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Type & edit with your voice

You can use your voice to type and edit your document in Google Docs and your speaker notes and captions in Google Slides.

This feature works with the latest versions of:

When you turn on voice typing or captions, your web browser controls the speech-to-text service. It determines how your speech is processed and then sends the text to Google Docs or Google Slides.

Tip: If this feature is not enabled in your organization, it may have been turned off by your administrator .

Step 1: Turn on your microphone

To use voice typing or voice commands, your computer microphone needs to be on and working.

Devices and microphones vary, so check your computer manual for instructions. Microphone settings are typically in the System Preferences on a Mac, or the Control Panel on a PC.

Step 2: Use voice typing

Type with your voice, start voice typing in a document.

• Check that your microphone works.
• Open a document in Google Docs with a Chrome browser.

• When you're ready to speak, click the microphone.
• Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace (see below for more information on using punctuation).
• When you're done, click the microphone again.

Start voice typing in Slides speaker notes

• Open a presentation in Google Slides with a Chrome browser.

Correct mistakes while voice typing

• If you make a mistake while you're typing with your voice, you can move your cursor to the mistake and fix it without turning off the microphone.
• After you correct the mistake, move the cursor back to where you want to continue.
• To see a list of suggestions, right-click words underlined in gray.

Languages that work with voice typing

Voice typing works in these languages and accents:

Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Arabic (Algeria), Arabic (Bahrain), Arabic (Egypt), Arabic (Israel), Arabic (Jordan), Arabic (Kuwait), Arabic (Lebanon), Arabic (Morocco), Arabic (Oman), Arabic (Palestine), Arabic (Qatar), Arabic (Saudi Arabia), Arabic (Tunisia), Arabic (United Arab Emirates), Armenian, Azerbaijani, Bahasa Indonesia, Basque, Bengali (Bangladesh), Bengali (India), Bulgarian, Catalan, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Hong Kong), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English (Australia), English (Canada), English (Ghana), English (India), English (Ireland), English (Kenya), English (New Zealand), English (Nigeria), English (Philippines), English (South Africa), English (Tanzania), English (UK), English (US), Farsi, Filipino, Finnish, French, Galician, Georgian, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Italian, Italian (Italy), Italian (Switzerland), Japanese, Javanese, Kannada, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malayalam, Malaysian, Marathi, Nepali, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, Sinhala, Spanish, Spanish (Argentina), Spanish (Bolivia), Spanish (Chile), Spanish (Colombia), Spanish (Costa Rica), Spanish (Ecuador), Spanish (El Salvador), Spanish (Spain), Spanish (US), Spanish (Guatemala), Spanish (Honduras), Spanish (Latin America), Spanish (Mexico), Spanish (Nicaragua), Spanish (Panama), Spanish (Paraguay), Spanish (Peru), Spanish (Puerto Rico), Spanish (Uruguay), Spanish (Venezuela), Sundanese, Swahili (Kenya), Swahili (Tanzania), Swedish, Tamil (India), Tamil (Malaysia), Tamil (Singapore), Tamil (Sri Lanka), Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu (India), Urdu (Pakistan), Vietnamese, Zulu.

Add punctuation

• Exclamation point
• Question mark
• New paragraph

Step 3: Use voice commands

• Voice commands are available only in English. The account language and document language must both be English.
• Voice commands are not available in Slides speaker notes.

Select text

To select text, say these commands:

• Select [word or phrase]
• Select all matching text
• Select list item
• Select list items at current level
• Select next character
• Select next [number] characters
• Select last character
• Select last [number] characters
• Select line
• Select next line
• Select next [number] lines
• Select last line
• Select last [number] lines
• Select paragraph
• Select next paragraph
• Select next [number] paragraphs
• Select last paragraph
• Select last [number] paragraphs
• Select word
• Select next word
• Select next [number] words
• Select last word
• Select last [number] words
• Select none

Format your document

Text formatting.

• Apply heading [1–6]
• Apply normal text
• Apply subtitle
• Apply title
• Strikethrough
• Superscript

Text color and highlighting

• Text color [color]
• Highlight [color]
• Background color [color]
• Remove highlight
• Remove background color
• Decrease font size
• Increase font size
• Font size [6-400]
• Make bigger
• Make smaller

Paragraph formatting

• Decrease indent
• Increase indent
• Line spacing [1-100]
• Line spacing double
• Line spacing single
• Align center
• Align justified
• Align right
• Center align
• Right align
• Apply 1 column
• Apply 2 columns
• Apply 3 columns
• Column options
• Insert column break
• Create bulleted list
• Create numbered list
• Insert bullet
• Insert number
• Remove formatting
• Clear formatting
• Remove bold
• Remove italics
• Remove strikethrough
• Remove underline

Edit your document

To edit your document, say these commands:

• Delete last word
• Delete [word or phrase]
• Insert link [then say the URL you want to use]
• Delete link
• Insert table of contents
• Delete table of contents
• Update table of contents
• Insert comment [then say your comment]
• Insert bookmark
• Insert equation
• Insert footer
• Insert footnote
• Insert header
• Insert horizontal line
• Insert page break
• If you say "Delete" by itself, you delete the word before the cursor.
• If you select the text of a URL and say "Insert link," the selected text becomes a hyperlink.

Add and edit tables

To add and edit tables, say these commands:

• Insert table
• Insert table [1-20] rows by [1-20] columns
• Insert column
• Insert new column
• Insert new column on the left
• Insert new row
• Insert new row above
• Insert new row below
• Delete column
• Delete table
• Remove column
• Remove table

Move around your document

To move around your document, say these commands:

• Scroll down

Stop voice typing

Resume voice typing.

To move the cursor to the end of the paragraph and start voice typing again, say "Resume."

To move the cursor to the end of a particular word or phrase, say "Resume with [word or phrase]."

Here are all the commands you can say to resume voice typing:

• Resume with [word or phrase]
• Go to the end of the paragraph
• Move to the end of the paragraph
• Go to the end of the line
• Move to the end of the line
• Go to [word]

To open a list of voice commands in your document, say these commands:

• Voice typing help
• Voice commands list
• See all voice commands

To use these commands, turn on screen reader support . It's best to wear headphones so the screen reader feedback isn't typed into your document.

• Speak cursor location
• Speak from cursor location
• Speak selection
• Speak selection formatting
• Speak table row and column headers
• Speak table cell location
• Speak table column header
• Speak table row header

Troubleshoot

If voice typing isn't working, try these steps.

"We're having trouble hearing you"

If you see an error message that says "We're having trouble hearing you," try the following:

• Move to a quiet room.
• Plug in an external microphone.
• Adjust the input volume on your microphone.

The microphone isn't working

If you can't get the microphone to work on your computer, try the following:

• Make sure that the microphone isn't broken.
• Check your microphone settings in your computer system preferences.
• Check that your microphone is plugged in and is not being used by another application.
• Restart your computer.

Voice commands aren't working

If voice commands aren’t working, try the following:

• Speak more slowly and clearly
• Pause before and after each command. The text of your command might show in the document for a moment. For example, if you say "select all," the words "select all" show up before your text is selected.
• The microphone shows a bubble containing the most recent command. Verify that Docs or Slides heard the right command. If not, you can simply say "Undo."

Need more help?

Try these next steps:.

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How to Use Voice Typing on Google Docs on Mobile and Desktop

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

While Google Docs is primarily geared toward drafting formal letters, invites, meeting notes, and table of contents , you can also use it to jot down ideas or as a journal. To that end, Google Docs is quite feature-rich and supports features like Voice Typing which makes penning down thoughts more convenient.

The Voice Typing feature eliminates writer’s block by allowing users to jot down rough and unstructured ideas. You don’t have to waste your time thinking of writing perfect sentences – instead, you can just voice your thoughts, scattered as they may be. Here’s how to enable the feature and use it on your mobile and desktop.

Use Voice Typing on Google Docs on Mobile

The Google Docs mobile app lets you manage your documents on the go. The app lets you edit your documents and even save them as PDF files on your iPhone or Android phone. Let us see how you can use the Voice Typing feature with the mobile app.

iPhone users can simply use the Speech-to-Text feature available with the iOS Keyboard to use Google Docs’ Voice Typing feature. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Google Docs app and then open a new or previously created document.

Step 2: Tap on the page to bring up the keyboard. Then, tap the Microphone icon at the bottom-right corner.

Step 3: Start dictating the words, and Google Docs will convert the speech to text.

If you don’t see the Microphone icon, check if Voice Dictation has been enabled. Here’s how you can go about it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and then tap on General.

Step 2: Select Keyboard and tap the toggle next to Enable Dictation.

You can also enable Auto-Punctuation and tweak other aspects from the same menu.

If Dictation still fails to work, refer to our post for more solutions. Note that the solutions outlined in the guide will apply to all iPhones on all iOS versions.

Step 1: Open Google Docs and select a new or previously created document.

Step 2: Tap on the document area to enable the keyboard. Then tap the Microphone icon.

You can refer to our post if Dictation fails to work on your Android phone .

Use Voice Typing on Google Docs on Desktop

For desktop users, the Voice Typing feature comes built-in with Google Docs. However, it is only available for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge users on Mac and Windows PCs. Here’s how to enable and use it.

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to docs.google.com.

Visit Google Docs

Step 2: Sign in to your account and open a new or existing document.

Step 3: Click on Tools in the top Menu Bar and then select Voice Typing.

Step 4: Select the Microphone icon on the left side. Your browser will then prompt you to enable microphone access. Tap Allow.

You can also click the dropdown menu and select your preferred language.

And voila! You can now start using Voice Dictation on your Mac or Windows PC in Google Docs.

How to Use Punctuation and Formatting Styles With Voice Typing

The best part about voice typing on Google Docs is that you can also dictate and insert punctuation. This saves you the time of manual entry and correction. Once you enable the microphone, you can start voicing commands like “select all”, “bold”, “italics”, and more. There are a plethora of other voice commands available for voice typing. A word of caution, though: your dictated punctuation might not always get translated correctly. So, be patient while using the feature.

Use Microsoft Voice Typing Launcher For Google Docs on Windows 11

Windows 11 has a feature called Voice Typing Launcher (Microsoft Speech Services) that is designed to be used for voice typing. You can activate this feature to use voice typing on Google Docs or any other application. Before following the steps to enable it, make sure that you have installed the latest software update.

Step 1: Open Google Docs on your web browser and sign in to your account.

Step 2: Go to your document and press Windows key + H to enable Microsoft Speech Services.

Step 3: From the popup, click the Microphone icon to start using it.

You can click the Settings icon to make changes, including using a different microphone and enabling automatic punctuation. We tested the same on our end and the service introduced commas and full stops automatically, which is great.

