Voice Dictation for Accessibility
Accurate, reliable hands-free text input. Built with OpenAI Whisper and NVIDIA Parakeet, open source, and free — because tools that help people communicate shouldn't have a paywall.
View on GitHubWhen Typing Isn't an Option
For people living with RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or motor disabilities, typing can range from painful to impossible. The need to communicate through text doesn't go away — work emails, messages, documents, and forms still need to be written.
Most built-in dictation tools are mediocre at best. They misrecognize words frequently, require constant corrections (which means more typing), and often need an internet connection. Commercial alternatives like Dragon are expensive and limited to specific platforms.
OpenWhispr provides a different path: highly accurate voice-to-text powered by OpenAI Whisper and NVIDIA Parakeet, running locally on your computer, working in every application, on every major operating system, completely free.
How OpenWhispr Helps
Fewer misrecognitions means fewer corrections. OpenAI Whisper and NVIDIA Parakeet models deliver exceptional accuracy across accents, speaking speeds, and vocabulary — reducing the frustration of fixing transcription errors.
Hold a key to dictate (push-to-talk), or press once to start and once to stop (toggle mode). Toggle mode is especially helpful when holding a key is difficult or uncomfortable.
OpenWhispr pastes text via clipboard, so it works anywhere you can type: email, documents, messaging apps, web forms, code editors, social media. No special integrations needed.
All processing happens on your computer. No internet connection needed, no cloud dependency. It works reliably every time you need it, regardless of your network situation.
How People Use OpenWhispr
Managing RSI While Working Full-Time
Repetitive strain injuries don't mean you stop working — but they mean every keystroke costs something. OpenWhispr lets you compose emails, write documents, and respond to messages entirely by voice. Toggle mode means you don't need to hold anything down. The high accuracy of Whisper and Parakeet means you spend less time correcting and more time resting your hands. Whisper and Parakeet both run locally, so you always have reliable access.
Staying Productive with Motor Disabilities
When fine motor control is limited, a keyboard becomes a barrier instead of a tool. Voice dictation removes that barrier entirely. OpenWhispr works on macOS, Windows, and Linux, so it fits whatever setup you already have. And because it's free and open source, there's no financial barrier either.
Preventing Injury Before It Starts
You don't have to wait for pain to start using voice dictation. If you type for hours daily — writing, coding, emailing — alternating between keyboard and voice input can significantly reduce strain. OpenWhispr's push-to-talk hotkey makes it easy to switch between the two throughout the day.
Why OpenWhispr for Accessibility
Assistive technology shouldn't be gated behind a subscription. OpenWhispr's core features are free, always. The optional $8/mo Pro adds convenience features like auto-updates, not functionality.
Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Use whatever computer and operating system works best for you — OpenWhispr runs on all of them.
Your voice data never leaves your device. No cloud processing, no accounts, no data collection. Your conversations and documents stay yours.
The source code is on GitHub. If you need a specific feature or modification, the community can help — or you can build it yourself.
Learn more about OpenWhispr: offline voice-to-text (no internet required), Windows dictation, and email dictation. Or compare with other tools.
Try OpenWhispr
Download OpenWhispr and set up hands-free dictation in minutes. No account, no payment, no internet connection required.
Free forever · macOS, Windows, Linux · Works offline