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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. Typically, microphone settings are in the System Settings 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

• In a Chrome browser, open a presentation in Google Slides.
• The speaker notes open and a microphone box shows.
• When you're ready to speak, click the  Microphone .
• For more information on how to use punctuation, check below.
• When you're done, click the  Microphone .

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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Text to Speech in Google Docs: Ultimate TTS Guide

June 10th, 2024

By Sneha Mukherjee

Try The Best Text to Speech & AI Voice Generator For Free

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Want Google Docs to read your content aloud? Imagine catching typos, refining your writing flow, or simply giving your eyes a break—all without lifting a finger. While Google tries to enrich its tools, its online word processor still lacks a text-to-speech feature. Thankfully, AI advancements have brought us plenty of options for converting text to speech across various platforms. But how do text-to-speech on Google Docs work without a built-in feature? Can Google Docs read to you ? Let’s find out!

What is Text to Speech (TTS)

Text-to-speech (TTS) technology transforms written text into spoken words. But how does text to speech work , you ask? Text-to-speech uses artificial intelligence to read digital text aloud in a natural-sounding voice. TTS benefits users who prefer auditory learning, have reading difficulties, or simply want to multitask while consuming content. TTS systems employ complex linguistic rules and large datasets of recorded human speech to achieve realistic and expressive vocalizations.

What is Google Docs

Google Docs is like an online notebook where you can write, edit, and share your work. It’s part of Google’s free suite of tools, so all you need is an internet connection and a Google account to get started. Think of it as a simpler version of Microsoft Word, but one that lives in the cloud and makes collaboration super easy.

Why Use Text to Speech in Google Docs

Using Text-to-speech in Google Docs can benefit you in multiple ways. It lets you listen to your documents and catch errors you might otherwise miss. Here are some prominent reasons for why you should use text-to-speech in Google Docs:

• Proofreading: Catch those pesky errors you might miss when reading silently.
• Auditory learning: Grasp information better when you hear it.
• Eye strain relief: Give your eyes a rest from the screen.
• Accessibility: Make your documents usable for people with visual impairments.
• Multitasking: Listen while you work on other tasks.
• Language learning: Improve your pronunciation and comprehension in other languages.
• Commuting/travel: Catch up on your reading while on the go.
• Focus and concentration: Some people find listening helps them focus better than reading.
• Content creation: Get a new perspective on your writing by hearing it out loud.
• Translation check: Ensure the accuracy of your translations by listening in different languages.

How to Do Text-to-Speech on Google Docs Using PC

Google Docs doesn’t come equipped with a text-to-speech feature. However, Google Docs allows you to turn on screen reader support and equip it with a text-reading extension and software to convert text to speech.

Enable Screen Reading Support

You can enable screen reading support under accessibility settings in Google Docs. Here is how:

• Open any Google document.
• Click on Tools from the top menu.
• Head to Accessibility in the popup menu.
• Check mark Turn on screen reader support .
• Click Ok to save the settings.

Once screen reader support is enabled, you can access text-to-speech functionality in the following ways.

Use a Screen Reader Extension for TTS on Google Docs 

Once you enable screen reader support, you can install a screen reader extension on Google Chrome. There are various screen readers available on the Chrome Web Store. You can go for Screen Reader by Google, Read Aloud, Mercury Reader, and Capti Voice. 

1. Screen Reader by Google

Out of all the above options, here is how you can convert text to speech using Google’s Screen Reader tool: 

• Go to Chrome Web Store.
• Search for Screen Reader by Google.
• Click Add to Chrome on the screen reader extension page.
• Once the extension is installed, go back to the Google Doc you want to be read aloud. 

While Screen Reader by Google is a good contender in the list of TTS Chrome extensions, let’s go through other screen readers from our list:

2. Read Aloud 

Read Aloud is a decent choice for its simplicity and effectiveness. It supports multiple languages and offers adjustable reading speeds. It’s good for reading webpages, articles, and even EPUBs.

3. Mercury Reader

While not strictly a text-to-speech extension, Mercury Reader declutters webpages, removes ads and distractions, and presents the text in a clean, easy-to-read format. The only downside is that you will need to combine it with a text-to-speech extension to improve the reading experience.

4. Capti Voice: Text to Speech & Screen Reader

Capti Voice is designed for accessibility and offers a range of features, including text highlighting, word-by-word highlighting, and dyslexia-friendly fonts. It’s a good choice for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties. Although screen reader extensions are pretty straightforward, you may struggle to stop screen reading once the tool is installed. Also, most of these extensions fail to offer speech rate control as well. 

Integrate a Screen Reading Software for Google Docs

If you want to exercise some control over your text-to-speech output, opt for a versatile text-to-speech and voicing software like Wavel AI. Wavel AI will read your Google Docs aloud while allowing you to control how you want your text to be read. The best part is its capability to translate the speech output into any other language you want. So, let’s check out how to use Wavel AI for text-to-speech in Google Docs:

• Open the Google document you want to be read out to you. 
• Click File at the top menu and hover on Download to find a list of all download options. 
• Select Plain text (txt.) as download format.
• Press ( Ctrl + A ) and press ( Ctrl + C ) to copy the content. 
• Now, go to Wavel Studio and sign up for a free account.
• Click Wavel AI’s text-to-speech tool.
• If you downloaded the document in the previous step, click Choose File to upload the Google document to Wavel AI’s TTS tool.
• If you copied the document’s content, you can simply press ( Ctrl + V ) to paste it in the input box below the choose file option.
• Choose your voiceover language and AI voice for the output.
• Click Generate to convert your Google Doc’s content into an audio file.

Use a Dedicated Screen Reader for Your Operating system 

While it is better to use a dedicated voicing software like Wavel AI to voice Google Docs, you can also use a dedicated screen reader for your operating system. You can go for ChromeVox on Chrome OS, JAWS for Windows users, or pick an AI voice generator for MacOS.

How to Use Text to Speech in Google Docs on Your Android & iPhone

Like Google Docs’s web version, you can use third-party apps and tools on Android and iPhone to convert text to speech in Google Docs.

1. Wavel AI Text to Speech

Unlike all the text-to-speech tools given in this list, Wavel AI takes TTS a step further. It comes packed with over 1000 voiceover options for TTS output. Moreover, it also allows you to control your audio’s pitch and narration speed.

The best part is its translation capability, which enables you to choose the language in which you want your text to be read. To use the Wavel AI text-to-speech tool with Google Docs, go to the browser app on your Android or iPhone. Now, sign up for Wavel Studio or simply log in as an existing user. Once logged in, go to the Text-to-Speech tool to find the text-to-speech with AI popup.

Now, there are two ways in which you can use Wavel AI’s speech synthesis for Google Docs. One is to copy-paste the content of your Google Doc into Wavel AI’s text-to-speech popup. The second way to download your Google Docs is by going to the Google Docs app on your phone. To download the Google Doc, open the Google Docs app and tap the three vertical dots at the bottom right of your document. Select Download from the popup menu options.

When the document is downloaded, you can go to the text-to-speech tool and click Choose a file to upload the Google Document you just downloaded.

Once you input Google Docs content, select the Voiceover language and voice for your TTS output. Finally, click Generate to convert your text into speech.