You can also refer to our post if Voice Typing is not working on Windows 11 .

Use Dictation on Mac For Voice Typing on Google Docs

You can also use the Dictation feature on Mac to facilitate Voice Typing. It’s a built-in tool that lets you use speech-to-text in Google Docs. All the voice commands for using punctuation will work with this, too. You can refer to our post to learn how to use Dictation on Mac .

Rest Your Fingers

The Voice Typing option on Google Docs is a much-needed respite from endless typing sessions. The feature can also come in clutch when you need to take note of something while juggling other tasks. Let us know if you found this guide useful in the comments below.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 16 March, 2024

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs

Accessible and easy to use speech-to-text software

Speech-to-text software has come along way in recent years. We remember even a few years ago when voice typing required strange voices and mouth movements that looked like they belonged in a Saturday Night Live sketch. 

Today, however, more and more businesses are incorporating voice typing into their business operations. It can be an easy way to save time and increase the productivity of your employees and can be crucial in making your business accessible to persons with disabilities.

In this article, we explain how to use voice typing software on Google Docs. Although it is not the best speech-to-text software , it is free and easy to use, and will serve many businesses’ purposes.

How to use speech-to-text in Google Docs: Preparation

Google’s speech-to-text software currently only works on the Google Chrome browser. If you already use Chrome, you won’t need much preparation at all, and you won’t have to download or install any additional software or plugins. However, if you don’t have Chrome, you’ll have to download it via this link . 

The only other thing you’ll need to do before you can begin using Google’s speech-to-text software is to set up your microphone. Using the in-built microphone on your device will suffice most of the time, as Google’s dictation software has improved significantly in recent years.

However, if you’re planning on dictating a lengthy text, or plan on using Google’s dictation software every day, we’d consider investing in a high-quality microphone. An external microphone will enable Google to interpret your voice more easily and can be placed in an optimal location.

Once you’ve downloaded Chrome and prepared a microphone , you’re ready to go.

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Step 1: Open a new Google Docs file

Open Google Chrome on your device and head to the Google Docs website. If you’re not currently logged into your Google account, go ahead and log in now. 

After you’ve logged in, create a new Google Doc. For our test, we named it “Speech-to-text in Google Docs - Test”. Ensure you save the article in a location where you’ll be able to access it later (to either edit or delete it).

Step 2: Open the voice typing window

Within this blank document, you should be able to see the menu options at the top of the window. To begin voice typing, click on the Tools menu option and then Voice Typing. You can also open the Voice Typing window by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S.

Step 3: Grant Google Docs access to the microphone

If you’ve never used Google’s speech-to-text software before, you’ll need to grant the platform access to your microphone. On Google Chrome, this is a simple as clicking “allow” when prompted. 

Once you’ve clicked “allow”, the microphone symbol will change to red. Congratulations –you’re now using voice typing!

Step 4: Begin voice typing

With the microphone symbol changed to red, you can now begin speaking in a natural voice and watch as Google transcribes your voice to text. Unlike with older speech-to-text software, there’s no need to speak robotically, or at a comically slow pace. Google’s dictation software is designed to understand natural speech. Our only suggestion is to clearly enunciate lengthier or more complicated words, as these are where the software most often struggles. 

Following these four steps alone will enable you to begin voice typing, saving time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere. After playing around with the software, you’ll quickly become comfortable with it and develop your own strategies for accurate and reliable transcription.

However, if you want to take your voice typing to the next level, read on to discover some of Google’s advanced voice commands.

Step 5: Voice commands

Google Docs also features several voice commands that enable you to create professional documents using only your voice. We’ll now explore a few of the most useful commands, but you can find the full list here .

The voice commands you’ll use most often are mostly self-explanatory. Saying the command “period” will insert a period into your document, while saying “bold” or “italic” will change the style of text correspondingly. 

Formatting is also simple using commands such as “insert page break”, “insert horizontal line”, or “insert heading”, among many others. 

Users can also change the text color by saying “text color (insert color)”. 

Developing a mastery of these voice commands enables you to make the most of Google’s speech-to-text software, and ensures you and your employees can work faster and more effectively when voice typing. 

Voice typing software has improved dramatically in recent years. In the past, businesses had to invest in expensive dictation software if they wanted a functional voice typing experience. And even then, there were limits on what such software could achieve. 

Today, Google’s voice to text software enables businesses to incorporate voice typing into their operations free of charge. The software certainly isn’t the best available, but for most organizations, Google’s voice typing will more than suffice. We think that the extensive list of voice commands make the software appealing for employers and employees alike. 

• We list the best text-to-speech software .

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Google Docs Voice Typing – How to Use Speech-to-Text in a Google Doc

Speech-to-Text is a really useful accessibility tool if typing is difficult for you. Or you can also use it if you like to think out loud and transcribe what you say.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to use speech-to-text in Google Docs. Do note, though, that this feature is available only if you're using Google's Chrome browser.

How to Activate the Speech-to-Text Tool

You can activate speech-to-text from the Tools menu – it is the fourth menu item from the bottom. Or you can use the Ctrl+Shift+S (on Windows) or Command+Shift+S (on Mac) shortcut to activate it.

This will open a little tab with a microphone and a dropdown menu.

You can drag it around with the three horizontal dots at the top. Next to those dots you can click the X to close it. Just below you'll see the dropdown menu where you can change languages (and it shows what language is currently set). Then below that there's the big square button with a grey microphone in the middle.

If you want to change the language setting for the Voice Typing tool, you need to use the drop down menu. It will let you choose between many languages. Just select the language you prefer, and you are ready to start using it.

How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs

You can start voice typing by clicking on the microphone button. When it's activated, it will become red.

If you get an alert from Google Docs asking for permission to use your microphone, go ahead and grant permission or you will not be able to use voice typing.

Now, start speaking, and Google Docs will transcribe what you say. You need to speak clearly and not too quickly for better results.

While Google is interpreting what you have said there will be a pattern of little squares shown where the words will appear after it has finished elaborating.

Voice Commands

Writing a document often includes editing and formatting. Voice commands allow you to do all the editing and formatting using only your voice.

Voice commands are available only for the English language. When you say certain words and phrases, like "move to the end of the line" or "select paragraph", those actions will be executed.

You can find the whole list of available commands by saying "voice commands list", or in the Google Docs guide article with the complete list of available voice commands .

Voice Typing and Voice Commands in action

Voice typing, or speech-to-text, is a useful accessibility tool. I hope this article has taught you how to use it, and you will be able to write with less typing!

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We couldn't find what you are looking for, voice typing: transcribe audio using google docs.

A quick and easy way to convert audio to text.

Learn to convert audio to text using Google Docs.

This lesson will teach you to use the Voice Typing feature in Google Docs as a quick audio to text converter. It can help you improve your workflow by transcribing things like interviews and voice notes. 

Activate Voice Typing in Google Docs.

Begin transcribing your audio., troubleshooting poor audio quality., how to add punctuation., learn more about voice typing..

For more Fundamentals lessons, visit:  https://newsinitiative.withgoogle.com/training/course/fundamentals

Step 1 To activate Voice Typing in Google Docs, open a new or existing document and select Tools > Voice typing. A small floating box with a microphone icon will pop up.

Step 2 At the top of the box, a drop down menu lets you select the language you want to transcribe, including many variants of English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic.

Step 3 To move the box to a convenient spot while you work, left-click on the top of the box and drag it.

Step 1 Once you've chosen a language, click the microphone and start speaking. Voice Typing will transcribe whatever is coming through your computer microphone.

Step 2 If you recorded an interview with your phone or a traditional recorder, hold it close to the computer microphone for playback. If the recording is clear enough, Voice Typing should be able to transcribe most of it with few typing mistakes.

Step 3 To pause the transcription, click the microphone. It will turn black to show that it’s paused.

If the recording is not clear, you can try plugging in your headphones and listening to the audio recording yourself. As you listen, repeat the words back to the computer in a clearer way. Voice Typing should be able to transcribe it.

You can use these phrases to add punctuation to your text: period, comma, exclamation point, question mark, new line, and new paragraph. The punctuation function works with a few selected languages, including German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, and Portuguese.

For help using Voice Typing or to learn more techniques, hover over the microphone box until a question mark appears, then click it.  

Congratulations!

You completed “Voice Typing: Transcribe audio using Google Docs.”

To continue building your digital journalism skills and work toward Google News Initiative certification, go to our  Training Center  website and take another lesson.

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How-To Geek

How to use voice typing in google docs.

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Google Docs lets you use voice typing to dictate using your computer's microphone . It's great for people who suffer from a repetitive strain injury, or for those who just don't like typing. Here's how to use Voice Typing in Google Docs.

Note:  Voice Typing is only available for use in Google Docs and the speaker notes of Google Slides, and only if you're using Google Chrome.

The first thing you're going to want to do is to make sure you have a microphone installed and working.

Once your microphone is set up, fire up Chrome and head on over to Google Docs . Alternatively, from the address bar in Chrome, type

to start a new document instantly.

Enabling Voice Typing

To activate Voice typing, click Tools > Voice Typing. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+S in Windows or Command+Shift+S in macOS.

A window with a microphone icon will appear; click on it when you're ready to dictate. You can move the tool out of the way by clicking and dragging the window wherever you want.

Note: The first time using Voice Typing, you'll need to grant Chrome permissions to use your microphone.

If Voice Typing doesn't automatically load your native tongue, click the three dots and then use the Language drop-down to select from over 100 languages and dialects.

Speak clearly in your normal volume and at your normal pace so the tool can understand what you're saying. Everything you say now appears in the body of your document. If it's having trouble understanding you, make sure you have selected the correct dialect in the languages menu.

Voice typing processes your voice in real-time. When you finish speaking, click the microphone again to stop listening.

Adding Punctuation

Voice typing even understands when you want to add punctuation to your document if you use these phrases:

• Exclamation mark
• Question mark
• New Paragraph

So, for example, you could say "Dictating in Google Docs is easy and fun period You can even..."

Note:  Punctuation only works in German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian.

Using Voice Commands

Using voice typing doesn't end with the ability to type words and add punctuation. You can use it to edit and format text and paragraphs inside your document without having to click anything in the toolbar.

Note:  Voice commands are only available in English for Google Docs; they are not available in Slides speaker notes. Both the account and document language must be English.

If you mess up and accidentally say something you want to be deleted, you can say "Delete" or "backspace" to remove the word before the cursor.

