Dictation Guide
How to use offline dictation for notes on Mac.
Choose a local speech engine in Hibiscus, download its model, test a recording, and review the transcript before working offline.
7 days. No account or card required. macOS 14 or later.
Direct answer
How do you dictate notes offline on Mac?
Choose a local transcription engine, download any model it requires, open a note or system-wide capture window, dictate, then edit and organize the transcript locally.
- Pick a local engine
- Download its model
- Edit the transcript
Prepare while online
Install Hibiscus, start the trial, and allow microphone access when you decide to dictate. Open speech settings and check which local engines are available for your Mac and language.
Install the model
Download the model for the selected local engine and wait for setup to finish. Models use storage and hardware resources; requirements and performance vary by engine.
Test a short recording
Dictate a few sentences with names and terms from your work. Review the transcript and confirm a local engine is selected. Test again offline before depending on that setup away from a connection.
Capture a working note
Open a note or press ⇧⌘U, speak your thought, and save. Correct the transcript, add a heading, and file it with the relevant project.
Choose the next AI step
If you ask AI to tidy or summarize the transcript, choose a local text model for local processing. Offline dictation alone does not make a cloud AI request local. Periodic license checks still need a connection.
Clear answers
Common questions.
Do I download a model first?
Local transcription engines commonly require a model download before offline use.
Can I keep source audio?
Hibiscus supports files and media as note source material.
Can it work from another app?
Yes. Use the system-wide Quick Capture shortcut.
