseUsing voice dictation for vibecoding
How developers are using VibeWhisper to dictate prompts to AI coding assistants like Claude, Copilot, and Cursor.
TechnicalHow Accessibility API text injection works
A technical overview of how VibeWhisper uses macOS Accessibility APIs to insert text directly into focused fields.
FAQVibeWhisper vs macOS built-in dictation
A detailed comparison of VibeWhisper's push-to-talk approach versus Apple's built-in dictation feature.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to the most common questions about VibeWhisper.
General
Common questions about VibeWhisper.
What is VibeWhisper?
VibeWhisper is a macOS menu-bar utility that gives you system-level push-to-talk voice-to-text. Hold a configurable shortcut key, speak, release — and the transcribed text is inserted directly into whatever text field you have focused, in any application.
How does it work?
When you press and hold your configured shortcut key, VibeWhisper captures audio from your microphone. When you release the key, the audio is sent to the OpenAI Whisper API for transcription. The resulting text is then injected into your currently focused text field using the macOS Accessibility API — no clipboard involved.
What makes it different from macOS built-in dictation?
VibeWhisper uses a push-to-talk model (hold to record, release to stop) instead of always-listening. It leverages OpenAI Whisper for higher accuracy across languages and accents. It works at the system level via Accessibility APIs, so text is injected directly into any focused field — no app switching, no transcription window. And it's built for developers who want explicit control over when dictation is active.
Pricing & API
Questions about pricing, your API key, and costs.
Why a one-time purchase instead of a subscription?
VibeWhisper is a utility, not a service. You buy the app once for $19 and own it forever, including all future updates. There are no recurring fees from us. You pay OpenAI directly for Whisper API usage at their rates.
How much does the OpenAI API cost?
OpenAI charges approximately $0.006 per minute of audio for Whisper transcription. A typical short dictation (15 seconds) costs a fraction of a cent. Even heavy daily use rarely exceeds a few cents per day.
Can I use my existing OpenAI API key?
Yes. VibeWhisper uses your own OpenAI API key. If you already have one, just paste it into the app settings. Your key is stored securely in macOS Keychain and is only used to communicate directly with the OpenAI API.
What happens if I lose access to my license?
Your purchase is tied to your order ID from Polar. You can re-validate your license at any time by entering your order ID in the app. If you have issues, contact support with your order confirmation email.
Technical
Setup, system requirements, and how things work under the hood.
What macOS versions are supported?
VibeWhisper requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later. It is built with Swift and native macOS APIs and runs as a lightweight menu bar application.
How does text injection work?
VibeWhisper uses the macOS Accessibility API to inject transcribed text directly into the focused text field. This is the same system-level API used by assistive technologies. It does not use the clipboard, so your clipboard contents are never overwritten.
Where is my API key stored?
Your OpenAI API key is stored in the macOS Keychain, the same secure storage used for passwords and certificates. The key never leaves your machine and is never transmitted to VibeWhisper servers.
Does it work with any text field?
VibeWhisper works with any text field that is accessible via the macOS Accessibility API. This covers the vast majority of native and web-based text inputs, including code editors, terminals, browsers, chat apps, and email clients.
Does it work offline?
No. VibeWhisper requires an internet connection to send audio to the OpenAI Whisper API for transcription. The audio is processed by OpenAI's servers and the result is returned to your machine.
Still have questions?
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