Here are some other useful commands to get you started being more productive and making the most out of Voice Typing:

• Selecting text: Select [word, phrase, all, next line, next paragraph, next word, last word]"
• Format your document:  Apply Heading [1-6], apply normal text, Bold, italicize, italics, underline
• Change font size:  Decrease font size, increase font size, font size [6-400], make bigger, make smaller
• Edit your document:  Copy, cut, paste, delete [word or phrase], insert [table of contents, bookmark, equation, footer, header, page break]
• Move around your document:  Go to start/end of [line, paragraph, column, row, document], move to next/previous [character, word, page, column, heading, line, misspelling, paragraph, row]

The number of voice commands almost seems endless, and you can find a full list by clicking the question mark in the tool's window or by saying "Voice commands list."

When you've finished with your document and no longer want voice typing to pick up any of the words you're saying, say "Stop listening."

Voice Typing and speech-to-text have come a long way in recent years and with the number of features, commands, and greater accuracy, you could use it to type all your notes---or even a whole document.

Voice Typing also helps people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or otherwise experience pain when typing. Once you've mastered all the commands, you may never have to use a keyboard or mouse when typing up a document again!

• Google Docs

How to Use Speech-to-Text in Google Docs

• Last updated May 23, 2023

Speech-to-Text in Google Docs is one of the simplest and most efficient ways to increase productivity and save time when you’ve got lengthy articles to type. The text will be automatically transcribed when you speak directly into your document!

Here, we’ll show you how to “voice type” on Google Docs to save yourself time and energy.

Table of Contents

Using Speech-To-Text on Google Docs: Step-By-Step Guide

Before using this feature, ensure that you have either a built-in or external microphone attached to your device. For the best experience, use a high-quality external microphone in a quiet environment.

Step 1 : From the menu bar on the top, click  “Tools”  > “Voice typing”  from the drop-down menu.

Step 2 : Click on the floating microphone icon on your screen. Alternatively, you can use the Speech-to-Text Google Docs shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + S  to turn on the microphone.

Step 3 : Once the microphone turns red, start speaking into it. The microphone is “on” as long as it remains red. To turn it off, simply click on the microphone icon again.

S tep 4 : If Google Docs requires access to your microphone, click on the icon in the address bar, select your microphone, and click  “Done.”

Speech-to-Text Google Docs Shortcuts

Besides the voice typing feature, various Google voice commands  perform useful Speech-to-Text tasks in Google Docs. Let’s go over the basic ones:

Related: To hone your writing voice, why not sign up for a Masterclass  taught by expert authors?

General Commands for Voice-to-Text

1. Click on the microphone icon and say “New paragraph .” Google Docs will start a new paragraph in your document.

2. “New line”  will start a new line in your Google Doc.

3. Say “Comma” or “Period” to add punctuation wherever required.

4. To select a word or a phrase in a sentence, say “Select” followed by the phrase or word.

5. To select a sentence, just say, “Select,”  and read the sentence you want. For example, I said, “Select Google Docs Speech-to-Text feature is pretty cool,” and Google Docs selected the intended sentence correctly.

6. To unselect a sentence, simply say, “Unselect,”  and read the desired sentence.

7. Say, “Select next line,” and Google Docs will do so. You can select items and paragraphs by doing the same thing (e.g., “select next paragraph,” “select next table.”).

Editing Commands for Speech-to-Text

Use this feature to edit your document in Google Docs.

1. Voice-select the text you want to remove, then say either “Delete” or “Backspace.”

2. To undo what you’ve just done, simply say “Undo.”

3. To copy and paste a sentence, voice-select the text and say, “Copy.”   Unselect the sentence by saying, “New paragraph, paste.”

5. To insert a table, simply say,  “Insert table 5 by 5.”

6. To insert more rows or columns, just say,  “Insert new row”  or “Insert new column.”

Related : How to find and replace text in Google Docs

Formatting Commands Using Dictation on Google Docs

Here are some of the commands to use to format your document:

1. Say “Select” the words you want to format, and  “Bold,” “Underline,” or “Italics.”

2. To apply headers, select the intended phrase or sentence and say,  “Apply Heading 1.”  You can do the same for Headings 2 and 3.

3. To change text color, say “Select,” the selection you want to be changed, and  “Text color green.”

4. To change font size, select the text and say,  “Make bigger”  or “Make smaller”  (as per your requirements). This will incrementally increase or decrease the font size by one point.

5. To create a bullet point list, select the intended text and say,  “Create bullet point list.”

6. To align text, select the intended text and say, “Align right,” “Align left,”  or  “Center”  (as per your requirements).

7. To clear formatting, select the intended text and say, “Clear formatting.”

Related : How to do a hanging indent on Google Docs

How to Do Voice-To-Text on Other Devices

Google Docs web and mobile can be used similarly on all devices. In fact, you can follow the steps above for the same results.

To use Speech-to-Text in the Google Docs mobile app, use your phone’s built-in keyboard. Most phones have built-in keyboards that support voice typing on Google Docs.

Additional Voice-to-Text Option for macOS

An additional option for macOS is the macOS built-in dictation on Google Docs. Enable dictation in the System Preferences and then use the shortcut key to start dictating text directly within Google Docs.

Tips to Ensure the Best Dictation on Google Docs

To enhance your voice-to-text results in Google Docs:

• Use a high-quality microphone for improved transcription.
• Speak reasonably to ensure the algorithm grasps your words and commands.
• Be patient: You may need to repeat yourself.
• Practice dictating commands in Google Docs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i use microphone in google docs.

The toolbar at the top of Google Docs lets you turn on the microphone by selecting “Tools” > “Voice typing.”

You can also use the CTRL+SHIFT+S  shortcut on Windows and CMD+SHIFT+S  on macOS. The browser may need your authorization to utilize the microphone.

Can You Use Speech-to-Text on Google Docs for Mac?

Yes, you can use voice-to-text in Google Docs for Mac. However, it will only work if you’re using Google Docs on Chrome. You may have to download Google Chrome on your device.

How to Enable Text-to-Speech Features with Google Docs on Chrome OS?

To enable the Speech-to-Text feature in Google Docs, follow the listed steps:

• Open the Google Docs document
• In the top menu bar, navigate to “Tools” > “Accessibility”  (at the bottom of the list).
• Check  “Turn on screen reader support” and save the settings by clicking “OK.”

How Do I Turn on Speech-to-Text in Google Docs?

To enable Speech-to-Text in Google Docs, follow these steps:

• Open Google Docs.
• In the menu bar, navigate to “Tools” > “Voice typing.”  A microphone button will now appear on your screen.
• Click on the microphone icon to turn it on.
• Once turned on, the microphone icon will turn red.
• You can start transcribing your speech without clicking on the microphone icon every time you want to transcribe or give a command, as long as the microphone icon remains red.
• However, if you need to turn the microphone off and on again, you will need to click on the microphone icon each time to do so.

Why Does My Google Docs Not Offer Voice Typing?

If Google Docs voice typing doesn’t work on a Mac or Windows PC, the following factors may be to blame:

• Microphone access isn’t enabled in Google Docs.
• Your Google Docs’ microphone settings are incorrect.
• You’re using an older Chrome browser version.
• You have an excessive browser cache/data accumulation.
• The internet connection is unstable.

Final Thoughts

Using Speech-to-Text in Google Docs is a game-changer for those who struggle with typing. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can easily start using this feature and enjoy its benefits.

Did you know that Canva has an AI-powered feature called Magic Write  that can help generate effective content quickly and easily? It’s a fantastic tool for streamlining the writing process! Start creating incredible copy today!

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Type, edit and format with your voice in Docs — no keyboard needed!

Feb 24, 2016

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Check out the full list of commands in our Help Center or simply say “Voice commands help” when you’re voice typing.

It’s a quick and easy way to get ideas out of your head, and into a doc. So try out Voice typing (and editing and formatting) today!

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When I struggle to write, I change something–I stretch or walk, stand instead of sit, or vice versa.

Sometimes I talk instead of type. I configure speech-to-text software to capture my voice, then just talk. I often end up with a bunch of text to edit. I find talking to be an excellent alternative to typing to capture not yet fully formed ideas.

Fortunately, I write with Google Docs, so there are several tools I can use to turn my voice into text.

Android: Google Voice Typing

The best voice recognition tool for Google Docs, Google Voice Typing ( Figure A ), used to be found only on Android devices. Install the Google Docs app, open a document, and tap the microphone icon located to the left of the space bar on the on-screen keyboard. Then talk. Google Voice Typing turns your speech into text.

On Android, Google Voice Typing turns speech into text accurately and quickly.

Chrome os: on-screen keyboard.

Google also includes speech recognition in Chrome OS as an accessibility option ( Figure B ). To enable it, select the three-line menu, choose Settings, scroll to the bottom of the page, and select Show advanced settings. Look for the Accessibility option to enable the on-screen keyboard. When the keyboard displays, select the microphone displayed above the on-screen keyboard to activate speech recognition.

On Chromebooks, enable the on-screen keyboard to access the built-in Chrome OS speech recognition system.

Google docs on the web: add-on.

A third-party Add-on for Google Docs on the web also enables Speech Recognition ( Figure C ). Unlike the on-screen keyboard, the Add-on works only within a Google Doc; the Chrome OS on-screen keyboard works with all text fields.

In Google Docs on the web, use the third-party Speech Recognition Add-on.

To install the Speech Recognition Add-on, open a Google Doc, choose Add-ons, and then select Get add-ons. Next, search for Speech, then choose the + Free button to add it. Every time you want to start voice recognition, go to the Add-ons menu, choose Speech Recognition, and click Start. A sidebar will appear to the right of your document. Choose your language and dialect, select the blue Start button, and then start talking.

Apple and Windows systems

Apple devices and Microsoft Windows systems also offer speech recognition options. Dictation on Apple mobile devices works much like Google Voice Typing on Android: tap the microphone to the left of the keyboard, then talk ( Figure D ). On Mac OS devices, turn on Dictation . Microsoft’s speech recognition system requires a settings change, followed by a brief training session for the system to learn your voice in Windows 7 , 8/8.1 , and 10 .

Apple also offers Dictation, which provides speech recognition on iOS that works with the Google Docs app.

Tip: say the symbol.

For accurate punctuation, say the symbol. These systems recognize common punctuation marks and terms. For example, take the following two sentences:

“In November 1660, 12 people met at Gresham College in London to talk about a common interest: science. The group met often to discuss experiments and share ideas, and it eventually evolved into what we now know as the Royal Society.”

To properly capture and punctuate these sentences, you’d say:

“In November 1660 comma 12 people met at Gresham College in London to talk about a common interest colon science period The group met often to discuss experiments and share ideas comma and it eventually evolved into what we now know as the Royal Society period”

Note how you use the terms comma, colon, and period. Terms like “new paragraph” also work.

Tip: On a Chromebook, a headset helps

I tested the control sentences above on my Toshiba Chromebook 2 with the built-in microphone and then with a Logitech G330 USB headset. I also tested the phrases with both the native Chrome OS speech recognition system and the third-party Google Docs Add-on.