2. Google Text to Speech App

Google text-to-speech is Google’s speech synthesis application that comes preinstalled on most Android devices. You can use it to read out any text on your Android phone. Here is how you can enable and use it for Google Docs on your phone: Go to Settings app > select language & Input > go to Text to speech output . Under text-to-speech output, select Speech Recognition & Synthesis from Google as your preferred choice. To learn more, follow this guide on how to use text-to-speech on Android . 

How to Convert Speech to Text in Google Docs

While Google Docs lacks a text-to-speech feature, it still allows you to convert speech to text through its voice typing feature. Here is how you can enable and use it in Google Docs:

• Open a Google in your PC’s web browser.
• Open the document in which you want to perform speech typing.
• Click Tools from the top menu.
• Select Voice Typing from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use a voice typing keyboard shortcut, i.e., Command+Shift+S for Mac and Ctrl+Shift+S for Windows PC.

Once done, the Microphone option will appear on the screen. You can single-click on it to begin using speech-to-text in Google Docs and click it again to stop speech typing.

Wavel AI: Best Text to Speech and Speech to Text Software

Google Docs is the best cross-platform word processing tool that you can use for free. However, using text-to-speech for Google Docs is not that easy. To bridge the gap between text and speech in Google Docs, you can go with Wavel AI. Its intuitive interface and versatile features enable seamless text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities for Google Docs users. Moreover, Wavel AI empowers users to interact with their documents innovatively and redefine their experience with endless translation and voicing options. You know the best part? You can use Wavel Studio for free. So try it now!

A. Yes, Google Docs can read out loud. To achieve this, you can go to Tools > Accessibility > Turn on screen reader support. Once enabled, use a Google Chrome extension to read text from web pages. You can also use cross-functional platforms like Wavel AI to read Google Docs, translate them, and even dub your content into other languages.

A. Chromebook has a dedicated text-to-speech tool named ChromeVox. ChromeVox can read any web page you access on the web. To use this tool, you can simply go to Settings > Advanced > Accessibility > Manage accessibility features >

A. There are various text-to-speech extensions for Google Docs, such as Screen Reader, Natural Reader, etc. However, if you wish to exercise control over the text-to-speech output, you can go with Wavel AI, which offers complete text-to-speech software.

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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How to Make Google Docs Read to You: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google Docs can read your documents out loud for you, making it easier to absorb information or multitask. You just need to use the built-in text-to-speech feature. Let’s get started!

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Make Google Docs Read to You

Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that this feature can help with proofreading, learning a new language, or just for listening to your document as you rest your eyes.

Step 1: Open your Google Doc

Open the Google Docs document you want to be read to you.

Opening your document is the first step. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account and navigate to the Google Docs home page. From there, select the document you wish to have read aloud.

Step 2: Click on “Tools” in the menu bar

In the top menu of Google Docs, click on “Tools”.

The “Tools” menu is located between “Insert” and “Add-ons” on the top menu. This is where you’ll find the option to activate the text-to-speech feature.

Step 3: Select “Accessibility settings”

From the dropdown menu, choose “Accessibility settings”.

In the “Accessibility settings” menu, you’ll find options that make Google Docs more user-friendly for people with different abilities.

Step 4: Click on “Turn on Screen Reader Support”

You should tick the box next to “Turn on Screen Reader Support”.

By enabling this option, you’ll activate the Google Docs text-to-speech function. A message may pop up confirming that you’ve turned on screen reader support.

Step 5: Use the Speak command

Go back to the “Tools” menu, hover over “Accessibility” and then click on “Speak”.

After you’ve turned on screen reader support, the “Speak” option will be available under the “Accessibility” menu. This is the feature that will read your document out loud.

Step 6: Choose what you want to be read aloud

Select “Speak selection” to read the highlighted text or “Speak from the cursor location” to read from a specific point in the document.

Highlight the text you want to be read aloud and choose “Speak selection”, or place the cursor where you want the reading to begin and select “Speak from cursor location”.

After completing these steps, Google Docs will start reading your document out loud. You can pause or stop the reading at any time by going back to the “Tools” menu and clicking on “Accessibility” to find the pause or stop options.

Tips for Making Google Docs Read to You

• Ensure that your device’s volume is turned up so you can hear the reading.
• Use headphones for better sound quality and to avoid disturbing others.
• Customize the voice and speed of reading in your device’s text-to-speech settings for a personalized experience.
• Use the “Speak from the cursor location” option to start reading from a specific point in the document.
• Remember to turn off Screen Reader Support when you’re done, especially if you share the computer with others who might not need this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can google docs read to me in different languages.

Yes, Google Docs can read to you in different languages, but you need to configure your device’s text-to-speech settings to the desired language.

Is the text-to-speech feature available on mobile devices?

Yes, the text-to-speech feature is available on the Google Docs app for mobile devices.

Can I adjust the reading speed?

Yes, you can adjust the reading speed in your device’s text-to-speech settings.

Is this feature free to use?

Yes, Google Docs’ text-to-speech feature is completely free to use.

Can I use this feature offline?

No, you need an internet connection to use Google Docs’ text-to-speech feature because it relies on cloud-based processing.

• Open your Google Docs document.
• Click on “Tools” in the menu bar.
• Select “Accessibility settings”.
• Click on “Turn on Screen Reader Support”.
• Use the Speak command from the “Tools” menu.
• Choose “Speak selection” or “Speak from cursor location”.

In today’s fast-paced world, having tools that can help you multitask and improve efficiency is a game-changer. And when it comes to Google Docs, the ability to have your documents read to you is one of those game-changing features. Whether you’re proofreading, learning, or simply want to rest your eyes, the text-to-speech capability of Google Docs is there to make your life a bit easier. Remember, technology is meant to work for you, and with this feature, you’re able to harness the power of Google Docs to its fullest. So, why not give it a try and see how it can improve your workflow? After all, sometimes, it’s just nicer to listen.

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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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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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 Convert Text To Speech In Google Docs

Key takeaways:.

There are some websites that help in text-to-speech conversion  along with a few software that is available in the market too. But, Google has come up with some great Chrome extensions and add-ons that aid in conversion.

How To Convert Text To Speech (TTS) In Google Docs

Google chrome extensions for converting text to speech in google docs, 1. screen reader, 2. read aloud: a text to speech voice reader, add-ons for text to speech in google docs.

We have some add-ons that help us with text to speech in Google Docs. These Google Workspace marketplace add-ons are very easy to install and use. These add-ons recognize common punctuation marks. Let us see the add-ons that are useful for reading the text aloud in Google Docs.

1. Rhetoro – text to speech in high quality (TTS)

Step 2: A new browser window will appear. In the search bar type – ‘ Rhetoro text-to-speech in high quality (TTS) ’. Click on the add-on.

Once you start Rhetoro, you can easily use it for text to speech in Google Docs.

2. Helperbird

Helperbird is a great add-on by Google Workspace Marketplace. It aids in the text to speech in Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google forms. It helps in the text to speech as well as speech to text conversion. There are different voice gender tones available. Decrease or increase the sound level as you need.

Note: The steps to add Helperbird  are the same as the above-mentioned steps for the Rhetoro add-on.

How To Use Google Docs Text To Speech In Smartphones

Step 2: Click on the Accessibility feature.

