Who is it for?
- Useful when you want dictation to run on your own computer without sending audio to the cloud.
- Useful for people on macOS, Windows or Linux who want one shortcut-driven dictation app.
Handy — Audio to Text
CJ Pais
Handy is an open-source dictation app that transcribes speech on your own computer and pastes the text into the field you are typing in.
Why it fits
| Good to know | Desktop |
|---|---|
| Free output | Yes |
| No account needed | — |
| No watermark | — |
| Works offline | Yes |
| Batch processing | — |
| Content language | — |
— Unverified conditions. Official documentation reviewed. The app itself has not been hands-on tested. Matches only documented content-language support, not interface language.
Sources and review date4
Founder feedback and correction
Editorial selection guide
Last checked:
Getting started
- Download the installer for your system from the download page, then allow microphone access and, on macOS, accessibility access.
- Pick a speech model at first launch, put the cursor in the target field, hold your shortcut and speak.
- Release the shortcut and check the pasted text for names and punctuation.
Decision points
- Choose it when local processing and an open-source licence matter more than cloud features.
- If you need meeting transcripts or file transcription rather than text pasted into an app, compare transcription services.
Limits
- Language coverage depends on the model: the docs describe Parakeet V3 for English and European languages and Whisper for 99+ languages.
- On macOS, Bluetooth headsets can reduce playback quality and fn/Globe shortcuts work only on Apple keyboards; Linux with Wayland needs extra tools for text input.
Frequently asked questions
Does Handy send my audio to the cloud?
The official site says your voice stays on your computer, and the docs state that all models run on the device.
Which systems can I install it on?
The download page lists macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel), Windows (x64 and ARM) and Linux (x64 and ARM) packages.