When I used the headset, accuracy improved ( Figure E ). With the headset, the Chrome OS speech recognition system captured the phrases with 100% accuracy. Google Voice Typing in a Google Doc on a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 for the same phrases also achieved 100% accuracy without a headset.

Use a headset with a Chromebook to improve the accuracy of speech recognition.

Why do you use speech-to-text tools.

While I use speech-to-text to capture ideas, a colleague of mine uses speech-to-text to reply to email and texts. He doesn’t like typing on tiny touch screen keyboards, so he dictates his responses. He relies on the speech recognition software to get the message right. Most of the time, it does.

Speech recognition also helps people who experience pain when typing to communicate. A person I know with carpal tunnel syndrome chooses to talk instead of type whenever possible.

Have you tried Google’s speech recognition systems on your Chromebook or Android device? Where–and why–do you use speech-to-text tools? Let us know in the discussion thread below.

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How to use voice typing in Google Docs to dictate your text

• To use voice typing in Google Docs, turn on voice typing, click the microphone icon, then start speaking.
• This accessibility feature is only available on Google Docs and Slides and must be used with a Chrome browser.
• A working microphone is also necessary to use voice typing.

Voice typing is a helpful accessibility tool that's available on Google Docs and in Google Slides speaker notes. It's a feature that's only available in Chrome browsers, and some aspects (like voice commands for editing, formatting, and punctuation) are only available in certain languages . 

Here's how to use voice typing in Google Docs. 

How to use voice typing in Google Docs

1. Open a Google Doc in Google Chrome.

2. On the toolbar, click Tools , then Voice typing .

3. When you're ready to start voice typing, click the microphone icon in the left margin.

4. Speak clearly, using a typical volume and pace (not too loud or soft, and not too fast or slow).

5. When you're finished, click the microphone icon again.

How to use voice commands

There are a variety of voice commands that you can use to edit and format your document when voice typing. Here are a few basic ones to know. 

• To select text: Say phrases like "select [word or phrase]," "select all," or "select line."
• To format text: Say phrases like "bold," "italicize," or "underline." There are also commands for font size ("decrease font size," "increase font size"), alignment ("align center," "align justified," "align left," "align right"), and more.
• To edit your document: Say phrases like "copy," "cut," "paste," "insert header," or "insert page break."

How to edit voice typing in Google Docs

If you need to correct a mistake while voice typing, move your cursor to where the mistake is located and add in any text you may have forgotten by speaking. You can also highlight any mistakes and speak to type over them.

If there are any words or phrases underlined in gray that are incorrect, right-click to see a list of suggestions from Google Docs.

Say "delete" to delete the word right before the cursor.

• Main content

Speech to Text on Google Docs

Featured In

Table of contents, getting started with google docs voice typing, using voice commands, on windows and mac, tips for better transcription, formatting with voice commands, top 5 speech-to-text apps, speechify speech api, troubleshooting.

If you've ever wished you could simply speak and have your words magically appear on the screen, then Google Docs' voice typing feature is here to make that dream a reality. I’m going to walk you through how to use this powerful tool, step-by-step, in a smart casual yet educational tone.

First things first, you need to open Google Docs in your Chrome browser. This functionality works best in Google Chrome, so make sure you're using that.

• Open Google Docs. If you don't have a Google account, you'll need to create one. Once you're logged in, open a new document.
• Go to the "Tools" menu in the top bar and select "Voice typing…". A microphone icon will appear on the left side of your document.
• Click on the microphone icon to start speaking. Make sure your microphone is enabled and functioning correctly.
• Start speaking clearly in your preferred language. Google’s voice typing supports multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and many more. The tool will transcribe your speech in real-time.

Google Docs' voice typing feature isn’t just about transcribing your speech. You can also use voice commands to format your document. Here are some handy commands you can use:

• New line : Moves the cursor to a new line.
• New paragraph : Starts a new paragraph.
• Comma , period , question mark : Inserts the respective punctuation marks.
• Bold , italics , underline : Applies the formatting to the selected text.
• Select paragraph : Selects the current paragraph.
• Go to end of line : Moves the cursor to the end of the current line.

You can even say "right-click" to bring up the context menu or use "ctrl+shift+s" as a keyboard shortcut for additional speech-to-text options.

Voice Typing on Different Devices

The voice typing feature works seamlessly on both Windows and Mac systems as long as you're using the Chrome browser. The process is the same: open Google Docs, activate voice typing, and start speaking.

For those on Android devices, the process is equally straightforward. Open Google Docs via the Google Drive app, tap on the document to start editing, and use the built-in voice typing feature on your keyboard.

To ensure high-quality transcription:

• Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
• Use a good quality microphone.
• Avoid background noise.

One of the standout features of Google Docs' voice typing is its ability to handle formatting commands. For example:

• Say "comma" to insert a comma.
• Say "new paragraph" to start a new paragraph.
• Say "underline" before and after the word you want to underline.

This functionality helps streamline your workflow, allowing you to dictate not only the text but also the formatting, which can be a huge time-saver.

• Google Docs Voice Typing : Google Docs offers built-in speech recognition through its Voice Typing feature. Simply select Voice Typing from the dropdown menu under Tools to start dictation and convert your speech to text effortlessly.
• Microsoft Dictate : Microsoft Dictate is an add-on for Office applications, utilizing advanced voice recognition technology to transcribe spoken words into text. It integrates seamlessly with Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, enabling efficient dictation .
• Otter.ai : Otter.ai provides real-time speech recognition and transcription services. It's ideal for meetings, lectures, and notes, offering high accuracy and the ability to integrate with Google Slides for live captioning.
• Dragon Anywhere : Dragon Anywhere by Nuance offers professional-grade speech recognition for mobile devices. It allows continuous dictation and voice commands to edit and format text, making it perfect for on-the-go users in Canada and beyond.
• Speechnotes : Speechnotes is a user-friendly speech-to-text app that provides accurate dictation and voice recognition . With easy access via a pop-up or dropdown menu , it’s great for quick transcriptions and note-taking.

These apps utilize advanced speech recognition technology to make dictation easy and efficient, whether you're using Google Slides , Microsoft applications, or other platforms.

The Speechify Text to Speech API is a powerful tool designed to convert written text into spoken words, enhancing accessibility and user experience across various applications. It leverages advanced speech synthesis technology to deliver natural-sounding voices in multiple languages, making it an ideal solution for developers looking to implement audio reading features in apps, websites, and e-learning platforms.

With its easy-to-use API, Speechify enables seamless integration and customization, allowing for a wide range of applications from reading aids for the visually impaired to interactive voice response systems.

If the voice typing feature isn't working:

• Check your microphone settings : Ensure your microphone is properly connected and enabled in Chrome.
• Clear browser cache : Sometimes, clearing your browser’s cache can resolve minor issues.
• Update Chrome : Make sure you’re using the latest version of Google Chrome.

Google Docs' voice typing feature is a powerful tool that can enhance your productivity by allowing you to transcribe your speech quickly and accurately. Whether you're using it for personal notes, business documents, or academic papers, this feature is versatile and easy to use. By incorporating voice commands, you can further streamline your workflow and focus on your content rather than the mechanics of typing.

Give it a try and see how it transforms your document creation process. Whether you're on Windows, Mac, or Android, Google Docs' voice typing is a game-changer for anyone looking to use speech-to-text technology.

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Cliff Weitzman is a dyslexia advocate and the CEO and founder of Speechify, the #1 text-to-speech app in the world, totaling over 100,000 5-star reviews and ranking first place in the App Store for the News & Magazines category. In 2017, Weitzman was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list for his work making the internet more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Cliff Weitzman has been featured in EdSurge, Inc., PC Mag, Entrepreneur, Mashable, among other leading outlets.

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How to Use Speech-to-Text in Google Docs on the Web

What to Know About Using Voice Typing in Google Docs

Before you can  start using speech-to-text in Google Docs, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Microphone access: You should have a microphone installed on your PC or laptop. Any microphone will do the job as long as it can record your voice clearly with utmost clarity. So you will get better output and spend less time editing the content.
• Use a compatible browser:  Google Chrome works the best, but you can use any browser as this feature does not require any extension. But in our testing, Voice Typing in Google Docs did not work on Brave and Mozilla Firefox.
• Supported Languages: Voice Typing supports a wide range of languages; you can find the full list from Google here . So, as long as you speak in a supported language, Google Docs will detect it and transcribe what you are saying to text. 

The speech-to-text feature in Google Docs is not linked to the language you use on your PC. Google’s servers process your voice. This also means you must have access to an active internet connection while using voice typing in Google Docs. On Android and iPhone, this feature relies on your phone’s keyboard language. 

We will also recommend using Grammarly in Google Docs to quickly rectify transcription and grammatical errors that might occur when using speech-to-text.

Use Voice Commands for Editing and Formatting in Google Docs

Voice typing in Google Docs can do more than transcribe what you say. It also supports voice commands, enabling you to edit and format text using your voice. Note that voice commands are only available in English. The feature won’t work if the account and document language are not in English.

• Basic punctuation: While voice typing in Google Docs, you can use phrases like “New Line” or “New paragraph” to break up your content. You can also say “period,” “comma,” “exclamation point,” or “question mark” to add them to your content. 
• Selecting Text: To select the typed words via voice command, you can use commands like “select [word or phrase],” “select all,” “select all matching text,” etc.
• Text formatting: For formatting a document, you can use voice commands like “apply heading [1–6],” “apply normal text,” “apply subtitle,” “bold,” etc.
• Text color and highlighting: You can use voice commands like Text color [color], Highlight, Highlight [color], Background color [color], Remove highlight, etc.
• Font size: Increase font size, decrease font size, Font size [6-400], make bigger or smaller.
• Editing document: To edit a document, you can use phrases like copy, cut, paste, delete, delete the last word, insert table of contents, delete table of contents, etc.

Apart from these basic voice commands for editing text, there are plenty of other voice commands that you can use. Check out Google’s guide to voice typing to know about them. You can combine these commands with the ‘Help me write’ feature in Google Docs . 

• Go to Google Docs and create a new document or open an existing one.

During our testing, we noticed that Google Docs ignored much of the punctuation; instead, it was added as text in the document. For instance, when we said new paragraph, it didn’t create a new paragraph but added the exact words. The solution to this problem is to say your punctuation quickly. So Google will consider them as punctuation, not phrases for voice typing.

Save Time with Voice Typing

While voice typing sounds impressive, it may not be easy to use. You will have to get used to it, adapt how to say, and learn the voice commands. Initially, you might struggle to use speech-to-text in Google Docs. But keep using the feature, and you will soon be able to make voice typing one of the primary ways to edit your documents. 