Step 4: Turn the Voice Assistant on.

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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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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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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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2 Ways To Use Text-To-Speech in Google Docs to Read Aloud Text

For a few months now, I have been using text-to-speech in Google Docs to read aloud my documents so I could make them sound more natural. You probably don’t know that Google Docs comes with dedicated text-to-speech options to allow your screen reader app to read aloud Google Docs documents.

If you are missing out on this awesome Google Docs feature, I’ve got you covered. In this post, I’ll show you how to use the Google Docs text-to-speech feature to read aloud documents. Additionally, I will also share a nifty third-party text-to-speech tool that is definitely worth checking out if you don’t want to use a desktop screen reader.

1. Use Google Docs Screen Reader to read text aloud

Before you use Google Docs screen reader options, you need to get a dedicated screen reader software that will read aloud the text in a Google Docs document. You don’t need to go through this step if you already have a screen reader software built-in, like Apple VoiceOver or ChromeVox . If not, then I will recommend you use the NVDA screen reader software.

It’s a free open-source screen reader software that is small in size and very easy to use. There are no special settings to configure to use it with Google Docs. Just download and install the software and follow the below instructions to use it with Google Docs.

If you don’t want to use desktop screen reader software, then you can also use this Screen Reader Chrome extension by Google. This screen reader will only work inside the Chrome browser rather than your whole operating system. It also doesn’t require any special setting configuration to work with Google Docs.

Enable Google Docs Screen Reader

Your screen reader software will not be able to read the text inside a Google Docs document if the Google Docs screen reader option isn’t enabled. Here’s how to enable screen reader in Google Docs:

Click on the “Tools” menu in the top bar and select “Accessibility settings” in it.

Now check the checkbox next to “Turn on screen reader support” and click on “OK” .

Use text-to-speech in Google Docs

After following the above instructions, you will notice a new Accessibility menu in the top bar; you can use it to read aloud text in Google Docs. If you still can’t find the Accessibility option, then press the Ctrl+Alt+Z keys on your keyboard.

1. Open up the document and select the text you want to read aloud (press Ctrl+A to select all the text).

2. Now click on  “Accessibility”  in the top menu bar and select  “Speak selection”  in the  “Speak” option. Your screen reader software will read aloud the text.

There is also a  Google Docs keyboard shortcut  for this purpose. Once the required text is selected, press  Ctrl+Alt+X  keys to start reading aloud.

Note: Some screen reader software can directly read aloud text just by highlighting, so you may not need to go through the above process depending on your screen reader software.

2. Use a text-to-speech Chrome extension

You can also use a text-to-speech Chrome extension for Google Docs if you don’t want to use a dedicated screen reader software. A text-to-speech extension will copy the Google Docs content in its own interface and then read it aloud. For this purpose, I really like the Read Aloud  Chrome extension. It’s astonishingly easy to use, yet it’s very powerful.

The extension works on almost every web page, including web apps like Google Docs. Just open up the document, and click on the extension button to start reading the text aloud. You also don’t need to select the text, Read Aloud will automatically recognize text that should be read aloud.

If you go to its settings, you can select voice type, volume, pitch, and speed. Best of all, Read Aloud can read the text in over 40 different languages. There is a good chance your particular language is supported.

If Read Aloud doesn’t work well for you, then you can use the Speak It Chrome extension as an alternative. This extension also works very similarly, but it also lets you directly highlight text in your browser to read aloud.

Note: You don’t need to enable the screen reader option in Google Docs to use these text-to-speech Chrome extensions.

Wrapping up

If you are blind or vision impaired, then you should definitely use your screen reader software with Google Docs by enabling screen reader support in Google Docs. However, if you just want to quickly read aloud your Google Docs document, then using a text-to-speech extension is much better. Do let us know in the comments how you’ll be using text-to-speech in Google Docs.

Was this post helpful?

Tags: How To Interesting productivity Useful

Karrar Haider

For over 10 years, Karrar has been writing about everything Google and Windows with a strict focus on improving security and finding ways to get more out of our devices.

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21 Responses

• Comments 21
• Pingbacks 0

Doesn’t work on a mobile device, I guess

thank you for sharing

There is no “Accessibility” in the top menu bar, even after I enabled screen reading.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Z keys to show “Accessibility” in the top menu bar.

Read Allowed is fabulous! Good to have another option when Google Docs Screen Reader just doesn’t work. Thanks

I am trying to allow for my special needs students to hear a text read to them. I have done all of the above on my Google Doc, but when I select the text and then select accessibility/speak/speak selection (or press ctrl+alt+x) it does not read aloud from my Chromebook, or with headphones. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Same here..and yes, volume for everything else is high and working :(

im having the same issue :(

Can’t get it working. Found all of the steps easily, but it isn’t reading. I’m using it on a macbook, so maybe there is a separate step that’s needed?

Yeah I did all the above. Not working at all. Guess google isn’t a big fan of accessibility

Doesn’t work

Unfortunately this does not work on Google Pixel mobile device.

I have turned on Accessibility Selected the document that I need reading clicked on Speak and Speak selection

Looks like there may be one more small thing that I have not done.

Please advice

Read Aloud extension works like a charm. Woohoo

I was using this in MS word for emails and everywhere. I caught my silly mistakes very easily. I missed this simple feature in google docs. I must say this article is not easy to find.

Thank you very much. Providing the link to the Chrome Add-on is extremely useful.

Please keep us posted if Accessibility feature starts working.

I originally thought this extension didn’t work because it didn’t show up in Docs extensions – it’s for Chrome, so, my error.

it does not work i have tried the things that you suggested for me to try

Why did you post lies? Nothing works on anyones device!

Y is it not working on literally anyone’s device? I’ve followed all the steps and still doesn’t work pretty much everyone is having troubles.

I have the same issue as everyone else and have tried everything. This did not help at all and I’ve been trying for months

IT DID NOT HELP DO NOT TRY!!!

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How to make Google Docs read your documents out loud to you, using a Google Chrome extension

• You can make Google Docs read text to you out loud with the text-to-speech function.
• You'll need to use the Google Chrome web browser, along with the ChromeVox extension, which will read the text of any webpage aloud to you.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

Sometimes a fresh perspective can make a world of difference. Hearing your written words spoken aloud, for example, can help you more easily find those spots that need refining or rephrasing. 

But for those who don't want — or simply don't have the option — to let someone else read them their work, Google Chrome's accessibility features can provide a good digital replacement. 

Here's how to set up the text-to-speech feature and have Google Docs read your text out loud:

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Lenovo ideapad 130 (from $299.99 at best buy), macbook pro (from $1,299.99 at best buy), how to make google docs read text aloud to you.

In order for this to work, be sure that you've added the ChromeVox extension to your Google Chrome web browser on a PC or Mac computer.

1. Open your Google Doc.

2. Click "Tools" in the top toolbar.

3. Select "Accessibility settings."

4. Tick the box next to "Turn on Screen Reader Support" and then click "OK." You should now see a new section appear in your top toolbar called "Accessibility."

5. Highlight the section of text you want read aloud.

6. Click "Accessibility" and then "Speak," followed by "Speak selection."

ChromeVox will read the selection aloud to you.

