Getting Started with VibeWhisper
A step-by-step guide to installing and configuring VibeWhisper on your Mac.
Getting Started
Welcome to VibeWhisper. This guide walks you through installation and first-time setup.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- macOS 14 (Sonoma) or later (Apple Silicon & Intel)
- An OpenAI API key (get one at platform.openai.com)
- Microphone access enabled in System Settings > Privacy & Security
Step 1: Install VibeWhisper
Download the VibeWhisper .dmg file, open it, and drag the app to your Applications folder.
Step 2: Enter Your OpenAI API Key
On first launch, VibeWhisper will ask for your OpenAI API key. The key is stored securely in macOS Keychain and never transmitted to VibeWhisper servers.
Step 3: Configure Your Shortcut
Open VibeWhisper from the menu bar and set your preferred push-to-talk shortcut key. This key works system-wide across all applications.
Step 4: Grant Accessibility Permission
VibeWhisper uses the macOS Accessibility API to inject transcribed text into the focused text field. When prompted, grant Accessibility access in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
Step 5: Start Transcribing
Hold your configured shortcut key, speak naturally, and release. The transcribed text appears in whatever text field is currently focused.
Next Steps
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About the Author
Indie Hacker, Full-Stack Developer & Founder of CodeCave GmbH
Aleksandar is the creator of VibeWhisper and founder of CodeCave GmbH. As a full-stack developer with years of experience building macOS applications, he is passionate about developer tools that remove friction from everyday workflows. He builds products he wants to use himself — and VibeWhisper was born from his own need for fast, reliable voice-to-text input while coding.