Remember, voice typing has limitations, and features such as changing background, customizing margins, and creating mind maps in Google Docs will not work with it. 

A: Voice typing and speech-to-text are similar technologies for converting spoken words into text. However, both technologies are used in a slightly different context. For instance, voice typing allows users to enter text on their device by speaking on the other side. Speech-to-text is a linguistic technology that uses speech recognition to convert spoken language into text.

A: Currently, Google Docs cannot convert audio files into text. However, users can use the Voice typing feature to complete the job. For this, you need two devices – A computer with a microphone and a smartphone with the audio file. You must play the audio file on your phone, let the microphone record the audio, and type it. However, while doing so, you may encounter formatting issues.

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How to Use Speech-To-Text in Google Docs

If you prefer to speak than type, you can use speech-to-text in Google Docs to create a document without touching your keyboard. This guide explains how.

If you’re writing a long document, you don’t need to type to get the words down on your page. Instead, you could use speech-to-text tools to convert your thoughts into written words instead.

Google Docs has built-in speech-to-text functionality that you can use to create documents quickly. Rather than slowly typing, you can quickly talk your way through your document.

If you’re unsure how to use speech-to-text in Google Docs, follow the steps below.

Before Using Speech-to-Text in Google Docs

Before using speech-to-text in Google Docs, you’ll need to prepare your PC, Mac, or Chromebook by doing two things.

1. Check Your Microphone Settings

First, you’ll need to make sure you have a working microphone. For clarity, it’s a good idea to use a microphone that can record clear speech without background interference. Interference could make it difficult for Google Docs to pick up on the words you’re saying. This, in turn, makes the transcription process harder for Google Docs.

If you have a Windows 11 PC, you can test your microphone in the Windows 11 settings menu and make sure your input volume is high enough to pick up your speech. Similar tools are available for Mac and Chromebook users too. If you have trouble with speech-to-text, ensure your environment is quiet enough to work in.

2. Download Google Chrome

Secondly, you should make sure you’re using the Google Chrome browser. Speech-t0-text in Google Docs will only work in Google Chrome. If you don’t have it, you’ll need to download and install Google Chrome first.

How to Type Using Your Voice in Google Docs

You can follow the steps below when you’re ready to start using speech-t0-text in Google Docs.

To use speech-to-text in Google Docs:

• Open your Google Docs document or create a new one first.

• With the microphone active, start talking into your microphone. The text will be inserted into your document directly.
• If you want to add punctuation to your speech-to-text, say the type of punctuation you want to use. For example, say  comma to insert a comma or  period to end a sentence.

Once you’ve used speech-to-text in Google Docs to create your transaction, you can edit it manually using your mouse and keyboard. A full list of punctuation options is available in the Google Docs documentation .

How to Edit Text Using Voice Commands in Google Docs

Do you want to edit your transcription as you’re speaking? Thanks to speech-to-text, you can. Just like you can add punctuation to your text as you speak, you can use certain voice commands to make changes to your document.

How to Select Text Using Voice Commands

If you want to select the text, you can say select  followed by a series of arguments.

• To select all of the text, say select all . To select the last or next line, say select last line or select next line .
• If you want to select a certain number of characters before your blinking cursor, say select last x characters  (replacing  x with a value). Likewise, say  select next x characters (replacing  x with a value) to select a certain number of characters after your blinking cursor.
• You can select text based on character and line position, matching words, paragraphs, and more. You can use similar commands to move around your document by saying  move to  or  go to (e.g., move to the end of the paragraph ).

A full list of arguments is available in the Google Docs documentation .

How to Edit Text Using Voice Commands

Once you’ve selected the text, you can format it.

• Say apply heading 2 to make it a header using an h2 tag. Or, if you prefer, why not make it bold by saying  bold  or  italics ?
• You can also apply text color by saying  text color followed by a color (e.g., text color blue ). Font size can be increased or decreased by saying  increase font size , decrease font size , or font size x , replacing x with a value between 1 and 100.
• You can also use commands like  copy, paste, cut, delete,  and more to make further changes to your text.

The full list of editing commands is available in the Google Docs documentation .

How to Stop Editing Text Using Voice Commands

Want to stop editing your document using text-to-speech quickly? You can use the command stop listening  to deactivate it without clicking the  microphone  button.

Likewise, you can say  resume listening  to re-activate the microphone recording again.

How to Get Extra Help With Using Voice Commands

• A pop-up help menu will provide a list of available commands and information. This will help you if you’re starting to use voice typing in Google Docs.

• You can also say  voice typing help when voice typing is active to view the same menu.

Creating Different Documents in Google Docs

Thanks to the steps above, you can use speech-to-text in Google Docs to create a document without typing a single thing. Your voice allows you to write, edit, and manipulate your text to create the documents you need.

Are you a Google Docs beginner ? There are all kinds of documents you can create in Google Docs. For instance, you could write a book in Google Docs with ease. At the other end of the scale, you could create business cards in Google Docs to share your name and contact details when you’re out networking.

Thanks to Google Docs’ online storage, you’ll never need to worry about losing your document. If you decide to use Google Docs offline , don’t forget to sync the changes when you’re next online.

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Recommended for you

How to use voice typing on Google Docs on Windows, Mac, iPhone or Android

What to know 

• To enable Voice typing on Google Docs on PC, click on Tools > Voice Typing . Then click on the Microphone icon to start dictating.
• You can also use the Dictation feature on your device to voice type on Google Docs. On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Dictation tab > turn Dictation On > Enable Dictation. Then press the shortcut key to activate dictation (Ctrl key twice is the default).
• On Windows, simply press Win+H to activate voice typing.
• On iOS, set up dictation from Settings > General > Keyboard > Enable Dictation and Auto-Punctuation. Then, in Google Docs, select the microphone icon in the keyboard and start voice typing.
• On Android, set up voice typing from Settings > System > Language & input > On-screen keyboard > Gboard > Voice typing > Use voice typing. Then, in Google Docs, select the microphone icon in Gboard and start voice typing.

Typing with your voice on Google Docs can be a huge convenience, especially if you have a lot to type. It can also help physically challenged users who might find it difficult to type in general. Google Docs, like most services, offers the ability to voice type easily. So if you’re looking to learn about voice typing in Google Docs, then here’s all you need to know about it.

How to use voice type in Google Docs (2 ways)

You can choose to enroll in the beta program or use the Dictation feature offered by your device to voice type in Docs. Follow either of the sections below, depending on the method you prefer.

Method 1: Use the native voice type feature

Here’s how you can use the native voice typing feature in Google Docs. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process.

Step 1: Enable Microphone

Let’s first ensure that your microphone is enabled and working with Google Chrome. Use the relevant section below, depending on your current device, to help you along with the process.

On Windows 11 PC

And that’s it! You will now have enabled microphone permissions for Chrome on your PC.

On Mac 

Like on Windows, the Google Chrome application requires access to your microphone in order to let you type using the name Voice typing feature on Google Docs.

This will immediately give the Google Chrome app on your Mac access to your device’s microphone.

Step 2: Use Voice Typing

Now that we have enabled microphone permissions, we can now use voice typing in Google Docs. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process.

• Open Google Docs in Chrome and choose a Blank  document to start with.

And that’s how you can use voice typing in Google Docs.

Related: How to Create, Save and Send Emails From Google Docs

Method 2: Use the Dictation feature on your device

You can also choose to use the native dictation feature offered by your device to voice type in Google Docs. Dictation is offered by most modern-day devices as an accessibility feature, and it was recently added to Windows 11 as well. Use the dedicated sections below to help you use dictation on any device.

macOS has a native Dictation feature that lets you dictate text of any length instead of using a keyboard. The tool can be used on any app running on your Mac, including Safari, thus allowing you to dictate text on Google Docs as well. Before you can start using this feature, you must be wary of the requirements that are necessary to get it to work while using Google Docs on a Mac. 

Requirements 

• An active internet connection (for Macs with non-Apple silicon)
• For best results, use Safari to open Google Docs. Dictation doesn’t work efficiently on other web browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. 
• Chinese (Cantonese)
• Chinese (Mandarin)
• Chinese (Shanghainese)
• Norwegian Bokmãl
• Portuguese 
• Vietnamese 

Step 1: Set up Dictation

Before you can start using your voice to enter text on Google Docs, you first need to enable Dictation on macOS. Here’s how to do so:

This will enable Dictation on your Mac.

If you wish to dictate your text in English, you can skip to the next step.

The next step is to choose a shortcut that you can use to activate Dictation on the Mac from any screen. By default, you can activate dictation by pressing the Control key on your keyboard twice.

That’s it. You can now start using dictation to enter text on your Mac. 

Step 2: Use Dictation in Google Docs

• You can now start dictating text using your voice and your Mac should be able to pick up the words you speak and add them to the Google Docs document.

Dictation will now be disabled until you re-activate it using its dedicated shortcut. 

Here’s how you can use voice typing in Windows 11. Use the requirements section to get familiar with its needs and the subsequent steps to set up and use voice typing on Windows 11.

Requirements

• A network connection
• English (US, Australia, Canada, India, United Kingdom)
• French (France and Canada)
• Portugeese (Brazil, and Portugal)
• Chinese (Simplified, Traditional Hong Kong SAR, and Traditional Taiwan)
• Dutch (Netherlands)
• Spanish (Mexico and Spain)
• A microphone

You can now use the steps below to set up and use dictation on your Windows 11 PC.

Use the following steps to use voice typing on your Windows 11 PC.

• If using the touch or virtual keyboard, you can use the  Microphone key beside the spacebar.

Customize your voice typing experience

Let’s now customize your voice typing experience in Windows 11. Use the steps below to help you along.

You will now have customized voice typing options to your liking in Windows 11.

Voice Commands for voice typing on Windows 11

Here’s a complete list of voice typing commands you can now use when voice typing in Google Docs on your Windows 11 PC. This is the official documentation from Microsoft, and you should be able to view all voice commands currently supported in Windows 11.

On iOS (iPhone)

You can also voice type on your iOS devices using the native dictation feature. This can be used to our advantage in the Google Docs app to voice type in any document.

• Google Docs app | Download Link
• An internet connection (For iPhone 6 and earlier)

Let’s first set up dictation on your iOS device. Follow the steps below to help you along the way.

And that’s it! Dictation will now be enabled on your iOS device.

Here’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs once it has been enabled on your iOS device. Follow the steps below to help you along with the process.

And that’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs on your iOS device.

Voice Commands for Dictation on iOS devices

Here are some common voice commands you can use with dictation on iOS devices.