Note, however, that if you have more than one Google Doc page open, ChromeVox may try to read from a different document. You should try this with only one document open at a time.

Related coverage from  How To Do Everything: Tech :

How to add a font to google docs in 2 different ways, how to run a spell check in google docs in 2 ways, to fix spelling and grammar errors, how to assign tasks in google docs in 2 different ways, how to change the language in google docs to translate a document or type in a different language, how to use grammarly on google docs with a google chrome extension to enhance your writing.

Insider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.

Watch: I cut Google out of my life for 2 weeks, but the alternatives prove why Google is so much better

• Main content

How to Get Google Docs to Read Documents Aloud

Use it to read bedtime stories

You might want to listen to a document in Google Docs out of necessity or for a good way to review it. You have a few ways to hear a Google Doc read aloud with text-to-speech (TTS).

Turn on the Text-to-Speech Tool in Google Docs

If you already have a screen reader, you’ll need to turn on the accessibility tool in Google Docs to hear your document read to you.

• Open your document in Docs and select Tools in the menu.
• Select Accessibility .

• Check the box at the top for Turn on screen reader support . Optionally check the additional boxes per your preference.
• Select OK .

You should then hear “Screen reader support enabled.” You can use the controls for your screen reader or those in the Accessibility settings to listen to the document content.

Use Screen Reader for Google Chrome

If you’re looking for extension options, the first to check out is Screen Reader (ChromeVox) by Google for the Chrome browser. The tool also comes with Chrome OS for text-to-speech on that platform.

After you install the add-on, it begins speaking the web page you’re visiting immediately, including the document in Google Docs.

To manage the Chrome extension’s settings, select its button in the toolbar and select Options . You can then adjust settings for the voice and mouse actions and review the available keyboard shortcuts.

To turn off the Screen Reader, select the toolbar button and choose Manage Extension . Then, disable the toggle.

Use Read Aloud for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

Another solid browser extension is Read Aloud . It’s free for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

What’s nice about this option is that you control when you want it to play. Head to your document in Google Docs, select the add-on button in the toolbar, and use the Play button to listen to your document.

You’ll hear your document and see the highlighted text in the extension window. At the top of that window, you have buttons to pause, stop, go forward, or go back.

To adjust the add-on’s settings, select the gear icon. You can then change the voice, speed, pitch, volume, and text highlighting.

Use VoiceOver on Mac

If you use macOS, you can take advantage of Apple’s accessibility feature, VoiceOver. Follow the steps at the beginning of this how-to to turn on the Google Docs accessibility feature. Then, turn on VoiceOver with the following steps.

• Open System Preferences and select Accessibility .
• Choose VoiceOver and then turn on the VoiceOver toggle.

• Confirm you want to enable the feature by selecting Use VoiceOver .

• Then, head to your document in Google Docs. If necessary, place your cursor in the document for the reader to begin. You’ll hear and see the text from your document.

To turn off VoiceOver when you finish, use the X on the top left of the VoiceOver window.

You may have a visual impairment that makes it difficult to read your document, or you might want to hear your Google Doc read aloud as you do other things. Either way, these text-to-speech options should have you covered.

For more, look at how to use the text-to-speech feature on TikTok .

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Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology. Read Sandy's Full Bio

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How to Do Text to Speech On Google Docs: Everything Need to Know

Have you ever wished you could listen to your Google Docs instead of reading them on the screen? Maybe you want to learn a new language, improve your pronunciation, or just relax your eyes and enjoy the content. Whatever your reason, text to speech can help you turn your Google Docs into audiobooks.

In this article, we will show you how to use text to speech on Google Docs to improve your document reading experience.

Why Use Text to Speech in Google Docs?

Using text to speech in Google Docs offers a multitude of benefits.

• Efficient Proofreading and Editing

By having your document read aloud, you can catch errors, typos, and awkward phrasings that might be overlooked during silent reading.

• Seamless Multitasking

Text to speech allows you to review your document while engaged in other activities, such as exercising, commuting, or cooking. This way, you can maximize your time and productivity.

• Enhanced Accessibility

Text to speech ensures that your documents are accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, or reading difficulties.

• Language Learning and Pronunciation

Text to speech can be a valuable tool for language learners and educators. It assists in understanding pronunciation and improves language comprehension.

• Document Comprehension

Auditory learners can benefit from text-to-speech by better comprehending the content through listening, rather than traditional reading.

• Versatility

Google Docs offers multiple voices and customization options, making text to speech a versatile tool that can be tailored to your preferences and needs.

How to Do Text to Speech on Google Docs to Improve Your Reading and Pronunciation?

Enabling text-to-speech in Google Docs is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use text to speech on Google Docs.

Step 1 : Open the Google Docs document that you want to use text to speech on.

Step 2 : Locate the Tools option in a toolbar with various icons on the top of your document.

Step 3 : Click on the Accessibility option to activate the text to speech feature.

Step 4 : Select Turn on screen reader support button and click OK .

Step 5 : Click the Voice settings icon to change the voice and adjust the reading speed of the document.

Step 6 : To commence reading, click the Play button. If you need to pause or stop the reading, use the corresponding icons.

Step 7 : If you want to focus on specific sections of your document, highlight the text you want to be read aloud, and then click the Play button. Google Docs will read only the selected text.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to control the text to speech feature. These represent a handful of the most common ones.

• Ctrl+Alt+X : Start or stop reading
• Ctrl+Alt+Left Arrow : Go back one sentence
• Ctrl+Alt+Right Arrow : Go forward one sentence
• Ctrl+Alt+Up Arrow : Increase the reading speed
• Ctrl+Alt+Down Arrow : Decrease the reading speed

How to Use Text to Speech on Google Docs Offline?

If you want to use text to speech on Google Docs offline, you need to enable offline access for your documents. To do this, you can achieve this by following these steps.

Step 1 : Make sure you have the Google Docs Offline extension installed on your Chrome browser.

Step 2 : Go to Google Drive , and click on the Settings icon on the top right corner.

Step 3 : In the General tab, check the box next to Offline . This will allow you to access and edit your Google Docs documents offline.

Step 4 : Click on Done to save your changes.

Now, you can use text to speech on Google Docs offline, as long as you have the Read&Write for Google Chrome extension enabled.

You will only have access to the default voice and language of your browser, and you will not be able to change them offline.

How to Do Speech to Text on Google Docs?

Converting speech to text in Google Docs is a valuable feature that can save time and increase productivity. Here’s how to use the built-in speech recognition feature in Google Docs.

Step 1 : Launch Google Docs and open a new or existing document.

Step 2 : Go to Tools and select Voice typing . Or, just press Ctrl+Shift+S on your keyboard to activate the voice typing window.

Step 3 : Click the microphone icon on the left side of your document to start talking. You can also pick the language and accent of your speech from the menu next to the microphone.

Step 4 : Speak naturally and clearly, at a normal speed and volume. You can add punctuation marks to your text by saying commands like period , comma , question mark , and so on.

Step 5 : When you are done, click the microphone again to stop voice typing. You can also pause and resume voice typing by clicking the microphone.

Step 6 : You can fix mistakes while voice typing by moving your cursor to the error and correcting it without turning off the microphone. You can also right-click words that are highlighted in gray to see some suggestions.

You can also use voice typing in Google Slides speaker notes to add notes to your presentation.

FineVoice: Best Text to Speech Tool for Google Docs You Need to Try

Do you want to make your Google Docs come alive with amazing voices? Then you need FineVoice , the ultimate text to speech tool for Google Docs. Whether you want to express your creativity, entertain your audience, or communicate, you can make your favorite character speak any text in the way you like.

With FineVoice, you can choose 500+ AI voices in 40+ different languages, such as English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Korean , Japanese, and more. You can select realistic celebrity or character voices, such as Morgan Freeman, Taylor Swift , Elon Musk, SpongeBob, Darth Vader, Homer Simpson, Peppa Pig , and more.

You can use it to add lifelike voiceovers to your podcasts, videos, and presentations, or to transform your voice into various styles.

We hope this article has helped you learn how to make Google Docs speak to you, and answered some of the questions you might have about this feature.

And remember, Google Docs is more than just a word processor. It can also be your assistant, who can read any text in your document out loud. So, what are you waiting for? Try it out today, and make Google Docs speak to you!

Hot FAQs about Google Docs Text to Speech

What languages are supported by google docs text to speech.

Google Docs supports multiple languages such as English, Chinese , Spanish, French, German, and Italian, making it suitable for a global audience.

Is there a limit to the length of text that can be read aloud?

Google Docs Text to Speech can read both short and lengthy texts. However, extremely long documents may be read in sections.

Can I use Text-to-Speech for proofreading and editing my documents?

Yes, Text to Speech is a valuable tool for proofreading and editing, as it helps identify errors and awkward sentences.

Evelyn enjoys writing and painting, she also likes listening to music.

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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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Google docs is a powerful word processor for creating, editing, and sharing documents; it’s popular among professionals, students, content creators, and casuals. Luckily, this fantastic software can do more than write and edit text. Users can create text to speech Google docs for just about anything.

Gone are the days when Mac and Windows users had no choice but to purchase Microsoft’s Office Suite. Now, anyone can access free alternatives like Google docs with a regular Google account.

Google docs have always been an excellent tool for creating documents, but now, with the ability to turn your Google docs text into audio files, it’s even more helpful. So how do you make text to speech Google docs? Let’s dive in and see how to create MP3 files from Google docs.

Creating text to speech Google docs

Google docs can turn your text into an audio file and create an MP3 version. Amazingly, such a simple feature has use cases for businesses, content creators, or anyone who wants to share audio versions of their documents. This is because Google docs have become so ingrained and synonymous with the word processor.

A voice maker from text tool makes it easier for businesses and content creators to introduce their text documents more efficiently, connect with their target market, and even help to increase accessibility for users who are visually impaired. Let’s touch on why creating text to speech Google docs is crucial for content creation today.

How to do text to speech on Google docs: step-by-step

Learning how to do text to speech on Google docs is simple. Are you aware that almost every document and file you make is stored in the cloud? You can access them from your mobile device, desktop computers, and tablets.

Of course, all of this demands the question – is it possible to use text to speech functionality on documents created using Google’s text-to-speech service? All you need to do is open the Google Chrome web browser, click the Google Apps icon, and search for Google docs . Let’s review the steps to discuss how to do text to speech on Google docs:

• Start by opening a new document.
• Once you’ve done that, tap on Tools .
• Scroll down to the bottom of the list and click on Accessibility .
• Next, click the check box to Turn on Screen Reader Support and then okay to save your selection.
• Find your text selection and click on Accessibility again and choose Speak , followed by Speak Selection to have Google’s native text to speech feature read it out loud.

Now, whenever you want Google docs to read text aloud, you can select the whole document or part of it. Now, let’s discuss creating MP3 files.

Google chrome web browser: convert text to MP3

There are a couple of ways to convert your text to MP3 from text to speech Google docs.

• While in the browser, navigate to the Google Workspace Marketplace , go to the Apps icon and scroll down, or type Text to MP3 , Audio to Mail in the search bar.
• Install the Google Chrome extension, and give the tool permissions.
• The program will access your Google Drive and select the files for transcription into MP3s.
• Please select the file from Google Drive; the program will copy it into the extension.
• Select the language and a new file name.
• Save the audio file to your G-Drive folders or your computer.
• Click Create Audio, MP3 from texts , and save the output once it’s complete.

Google Cloud TTS: Text to speech on Google docs

This method comes from the developer side of the aisle and may be complicated for some users. Instead, transform text, or Speech Synthesis Markup Language (SSML) , into audible digital data such as MP3 and LINEAR16 encoding with TTS. With the Google Cloud feature, creators can select tools that use speech synthesis and different voices and generate higher-quality WaveNet-generated voices that sound more human-like.

Using the cloud TTS feature, let’s simplify the text to speech on Google docs.

• First, navigate to the Google Cloud page.
• You’ll find dummy text; copy in the text you need.
• Next, inspect the page by right-clicking it and clicking Inspect .
• Once the development tab comes up, you can click on Network .
• Click the Clear icon to clear the development window.
• Click on Speak It and check I am not a robot to enable it.
• The development window will display text and files once complete.
• Locate the proxy file in the Name column and click on it.
• Look for Audio Content in the string of audio data and copy it.
• You’ll need to decode the base64-encoded audio content . Fortunately, most devices can do this with built-in capabilities.
• If you’re using a Windows device: Copy the base-64 data into a text file.

Decode the data using the certutil command. It should look similar to this: certutil -decode SOURCE_BASE64_TEXT_FILE DESTINATION_AUDIO_FILE. You’ll have the file as a download once complete.

How to enable speech to text with Google’s voice typing

Fortunately, content creators, small business owners, and virtually anyone who needs better workflow can capitalize on the conveniences of Google docs. Voice typing using Google docs is far simpler than text to speech, saving you precious time and energy. With this tool, anyone can avoid the effort of physically typing each word altogether for a much faster process.

Here’s a step-by-step:

• As usual, open a New Document in Google docs and visit the web browser.
• Next, click on the Tools menu and click on Voice Typing .
• A microphone icon will appear. Click on the microphone and start speaking.
• Users can easily enable Voice Typing using the Ctrl + Shift + S keyboard shortcut .

What about the ChromeVox extension for Google docs?

When you need to use the text-to-speech capability while editing documents, look no further than Google docs and its external extension. Utilizing ChromeVox – a built-in screen reader for Chromebooks – type “ Screen Reader ” into your web browser search menu bar and enjoy.

Unlock the power of TTS with this step-by-step guide:

• To locate ChromeVox , type it into the search bar of any web browser.
• Next, click on the Screen Reader .
• To install the extension, click Add to Chrome .
• Tap on Add Extension . Once complete, it will install onto Chrome.
• Open up a new document on Google docs and navigate to Text , then Accessibility , then Speak , and lastly, Speak Selection . It’s that easy!

Why creating MP3 files from text to speech tools on Google docs is useful

Text to speech is a handy feature for Google docs users. With TTS, you can easily convert written documents into MP3 files that you can play on any capable device.

Convert text into audio files

Another great use of text to speech is for accessibility purposes. For those with visual impairments or learning disabilities, MP3 audio files can make it much easier to access content that would otherwise be impossible for them to read. It also helps those who are not native English speakers, as they can hear the words in the same document spoken in their language and better understand the content.