• Quote and end quote:  Use these commands to add quotes to your sentences as you type.
• New paragraph: Use this command to start a new paragraph instantly. 
• New line: This command will jump the cursor to a new line in your document.
• Cap: This will capitalize the next word you dictate.
• Caps on or Caps off: These commands will help you toggle caps lock for your keyboard.
• Smiley: This command will insert 🙂
• Frowny: This command will insert 🙁
• Winky: This command will insert 😉
• [Emoji Name followed by ] emoji: You can also speak emoji names followed by emoji to insert emojis when using dictation. For example, saying happy emoji will automatically insert the happy emoji.

Google also has a comprehensive dictation feature on most Android devices that allows you to type using voice commands. Dictation is offered using Gboard, which is already a pre-installed keyboard on most Android devices. If, however, you do not have the app, you can use the link in the requirements section below to download and install it on your device.

• Android 7.0 or higher
• Gboard app | Download Link
• Supported language
• Google Assistant (Pixel devices only)

Download and install Gboard on your device using the link above or the one below. Once the app is installed, launch and set it up on your device based on your preferences. 

• Gboard | Download Link
• Open the Settings  app once you’re done.

And that’s it! You will now have set up dictation on your Android device. Use the next step to use it when creating documents in Google Docs.

Here’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs on your Android device.

And that’s how you can use dictation in Google Docs on Android devices.

Adding Punctuation when using Dictation on Android devices

If you have a Pixel device, you can use the Auto punctuation feature to punctuate text when using dictation automatically. However, if you have a different Android device, then you can use the following commands to add punctuation when typing using your voice.

• Question mark
• New paragraph
• Exclamation point

Can you replace incorrect words or phrases with voice commands on Android devices?

Unfortunately, there is no dedicated voice command to correct your mistakes when using an Android device. You can instead double tap to select the word and then speak a new word to replace the selected word or phrase.

Voice commands list

You can now use the sections below to use voice commands when voice typing in Google Docs. These commands will help you control and edit the text you type while streamlining your workflow. Let’s get started.

Navigating the document

Use these commands to navigate the text in your document using voice commands. Navigation commands can be divided into three parts, and you can mix and match these commands to navigate your document easily. 

Correct mistakes when using voice typing

You can correct your immediate mistakes in mainly two ways; you can use voice commands to delete the last words/phrases or choose to manually correct your mistakes using the mouse. 

• Once corrected, you can place your cursor at the initial position and continue voice typing as usual.

And that’s how you can correct your mistakes when using voice typing in Google Docs.

Add punctuations

You can use the following voice commands to add the respective punctuations when voice typing in Google Docs.

• Exclamation Point

Although Google Docs supports tons of languages, punctuation voice commands aren’t supported in every language. 

Use dedicated commands

You can also use the following dedicated commands to further edit, format, and create your content in Google Docs with voice typing. These voice commands are only available for use in the English language. This means that these commands will only be available if your Google account’s language is set to English and if your current document’s language is English as well.

Select text

You can use the following select commands to select the text in your document when voice typing in Google Docs.

• Select none
• Unselect or Deselect
• Select last [number of] words
• Select last word
• Select next [number of] words
• Select next word
• Select word
• Select last [number of] paragraphs
• Select last paragraph
• Select next [number of] paragraphs
• Select next paragraph
• Select paragraph
• Select last [number of] lines
• Select last line
• Select next [number of] lines
• Select next line
• Select line
• Select last [number of] characters
• Select last character
• Select next [number of] characters
• Select next character
• Select list items at current level
• Select list item
• Select all matching text
• Select [word or phrase]

Formatting options

You can also use the following voice commands to format your text using voice typing in Google Docs.

Format your text

The following voice commands can help you format and edit your text using voice typing.

• Apple heading [heading number]
• Apply normal text
• Apply subtitle
• Apply title
• Strikethrough
• Superscript

Color and highlight text

You can use the following voice commands to change the appearance of your text in Google Docs.

• Text color [name of the color]
• Highlight [name of the color]
• Background color [name of the color]
• Remove highlight
• Remove background color
• Remove text color

Here are a few tips that will help you better use these voice commands in Google Docs.

• Cornflower blue
• However, do keep in mind that the  light and  dark variations do not work with black and white.
• You also get to use numbers  one to four instead of three when applying shades of  grey using the commands above.

Change and adjust your text size

You can use the following commands to adjust and change your font size using voice commands in Google Docs.

• Decrease font size
• Increase font size
• Font size [size number from 6 to 400 ]
• Make bigger
• Make smaller

Format your paragraphs

Use the following commands to format your paragraphs using voice commands.

• Decrease indent
• Increase indent
• Line spacing [Value of spacing from  1 to  100 ]
• Line spacing double
• Line spacing single

Change text alignment

The commands below will help you change the alignment of the selected text in your document.

• Align center or center align
• Align justified
• Align left or left align
• Align right or right align

Add and edit columns

Use the following voice commands to add and apply columns in Google Docs.

• Apply 1 column
• Apply 2 columns
• Apply 3 columns
• Column options
• Insert column break

Manage and add lists

The commands below will help you add and create lists in your documents.

• Create bulleted list
• Create numbered list
• Insert bullet
• Insert number
• Remove formatting

There might be times when you wish to revert the formatting applied to your text. You can use the following commands to do so in Google Docs.

• Clear formatting
• Remove bold
• Remove italics
• Remove strikethrough
• Remove underline

Editing options

You can use these voice commands mentioned below to edit your text easily when voice typing.

• Insert link [followed by the URL you wish to link]
• Delete link
• Insert table of contents
• Delete table of contents
• Update table of contents
• Insert comment [followed by the comment you wish to add]
• Insert bookmark
• Insert equation
• Insert footer
• Insert footnote
• Insert header
• Insert horizontal line
• Insert page break

Adding tables

Google Docs also allows you to add and create tables in your documents. You can use these voice commands to do the same when voice typing.

• Insert table
• Insert table [number or rows between 1 and 20 ] by [number of columns between  1 and  20 ]
• Insert column
• Insert new column
• Insert new column on the left
• Insert new row
• Insert new row above
• Insert new row below
• Delete column
• Delete table
• Remove column
• Remove table

Additionally, you can also use the Scroll Up and  Scroll Down  commands to scroll and navigate your document as needed.

Stop and resume voice typing

You can stop and resume voice typing in Docs using the following commands. These commands will help you multi-task easily without having to constantly reach for your mouse again and again.

• Stop listening:  This command will help you stop voice typing whenever needed.
• Resume: This command will place the cursor at the end of the current paragraph and resume voice typing.
• Resume [followed by word or phrase] : This command will place the cursor at the end of the spoken word or phrase and resume voice typing.

Here are a few commonly asked questions about using voice typing in Google Docs that should help you get up to date with the latest information. Let’s get started.

Which languages are supported for Voice commands in Google Docs natively?

Unfortunately, dedicated voice commands in Google Docs can currently be only used in English. Additionally, these commands can’t be used in Slides, and both your account and document language should be set to English to use them.

Which languages and accents are supported by voice typing?

Google Docs supports the most commonly used languages that you might have used to interact with Google Products. This includes all variations of English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and more. You can find a full list of supported languages for voice typing in Google Docs at this link .

We hope this post helped you easily voice type in Google Docs. If you face any issues or have any more questions, feel free to reach out using the comments below.

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How to Use Speech to Text on Google Docs

Enter Google Docs

To begin, make sure you have a Google account. If you don't, sign up for one—it's free! Once you have your account, navigate to Google Docs by visiting https://docs.google.com and logging in with your credentials.

Create a Document

Once you're on the Google Docs homepage, click on the "Blank" or "New Document" option to create a new document. This will open a blank canvas where you can start typing or dictating your content.

Enable Voice Typing

To activate the speech-to-text feature, go to the "Tools" menu at the top of the screen.

From the dropdown menu, select "Voice typing."

Or, you can use the Ctrl+Shift+S shortcut to instantly start voice typing.

A small microphone icon should appear on the left side of your document.

4) Granting Microphone Access

Before you can start using speech-to-text, Google Docs will prompt you to allow microphone access. Click on the microphone icon and grant the necessary permissions when prompted by your browser.

5) Choose A Language

When you click the small box on top of the microphone icon, you can select your speaking language from the list.

6) Start Talking

With microphone access granted, you can now begin dictating your text.

Click on the microphone icon, and it will turn red, indicating that it is actively listening.

Start speaking clearly and distinctly, and Google Docs will transcribe your speech into text in real time.

Voice Commands

While dictating, you can also use voice commands for various functions. For example, you can say "copy," "insert table," or "select word" to perform these actions.

You can refer to Google's list of voice commands for a comprehensive list of available options.

These voice commands can range from speaking the cursor location for increased accessibility to adding and adjusting tables on a Google Docs document.

When you get accustomed to voice commands, writing and editing become incredibly efficient. And learning how to use speech to text on Google Docs is about learning these little details in order to master voice typing.

Review and Correct through Voice Typing

After you've finished dictating, reviewing the transcribed text for accuracy is essential.

Google Docs does a good job to ensure accuracy, but errors can occur. Carefully read through your document, making any necessary corrections using the regular keyboard and mouse.

Reviewing and correcting mistakes is possible through speech to text by using voice commands and rewriting faulty parts.

Save and Share the Text in Google Docs

Once you're satisfied with your document, save it by clicking on the "File" menu and selecting "Save" or by using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + S for Windows).

Google Docs automatically saves your work as you type, so you don't have to worry about losing your progress.

Automatic Speech to Text in 80+ Languages

Maestra's online transcription software can convert speech to text within seconds.

Users can transcribe speech in more than 80 languages.

Includes a free speech to text trial, no credit card or signup required.

Files are stored online, no download is necessary to start automatic transcription.

How to Do Speech to Text on Google Docs: Summary

If you want the shortcut of learning how to get speech to text on Google Docs, press Ctrl+Shift+S when in a Google Docs document to immediately start voice typing, i.e. Google Docs speech to text.

Then, start talking to dictate the text in Google Docs. Dictation also can be used to adjust and edit the file, or add additional functions like a table. You can see a list of these commands through Google's official list.

What is Google Docs and Voice Typing?

Google Docs is a widely used cloud-based word processing platform that offers a range of powerful features.

One such feature is the ability to convert speech into text, enabling users to dictate their documents instead of typing them out manually.

Voice typing in Google provides a convenient and efficient way to create documents by simply speaking.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable and use speech-to-text on Google Docs, enhancing your productivity and making the writing process more accessible.

Give it a try, and enjoy the benefits of hands-free typing with this powerful feature.

An Accessibility Feature

This feature, known as speech-to-text, can significantly improve productivity and accessibility for individuals who prefer or require hands-free typing.

Remember, practice and familiarity with voice commands will improve your experience, so don't hesitate to experiment and explore the possibilities offered by speech-to-text on Google Docs.

Can Google Docs convert audio to text?

Yes, Google Docs can convert audio to text through its voice typing tool.

Is Google Docs speech to text free?

Yes, Google Docs speech to text is free for everyone to use. You just need a microphone and access to google docs.

How to do speech to text on Google Docs on Mac?

You can enable speech to text on Google Docs on Mac the same way you do on a Windows computer. The only difference will be shortcut mappings.

How do I use Google voice typing?

You can use Google voice typing by enabling it on Google Docs through using the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S once you are in a Google Docs document.

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Speech to Text in Google Docs: Voice Typing Made Easy

June 12th, 2024

By Sneha Mukherjee

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Ever wish you could effortlessly turn your spoken words into text? Google Docs’ speech-to-text technology makes it possible to voice-type anything anywhere. It allows you to dictate notes, draft documents, and write emails with your vocal dictation.

You can draft anything without aching your fingers with a single click on the microphone icon. But where do you look for the voice typing option in Google Docs? Are other speech-to-text tools more convenient than Google Docs voice typing? Let’s find out!

How To Do Speech To Text On Google Docs? 

While making Google Docs read to you is difficult, speech typing is still possible using its voice typing feature. To begin using Google’s speech-to-text typing feature, you must ensure that your device, system, and settings meet the necessary requirements. Start by downloading the latest version of Google Chrome to activate the voice typing feature on Google Docs. Additionally, make sure you have a working microphone connected to your computer. Lastly, designate your microphone as the audio input device by accessing and adjusting your computer’s sound settings menu. Herein is a breakdown of each of the aforesaid steps to prepare for a seamless speech to text experience on Google Docs:

• Set up your microphone: Ensure your device’s microphone is functioning correctly, or consider using a high-quality external microphone. Check and adjust your microphone settings under computer system preferences.
• Use a compatible browser: Google Chrome is recommended for optimal performance with the voice typing feature in Google Docs.
• Grant microphone permissions: Allow Google Docs to access your microphone for accurate voice input.
• Find a quiet environment: Minimize background noise and distractions for better voice recognition accuracy.

How to Use Speech to Text in Google Docs Web Version

Unlike using text-to-speech in Google Docs , you don’t need any third-party tool to perform speech to text in Google Docs. Once you are done preparing, follow the steps below to begin voice typing in Google Docs:

• First, log in to your Google account, then open a Google document.
• Click on Tools in the menu at the top of the window.

• Select Voice Typing from the dropdown menu or use the keyboard shortcut Command+Shift+S (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+S (Windows).

• Click the Microphone button and choose your preferred language for speech input.

• Grant permission for microphone access if prompted.

• Once the microphone icon turns red, start speaking, and Google Docs will transcribe your voice into text.

How to Use Speech to Text in Google Docs Android & iPhone App

Just like the Google Docs web version, voice typing or speech-to-text typing is equally easy when using its Android and iPhone apps. Also, note that Google Docs has an identical UI across the Android and iPhone apps, so the steps to voice type are the same for both operating systems.

• Launch the Google Docs app on your Android and iPhone.
• Tap the ( + ) Plus icon at the bottom right to create a new document. Alternatively, you can also open an existing document in which you want to voice type.
• Once you open the document, tap the pencil icon at the bottom right to enable typing mode.

So, that is how you can use speech to text. If you want to voice your textual content, follow our guide on how to use text-to-speech across all devices.

Tips for Voice Typing in Google Docs

• To enhance accuracy and efficiency when using voice typing, keep these tips in mind:
• Speak clearly and enunciate words.
• Avoid speaking too quickly or mumbling.
• Use voice commands for punctuation, such as saying “Comma” or “Period” when needed.

Voice Commands for Formatting

Once you select the text, you can use the following commands to format it.

• Say “bold” to make the text bold.
• Example: “bold”

Underline Text:

• Say “Select type” then say “Underline”.
• Example: “Select type” then say “Underline”

Italicize Text:

• Say “Select This” then say “Italics”.
• Example: “Select This” then say “Italics”

Apply Heading 1:

• Say “Select line” then say “Apply Heading 1”.
• Example: “Select line” then say “Apply Heading 1”

Apply Heading 2:

• Say “Select next line” then say “Apply Heading 2”. (May need to repeat the command)
• Example: “Select next line” then say “Apply Heading 2”

Text Color:

• Select “microphone”, then say “Text color red”.
• Example: “microphone” then say “Text color red”
• Select “voice commands,” then say “Make Bigger” to increase the font by one point.
• Say “Make smaller” to decrease the font by one point. 

Align Text:

• Say “Select All” to select all text.
• Then say “Align right” or “Align left”.
• Example: “Select All” then say “Align right” or “Align left”

Create Lists:

• Say “Create a bulleted list”.
• Example: “Create a bulleted list” 
• Say “Create a numbered list”.
• Example: “Create a numbered list”

Clear Formatting:

• Say “Clear formatting” to clear all formatting for a word or phrase.
• Example: “Clear formatting”

Pro Tips for Effective Speech to Text in Google Docs 

Text to speech works by converting your written text into voice. In the same way, converting speech to text is all about accurately converting your speech into textual format. In Google Docs, speech to text can significantly enhance productivity and streamline workflow. Here are some pro tips to help you maximize the efficiency and accuracy of this powerful feature. 

• Practice speaking at a clear and moderate pace.
• Write in paragraphs and edit later to improve efficiency.
• Invest in a quality microphone for better transcription accuracy.
• Familiarize yourself with voice commands through practice.
• Stay patient and persistent if a command doesn’t register initially.
• Experiment with using voice typing alongside traditional typing methods to find what works best for you.

Why Can’t I Voice Type in Google Docs?

If voice typing isn’t working on Google Docs, it could be due to various reasons:

• Microphone Connection: Ensure that your microphone is correctly connected to your device and is not faulty.
• Microphone Settings: Check the settings on your device to ensure that the microphone is enabled and set as the default input device.
• Browser Compatibility: Ensure that your browser is compatible with Google Docs’ voice typing feature.
• Permission Settings: Make sure that Google Docs has permission to access your microphone. This setting can usually be found in your browser’s settings or preferences.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for voice typing to work smoothly. Check your internet connection to ensure that it is working properly.
• Language Compatibility: Google Docs’ voice typing feature supports a limited number of languages. Make sure that the language you are speaking is supported.
• Software Updates: Ensure that your browser and Google Docs are up to date. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues with certain features.
• System Settings: Check your device’s system settings to ensure that no restrictions or permissions are blocking the use of the microphone.
• Third-party Extensions: Disable any third-party extensions or add-ons that might interfere with the functionality of Google Docs.

Speech to Text in Google Docs Using Wavel AI

Unique Wavel AI Speech-to-Text Use Cases for Google Docs

1. Post-Meeting Documentation

After a meeting, you can use Wavel AI to transcribe recorded audio files. Upload the meeting audio to Wavel AI, get the transcription, and then paste it into Google Docs. This method ensures that every detail discussed is accurately captured and can be reviewed and shared later.

2. Lecture and Class Notes for Students

Students can record lectures and then use Wavel AI to transcribe the audio files. The transcription can be pasted into Google Docs for easy review, organization, and collaborative study sessions with classmates. This allows students to focus on understanding the lecture without the distraction of note-taking.

3. Content Creation and Drafting

Content creators and bloggers can record their thoughts and ideas on the go and then use Wavel AI to transcribe these recordings. The transcribed text can be transferred to Google Docs, where it can be refined and formatted into articles, blog posts, or creative pieces.

4. Interview Transcriptions for Journalists

Journalists can record interviews with sources and later use Wavel AI to transcribe these recordings. The text can then be copied into Google Docs, enabling journalists to efficiently analyze and organize the content for their articles, ensuring that no crucial details are missed.

5. Accessibility for Disabled Individuals

Individuals with mobility or vision impairments can use Wavel AI to transcribe recorded voice notes or instructions. The transcribed text can then be pasted into Google Docs, facilitating easier editing and document creation without typing.

6. Transcriptions in Multiple Languages

Recordings in various languages can be transcribed using Wavel AI. Once transcribed, the text can be pasted into Google Docs, which can be translated and edited, making it easier to create multilingual documents and communicate across language barriers.

7. Creative Writing and Brainstorming

Writers can record their spontaneous ideas, dialogues, or narrative thoughts and use Wavel AI to transcribe them. These transcriptions can be pasted into Google Docs for further development, editing, and refinement, making it a valuable tool for capturing creativity in the moment.

8. Voice Memos to Organized Documents

Wavel AI can transcribe these recordings into text for those who rely on voice memos. The transcriptions can be pasted into Google Docs, allowing for organized note-taking, easy retrieval, and editing of important verbal notes.

9. Customer Service Call Logs

Customer service representatives can record customer interactions and use Wavel AI to transcribe these calls later. The transcriptions can be pasted into Google Docs to maintain detailed logs of customer interactions, which helps track issues and improve customer support.

10. Team Collaboration and Project Management

Teams can record brainstorming sessions or project discussions and use Wavel AI to transcribe recordings . The transcriptions can be pasted into Google Docs, enabling team members to review, comment, and edit the content, enhancing collaborative efforts, and ensuring all ideas are documented.

If Google Docs is your go-to for everything you note down, the voice typing feature will make your life easier. The best part is that you can use this feature cross-functionally across all your devices, i.e., the Google Docs Android app, iOS app, and web version. However, there is very little to no scope for customization and language translation with Google Docs voice typing.

If you want to achieve more than just voice typing, you can try out Wavel AI’s speech-to-text tool . With Wavel AI, you can get your speech translated into over 70+ languages while ensuring complete accuracy. So, sign up for Wavel AI’s speech-to-text tool now and increase your productivity!

A. Speech to Text in Google Docs is a feature that enables users to verbally dictate their spoken words, which are then transcribed into written text in real-time directly within Google Docs documents. This functionality significantly enhances accessibility and productivity, allowing users to create written content by simply speaking.

A. To activate Speech to Text in Google Docs, users need to open a Google Docs document, navigate to the “Tools” menu at the top of the window, select “Voice Typing” from the dropdown menu, and then click on the microphone icon to start speaking. Once activated, the feature will transcribe the user’s speech into text as they speak, providing a convenient and efficient way to create written content.

A. Speech to Text in Google Docs generally provides accurate transcriptions, capturing spoken words with high precision. However, its accuracy may be affected by factors such as background noise, the clarity of speech, and the quality of the microphone being used. Users can improve accuracy by speaking clearly and enunciating words properly.

A. Yes, users can use speech-to-text in Google Docs, with 70+ languages supported by Wavel AI. Google Docs’ Voice Typing supports a wide range of languages, allowing users to dictate in their preferred language for speech input. This multilingual capability enhances accessibility and usability for users around the world.