Improve language learning

Using text to speech in Google docs can be an excellent tool for language learning. MP3 files created from text to speech Google docs can support ELL students and help with foreign language barriers. In addition, learners can improve their pronunciation and intonation and increase their understanding of the language.

By hearing the words spoken in google docs read aloud , learners can better comprehend the meaning of words and phrases. Additionally, it can help them become more familiar with the sound of the language, which is essential for developing fluency. With TTS, learners can understand written material and focus on improving their speaking skills.

Add voiceovers to presentations for work

Adding an MP3 voiceover to your presentation can help keep your audience engaged and make it easier for them to follow along. With text to speech, you can quickly generate a voiceover from the text in your slides and add it to the Google doc.

For creative expression

Audio has a way of bringing stories to life, and it can act as a medium for creativity and expression. You can use MP3 audio to create unique audio short stories for a radio broadcast, record podcasts, or add a bit of flair and personality when presenting your work. Bring your Google docs to life and imbue them with unique voices by utilizing dynamic speech in the text.

Creators also use MP3 audio to read aloud scripted pieces for YouTube videos or long-form content on Instagram and TikTok.

Make videos more interactive

MP3 created from text to speech Google docs can be used in video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X , allowing you to add narration without recording it yourself. This is great for creating tutorials or explainer videos that require lots of talking, but you lack the budget for voice actors.

Automate customer service

Generated MP3 audio files are also helpful in customer service applications like chatbots or virtual assistants. With these AI assistants, you can give customers answers quickly without them waiting on hold. For example, you could use Google docs and AI tools to generate audio chat responses to customer inquiries.

However, if you’re a small business, generating your audio responses might be a better option, as it allows you to customize the tone and style of the customer service interaction. This is especially useful during peak times when live customer service agents are unavailable or after hours when no one is there.

Other uses cases for Google text to speech

Why should you use text to speech on Google docs if you’re creating written content?

Use a dedicated screen reader software

Let’s face it, humans are creatures of convenience, and sometimes, we don’t want to read a document or article; we want to listen to it. This is where users can have a google docs screen reader, or a speech extension read the entire document. So, listening to long documents or presentations is a breeze.

This accessibility feature lets you quickly review and edit documents without manually reading through them. This is especially useful for long-form content such as ebooks or reports.

Use Typecast text to speech software to enhance your Google docs

Text to speech technology has revolutionized content and how it can benefit you and your work habits. With TTS, you can easily add audio narration to your work, making it more engaging and accessible to anyone. Using a Google Doc is the path to a decisive outcome.

From creating simple documents to transforming text into audio, the power of text-to-speech Google docs brings endless possibilities for productivity. With Typecast , users can copy their Google docs text and paste it into the reader, automatically generating an MP3 audio file. Furthermore, users can create custom, high-quality audio that they can tweak, edit and share.Best of all, users can select an AI voice avatar with natural-sounding voices to fit their brand image. Google docs is a staple of our digital world, and TTS is the perfect way to bring more dynamism and life to our documents. With the Typecast text to speech app , you can create audio files to enhance your experience and turn the most arduous task into a more manageable project.

Type your script and cast AI voice actors & avatars

The ai generated text-to-speech program with voices so real it's worth trying, related articles.

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How to speech-to-text in Google Docs

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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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Use Google speech to text instead of Apple's

Google currently has much higher quality speech transcription. You can try it easily by going to doc.new and pressing Cmd-Shift-S and talking. Compare to using the built in system from Apple (pressing Fn twice).

Ideally there would be a good way to do this, but if that doesn't work, hacky is the next best thing. An AppleScript or Hammerspoon script that instantly pops up a Google Docs window, and then inserts the result is better than nothing.

Given that things like this https://dictation.io/speech exist, or this jsfiddle it seems like it should be possible to at least have an extension that can interface with other applications to enable dictation input, but I haven't found any yet.

Is there any way to somehow use this instead of the built in transcription, e.g. with a keyboard shortcut?

• applescript
• voice-dictation

• cloud.google.com/speech-to-text/docs/quickstart-gcloud This is the reverse of what you need, but essential steps are the same apple.stackexchange.com/questions/382620/… –  anki Commented Jun 13, 2020 at 5:17

Check out the Voice In Speech to Text Chrome Extension . It builds on Google's speech to text to allow you to dictate directly on many websites like Gmail, Wordpress, Zendesk, Facebook, etc. Note: it works only in the Chrome browser.

You can download from the Chrome Webstore

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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.

AI reader summary

Read Aloud: Transforming the Way We Experience Text

Cliff Weitzman

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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Audio transcription compared — Cloud-based vs. on-device

You can transcribe audio on Apple hardare

Apple's latest assortment of operating systems lets users transcribe audio directly within Notes and Voice Memos, in real-time and without an internet connection.

iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1 also introduce support for Apple Intelligence , meaning that users will be able to summarize and edit transcriptions through AI, though only on more recent devices.

To better explain the significance of these new features, as well as their potential impact on the third-party app market, it's important to have an a basic understanding of audio transcription as a whole, and the different types of speech-to-text processing that exist.

The process of converting recorded speech into written text is known as audio transcription. It's commonly used in a variety of different fields and industries and has always been an essential tool for multiple types of users, including academics, business professionals, journalists as well as students.

Audio transcription makes it easy to find key information contained within an audio recording. Rather than listening to an entire recording of a speech or interview, for example, a journalist can easily search through a transcript and find the necessary details. General-purpose note-taking is also made significantly easier with audio transcription.

It's also often used as an accessibility tool, as transcription assists users with auditory or other impairments. Students who have difficulties understanding their professor or following along during lectures may especially benefit more from real-time audio transcription, rather than the post-processing of recorded audio.

In general, there are two possible approaches to audio transcription — on-device and cloud-based. Each has its own advantages and shortcomings that users have to take into account when deciding which app is right for them.

With on-device audio transcription, audio is processed locally on the user's hardware and converted into text without connecting to an external server. This ultimately preserves user privacy, as recordings and transcripts are not sent anywhere.

Cloud-based audio transcription works by sending audio files over the internet to specialized servers with transcription software. Once a file has been transcribed, text output is sent back to the end user. This type of transcription is often less CPU-intensive and is available on a broad range of devices.

When it comes to audio transcription, users have multiple apps and services to choose from. Some apps utilize on-device audio processing, while others are web-based services that transcribe audio remotely, through the use of external servers. Ultimately, there are pros and cons to each approach, as well as unique use cases for both on-device transcription and cloud-based processing.

Offline transcription — What it's used for and why

Offline transcription is ideal for audio recordings that contain highly sensitive information. In journalism, for instance, this would help secure the personal information of individuals speaking to the press about confidential matters.

Transcribing audio on-device means that there's effectively no chance of accidentally transmitting sensitive information during the transcription process.

In theory, no unauthorized third parties can listen in on these recordings or view the transcribed files, which remains a possibility with transcription services requiring an active internet connection.

Recordings of business meetings are also likely to contain sensitive info such as corporate plans, marketing, branding, and investment strategies, product development details, and so on. This makes on-device transcription the best option for these types of recordings.