A. While Speech to Text in Google Docs works on most devices with compatible browsers, it’s recommended that Google Chrome be used for optimal performance. Users can access the feature on various devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, as long as they have a stable internet connection and a supported browser.

A. Yes, you can use Voice Typing on Google Docs for Mac. However, it is not supported on Safari. For the best results, download and use the latest version of Google Chrome.

I fuse my passion for technology with storytelling, breathing life into our innovative solutions through words. My mission transcends features, focusing on crafting engaging narratives that connect users and render AI accessible to all.

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Comparing macOS Dictation With Google Voice Typing

Check out Comparing macOS Dictation With Google Voice Typing at YouTube for closed captioning and more options.

Comments: 6 Responses to “Comparing macOS Dictation With Google Voice Typing”

Why didn’t you use the same text with each? A better test would be a recording. You might even speed up and slow down to test. Finally, why would you not point out that they are not both free? Google requires you to allow it to use everything you give it to profile you. Not great reporting.

Doug: This is a simply comparison, not a detailed diagnostic test. To do that I would probably need to do different speeds, texts, people, etc. This is just to make people aware of these options. They are both free (as in not costing any additional money). Everything has secondary costs -- you need to buy a Mac, or you need to be a part of Google's ecosystem.

Thanks, Gary: You are one of the few commenters who takes Mac Dictation seriously. It has improved significantly over the years, in my opinion. I have a suspicion that its reliability is enhanced by speaking in phrases.

Of course, if your income depends on voice recognition, then Nuance's Dragon still is king — but you need a fast Windows machine.

Gary, thanks for the comparison. I'm still able to use Dragon Dictate with Mojave but that is hit or miss for some people. Dictate seems to be the next-best thing. I use dictation mainly to transcribe audio interviews. You can do that by going into the accessibility preferences>dictation and disabling "mute audio output while dictating." When you do that you can listen to a file and parrot what you hear through headphones.

Thank you, now all I have to do is get a mic. I have headphones with a built in mic but the mac mic doesn't provide audio. I do have an adapter and last headphones had two 3.5 jacks to plug into it mic and audio. But the current headphones have only 1 jack.

Keep in mind that both Apple and Google capture every word you use with voice dictation. This is so they can analyze what you are saying and use AI to improve on converting voice to text. Apple presumably will never release any of what you say. Not so sure that Google won't be sharing what you say. For privacy reasons, I prefer Apple dictation and learn to enunciate and speak slowly. That said, someone I know with a British accent has better luck with Siri than I do with my southwest drawl.

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How do I use Mac dictation in Google Docs?

I'm using macOS 12.3.1 and Google Chrome 101, and I want to be able to use macOS's dictation in Google Docs, but I couldn't activate the dictation prompt in Google Docs.

I tried assigning a different key in Sys prefs > Keyboard > dictation, but dictation still won't activate in Google Docs.

My questions are:

• How do I use Mac dictation in Google Docs, and some other apps, like the terminal?
• Can I activate dictation from command line?
• google-chrome
• voice-dictation
• google-docs

• These are two completely different questions and should be split in two different questions. –  Thinkr Commented May 28, 2023 at 12:18

It appears that Google has disabled native macOS dictation in Google Docs in Chrome . For now, the work-around seems to be to work in Safari, where macOS dictation in Google Docs still functions.

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macOS User Guide

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Dictate messages and documents on Mac

With Dictation, you can enter text just by speaking, anywhere that you can type it.

On a Mac with Apple silicon , Dictation requests are processed on your device for supported languages—no internet connection is required. When you dictate in a search box, dictated text may be sent to the search provider in order to process the search. Additionally, you can dictate text of any length without a timeout. You can turn off Dictation manually, or it stops automatically when no speech is detected for 30 seconds.

When you dictate on an Intel-based Mac or in a language that doesn’t support on-device dictation, your dictated utterances are sent to Apple to process your requests.

Note: Dictation may not be available in all languages or in all countries or regions, and features may vary. See the macOS Feature Availability webpage to see Dictation languages and on-device processing support. To learn more about how Apple protects your information and lets you choose what you share, click About Ask Siri, Dictation & Privacy at the bottom of Keyboard settings, or see the Apple Privacy website .

If you need to dictate text and control your Mac using your voice instead of a keyboard and trackpad, use Voice Control. See Use Voice Control commands . When Voice Control is on, you can’t use Dictation.

Turn on Dictation

Open Keyboard settings for me

Go to Dictation on the right, then turn it on. If a prompt appears, click Enable.

If you’re asked if you want to improve Siri and Dictation, do one of the following:

Share audio recordings: Click Share Audio Recordings to allow Apple to store audio of your Siri and Dictation interactions from your Mac. Apple may review a sample of stored audio.

Don’t share audio recordings: Click Not Now.

Note: You can delete the audio interactions (which are associated with a random identifier and less than six months old) whenever you like—see Delete Siri and Dictation history .

To dictate using another language, click the Edit button next to Languages, then select a language and dialect. (To remove a language, deselect it.)

To learn more about how Apple protects your information and lets you choose what you share, click About Ask Siri, Dictation & Privacy at the bottom of Keyboard settings, or see the Apple Privacy website .

Dictate text

In an app on your Mac, place the insertion point where you want the dictated text to appear.

On a Mac with Apple silicon , you can type text even while dictating; there’s no need to stop dictation. The microphone icon disappears while you type, and then reappears after you stop typing, so you can continue dictating.

To insert an emoji or a punctuation mark, or perform simple formatting tasks, do any of the following:

Say the name of an emoji, like “heart emoji” or “car emoji.”

Say the name of the punctuation mark, such as “exclamation mark.”

Say “new line” (equivalent to pressing the Return key once) or “new paragraph” (equivalent to pressing the Return key twice). The new line or new paragraph appear when you’re done dictating.

For a list of the commands you can use while dictating, see Commands for dictating text .

For information about setting up Dictation for multiple languages, see Turn on Dictation .

When you’re done, press the Dictation keyboard shortcut or the Escape key. Dictation stops automatically when no speech is detected for 30 seconds.

Ambiguous text is underlined in blue. For example, you may get the result “flour” when you intended the word “flower.” If this is the case, click the underlined word and select an alternative. You can also type or dictate the correct text.

Set the Dictation keyboard shortcut

You can choose a specific Dictation keyboard shortcut or create one of your own.

Go to Dictation on the right, click the pop-up menu next to Shortcut, then choose a shortcut to start Dictation.

To create a shortcut that’s not in the list, choose Customize, then press the keys you want to use. For example, you could press Option-Z.

Change the microphone used for Dictation

The microphone source in Keyboard settings shows which device your Mac is currently using to listen for Dictation.

Go to Dictation on the right, click the pop-up menu next to “Microphone source,” then choose the microphone you want to use for Dictation.

If you choose Automatic, your Mac listens to the device you’re most likely to use for Dictation.

Turn off Dictation

Go to Dictation on the right, then turn it off.

How to Use Google Docs Text to Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google Docs Text to Speech is a handy tool that lets you listen to your document instead of reading it. This feature can be useful for multitasking, proofreading, or for those who have difficulty reading text on screens. In just a few steps, you can have Google Docs read your document to you.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Use Google Docs Text to Speech

Before jumping into the steps, let’s understand what we’re aiming for here. Google Docs does not have a built-in text-to-speech function, but don’t worry – we can use a feature called “Speak” that’s a part of Google’s accessibility features.

Step 1: Open a Google Docs Document

Open the document you want Google Docs to read out loud.

Once you have the document open, make sure your speakers or headphones are connected and working. This is where the voice will come from.

Step 2: Select the Text You Want to Hear

Highlight the text you want Google Docs to read to you.

You can select a word, sentence, paragraph, or the entire document. Just click and drag your mouse over the text.

Step 3: Access the Accessibility Menu

Click on the ‘Tools’ menu at the top of the page, then select ‘Accessibility settings.’

In the Accessibility menu, you’ll find options to make Google Docs easier to use if you have visual or auditory impairments.

Step 4: Enable ‘Speak’

Check the box next to ‘Turn on screen reader support’, then close the Accessibility settings window.

After enabling this feature, a new menu called “Accessibility” will appear on the Google Docs toolbar.

Step 5: Use the Speak Command

Go to the ‘Accessibility’ menu, hover over ‘Speak’, and then select ‘Speak selection.’

As soon as you click ‘Speak selection,’ Google Docs will start reading the text you’ve highlighted. The voice you hear will depend on the default voice settings of your web browser or operating system.

After completing these steps, Google Docs will read the selected text out loud to you. This can be an excellent way for you to listen to your document while doing something else, or it can help you catch errors you might have missed while reading.

Tips for Optimizing Your Experience with Google Docs Text to Speech

• Make sure your internet connection is stable; this ensures that the speak feature works without interruptions.
• Adjust the volume on your computer or device so that the speech is loud and clear enough for you to hear.
• Use headphones for a clearer and more private listening experience.
• If the default voice doesn’t suit you, explore your operating system’s settings to change the voice and speaking rate.
• Utilize the text-to-speech feature for proofreading; hearing your work read aloud can help you catch mistakes you might have missed while reading it silently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i change the voice that reads the text.

Yes, you can change the voice in your computer’s system settings or browser settings.

Is Google Docs Text to Speech available on mobile devices?

While Google Docs on mobile doesn’t have the ‘Speak’ feature, most smartphones have their own text-to-speech options you can use.

Does this feature work in languages other than English?

Yes, Google Docs Text to Speech works in multiple languages, depending on the language support of your operating system or web browser.

Can I use Text to Speech on a shared document?

Absolutely, as long as you have permission to view the document, you can use the Text to Speech feature on it.

Is there a way to pause and resume the speech?

Currently, there’s no direct way to pause and resume speech in Google Docs. You would need to stop and then re-select the text to start again.

• Open your Google Docs document.
• Select the text you want to hear.
• Access the ‘Tools’ menu and open ‘Accessibility settings’.
• Enable ‘Speak’.
• Use the ‘Speak selection’ command in the ‘Accessibility’ menu.

Google Docs Text to Speech is a nifty feature that adds an extra layer of convenience to your workflow. It’s particularly useful for those who learn better through auditory means or for anyone looking to proofread their work in a new way. Although it might seem a bit hidden away in the Accessibility settings, once you know where to find it, it’s straightforward to use. If you’ve never tried listening to your Google Docs before, give it a whirl! You might find that it helps you catch errors you’d otherwise miss or simply provides a welcome break from staring at your screen. Happy listening, and remember, Google Docs is more than just a writing tool; it’s a multi-faceted platform that caters to various needs, including those auditory in nature.

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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