Recordings with medical information, such as therapy sessions or medical notes, obviously contain private and often sensitive information. On-device processing would ensure the privacy of all individuals involved and would be especially useful for public figures and celebrities.

In addition to this, offline audio transcription can also be used for journaling. When visiting remote or rural areas with no internet connectivity, only an on-device transcription tool can process audio. Since there are no network-related requirements, general-purpose note-taking is also made easier with offline audio transcription.

The importance of real-time audio transcription, why cloud-based apps are sometimes useful

Online-only audio transcription services, such as Otter.ai , can process audio in real-time. This means that the service can transcribe meetings, conference calls, lectures, live streams, and podcasts right as they're happening.

In journalism, real-time transcription is especially useful for live events. This can include press conferences, award ceremonies, speeches, announcements from companies and government officials, product launch events, quarterly earnings calls related to select companies, and much more.

During events like these, a journalist may be tasked with writing a story based on a key sentence from an event, one that contains an important statistic or data point. This is where real-time transcription is absolutely necessary, as timing is crucial.

Other types of users, such as students, may need real-time transcription for more efficient note-taking during lectures. By seeing individual words and key sentences transcribed right away, it becomes easier to identify core concepts, ideas, or phrases of note within a lecture.

Many offline transcription apps cannot provide real-time audio transcripts. On the other hand, Apple's iOS 18, although still in beta, introduces offline real-time transcription in the built-in Notes app. This makes it a potential competitor for certain cloud-based audio transcription services.

Apple's offline audio transcription is available on different platforms, though obviously only on Apple-branded systems and on only the company's latest software.

Web-based products such as Otter.ai are available cross-platform. This means that users can transcribe audio in real time on any device with a modern web browser, whether it be a phone, a laptop, or a tablet.

Many third-party offline transcription apps, such as those based on OpenAI's Whisper, are limited to a singular platform. In some instances, applications are Mac-only, while others are available exclusively on Windows or iPhone .

OpenAI's Whisper models and their use for on-device transcription

The recent popularity of artificial intelligence means that there's an ever-increasing number of applications and generative AI models that can process audio, video, images, and text files. Some AI models are used for on-device audio transcription, as is the case with OpenAI's Whisper.

Whisper , released in 2022, is a particularly popular piece of AI-powered transcription software. Whisper is open-source, meaning that its AI models are freely available on OpenAI's GitHub page for anyone to download and use.

The software was trained on more than 680,000 hours of audio and features multiple AI models that produce transcriptions of varying accuracy and at different speeds. Whisper can also be used for translation, as it supports 99 different languages.

Whisper's AI models make it possible to transcribe audio entirely on-device, without an active internet connection. This comes at the cost of storage space, though, as the Whisper AI models can be up to 2GB in size, which is arguably a lot for a computer with a lower storage capacity such as 256GB.

It's worth noting, however, that installing Whisper directly from OpenAI's GitHub page is not as easy as installing any GUI-type macOS app. Some users might find the task daunting, due to the use of terminal commands and the like, although for exactly that reason, developers have been incorporating Whisper into their apps.

Why third-party apps use OpenAI's Whisper, how they make a profit, and what they bring to the table

Many companies have developed GUI applications for macOS and iOS , which make use of OpenAI's Whisper, as a way of creating a more user-friendly experience. This includes products such as MacWhisper and Whisper Transcription , and Whisper has even made its way into existing audio-related apps such as the $77 Audio Hijack .

Many of these Whisper-powered apps offer basic transcription functionality for free, by providing access to smaller Whisper AI models. These models can provide quick transcriptions, but may not be as accurate as those created using the larger and more complex AI models.

In general, these types of apps make a profit by charging for the use of larger Whisper models within their respective GUI environments, or by adding additional functionality such as AI-powered summarization and draft creation.

Third-party transcription applications powered by OpenAI's Whisper models can sometimes offer added functionality for the end-user. Instead of just transcribing audio, for instance, some third-party apps may also let users create drafts for blog posts, emails, and social media posts based on their transcript.

One drawback of these extra features, however, is that they often require an internet connection to function. For most Whisper-powered apps with text editing features, the additional transcript modification is performed by connecting to and using ChatGPT-4o, also developed by OpenAI.

On-device transcription apps based on OpenAI's Whisper models

Many audio transcription applications based on Whisper charge customers for the use of larger Whisper AI models. Some apps also offer transcript editing and draft creation tools powered by OpenAi's ChatGPT, but at an additional cost.

Whisper Transcription on macOS, for instance, requires a monthly subscription to use larger Whisper AI models, and to use ChatGPT-powered features. The app offers three subscription options:

• $4.99 for a weekly plan
• $8.99 for a monthly plan
• $24.99 for a one-year subscription

There's also a lifetime purchase option that gives users indefinite access to all of the app's features for a one-time fee of $59.99.

MacWhisper , another macOS audio transcription app, also requires payment for the use of larger Whisper AI models, and for ChatGPT integration. Users can buy a MacWhisper Pro license for a one-time payment of 39.99 euros (USD $44) for personal use. There's also a 50% discount for journalists, though this requires sending an email to the developer — [email protected] .

Business users, who need to run MacWhisper on more than one machine at a time, can purchase packages of 5, 10 and 20 MacWhisper Pro licenses. They can be bought at the following prices:

• 125 euros (USD $138) for 5 MacWhisper Pro licenses
• 200 euros (USD $221) for 10 MacWhisper Pro licenses
• 300 euros (USD $331) for 20 MacWhisper Pro licenses

True enthusiasts, however, can always install the free CLI (command-line interface) version of Whisper from OpenAI's GitHub, which gives them access to the aforementioned larger AI models.

In short, apps such as MacWhisper and Whisper Transcription offer a more accessible way of using OpenAI's Whisper, and in some cases offer added AI-powered functionality. This is what makes them appealing to users.

Cloud-based transcription apps currently on the market

Many on-device transcription tools and apps powered by Whisper do not feature real-time transcription, and are, instead, only compatible with audio recordings. This is where certain cloud-based apps and services become useful, as they can transcribe events in real time.

For cloud-based audio transcription apps, users have a variety of apps to choose from. Similar to transcription apps that use on-device processing, such as those based on OpenAI's Whisper, there are different subscription options available for cloud based-apps. Some services offer hourly rates as well.

Services such as Otter.ai provide a real-time transcript that can be viewed right as an event is happening. Otter can even time-stamp recordings and identify individual speakers, making it a good option for business applications.

The free version of Otter lets users transcribe 300 minutes per month, at 30 minutes per recording. For paying customers, the company offers two monthly subscription options:

• $8.33 for 1200 monthly transcription minutes, 90 minutes per conversation
• $20 for 6000 monthly transcription minutes, 4 hours per convesation

Offering similar functionality to Otter.ai, Zoom also has its own virtual meeting transcription service, though it is only available with a Pro ($14.99 per month,) Business ($21.99 per month,) or Enterprise license. It also requires that cloud recording be enabled for Zoom.

Speechmatics is another cloud-based, AI-powered audio transcription service that provides results in real-time. The front page of the company's website even has a demo of this feature, which transcribes audio from BBC live broadcasts.

The free version of Speechmatics lets users transcribe 8 hours of audio per month. For paying customers, the Speechmatics website contains multiple hourly rates for the company's audio transcription services.

The company offers varying levels of audio transcription accuracy for both real-time audio transcription as well as the processing of audio recordings.

For pre-recorded audio, the rates are:

• $0.30/hour for "Lite mode" transcription
• $0.80/hour for standard accuracy transcription
• $1.04/hour for enhanced accuracy transcription

To transcribe live audio, users will need to pay:

• $1.04/hour for standard accuracy transcription, or
• $1.65/hour for enhanced accuracy transcription

MAXQDA , which uses Speechmatics as a subprocessor, is a qualitative analysis program that lets users analyze different types of texts, literature, interviews and more. Among other features, the app offers audio transcription, assuming the user has purchased the software and has a MAXQDA AI Assist license .

The company charges per hour of transcribed audio. For private customers, MAXQDA's rates are as follows:

• 23.80 euros (USD $26.27) for 2 hours worth of audio, transcribed
• 58.31 euros (USD $64.37) for 5 hours worth of audio, transcribed
• 92.82 euros (USD $102.47) for 10 hours worth of audio, transcribed
• 178.50 euros for (USD $197.05) for 20 hours worth of audio, transcribed

VoicePen is a note-taking app that offers cloud-based audio transcription, through OpenAI's Whisper API or Whisper AI models deployed on servers. The app also contains AI-powered transcript-editing tools that only work online, similar to those offered by Whisper Transcription on the Mac .

The app offers subscription options that give users access to live transcription, AI rewrites via ChatGPT-4o, and more. Users can choose between:

• $4.99 for a weekly subscription
• $9.99 for a monthly subscription
• $44.99 for an annual subscription

Compared to audio transcription apps that process audio on-device, such as those powered by OpenAI's Whisper AI models, cloud-based services often have serious drawbacks. Though they do have their advantages as well.

The advantages of Whisper's on-device AI models compared to cloud-based processing

When used on-device, OpenAI's Whisper models have multiple advantages relative to other transcription services. Whisper and its many app-type incarnations offer privacy-preserving on-device transcription at little or no cost while delivering acceptable levels of accuracy and performance.

Unlike OpenAI's Whisper, the free versions of cloud-based transcription services typically come with different restrictions and limitations in place. More often than not, these types of applications and websites place limits on the amount of audio a user can transcribe, the number of transcriptions one can perform, or they limit the maximum duration of audio files.

Pricing is another issue worth considering. Cloud-based transcription services have hourly rates or operate on a subscription-based model. This means that they charge per minute of transcribed audio or per transcription completed, while OpenAI's Whisper is open-source and can be used by anyone at no cost.

Many companies that provide cloud-based transcription services see subscription-based models as an ideal way of generating profit over long periods of time. Some consumers would, arguably, rather pay a one-time fee or nothing at all.

OpenAI's Whisper also has an advantage over cloud-based services in the number of languages it supports. Whisper supports 99 different languages, whereas Otter.ai, for example, only supports English.

Looming concerns of data privacy and security present another problem that plagues cloud-based transcription services. While many of these companies promise encrypted file transfers for audio recordings and claim that data is not shared with third parties, the end-user has no easy way of verifying these claims.

Unlike on-device applications, where the hardware can transcribe audio while disconnected from the internet, the effects of bad actors remain a possibility when it comes to cloud-based transcription services and apps.

The upsides to using cloud-based audio transcription services

Cloud-based transcription applications also have their own benefits, though. The most important among them being real-time audio transcription, cross-platform availability, and added app functionality compared to stand-alone on-device models.

The fact that certain transcription services feature a web-based user interface means that they can be used on any device with a web browser. Ultimately, this makes them more convenient than an app limited to a singular platform such as macOS.

Transcription apps that utilize cloud-based processing can also save users' storage space. By processing audio remotely, cloud-based transcription apps eliminate the requirement for storing AI models on device, saving the user up to 2GB, which is the size of larger a Whisper AI model.

Since cloud-based transcription apps process audio on servers, they are not as CPU-intensive as on-device models. Given that cloud-based apps require less power to transcribe audio, using them could lead to better battery life relative to the frequent use of on-device transcription models.

Ultimately, for the majority of transcription-related apps, it boils down to a trade-off between privacy and security, or real-time audio processing and cross-platform availability.

Apple's implementation of audio transcription may impact the market in the long run, as the company's iOS 18 Notes app features offline audio transcription that works in real time. In doing so, the software eliminates the need for a Wi-Fi connection while also ensuring the security of user data.

Apple's approach to audio transcription in iOS 18

With all of this in mind, it's no surprise that Apple decided to offer on-device audio transcription within core apps in iOS 18, iPadOS 18 and macOS Sequoia . The company has a tradition of insisting on privacy and security, especially when it comes to user data.

During Apple's annual Worldwide Developers' Conference (WWDC) on June 10, the company announced that on-device audio transcription would become available within three core apps — Notes, Phone, and Voice Memos.

Although Apple's transcription features require an additional download from within the Notes app, real-time transcription is performed entirely on-device. This feature is already available in the current developer betas of the company's newest operating systems — iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.

While audio transcription was previously available in other applications like Podcasts, its addition to Notes, Voice Memos, and the Phone app allows for multiple new use cases. It also gives Apple a way of competing with existing third-party products and services that offer similar functionality.

Why Apple added audio transcription to Notes and Voice Memos

Rather than offering only audio transcription, Apple's Notes app lets users embed audio recordings, images, links, text, and more - all within one note. This makes the app a true powerhouse for students and business professionals alike.

The new transcription functionality is present within the built-in Notes application, meaning that students could use it to record lectures and then supplement those recordings with whiteboard images or additional text, for example.

With Apple Intelligence , users can then create a summary of their transcribed audio, edit the text through Writing Tools, and will soon be able to add AI-generated images related to their text.

By adding features such as these, Apple wants to rival existing third-party note-taking and transcription apps, while also tackling the ever-increasing competition in the realm of AI through Apple Intelligence.

The potential effects of iOS 18 on the third-party transcription app market

As iOS 18 is still in beta at the time of writing, on-device audio transcription within Notes and Voice Memos is still not available on most users' devices. This makes it somewhat difficult to assess the impact Apple's features may have on the transcription app market.

Nonetheless, developers of third-party transcription apps, such as VoicePen 's Timur Khairullin , remain confident. Khairullin told AppleInsider that he sees Apple's transcription features as a positive development, saying that "Apple's iOS 18 update will only expand the market."

"It introduces new behaviors to users, which leads to greater adoption over time — something Apple excels at. At the same time, there's always a market for apps that cater to users who want to go one step further," Khairullin said.

The VoicePen developer claims that the value of third-party transcription applications is in their added functionality. Third-party apps often combine audio transcription with AI-powered text editing and draft creation tools, support for multiple audio formats, along with features created with specific markets in mind.

While Apple offers on-device audio transcription in iOS 18 as a stand-alone feature, tools for editing and summarizing those transcripts are powered by Apple Intelligence. This means that AI features such as Writing Tools and text summarization are only available on the latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, or iPads and Macs with an M1 or newer chip.

As an alternative, cloud-based transcription apps offer ChatGPT-powered features. This means that users of older devices can still edit their transcripts, make drafts for blog posts, emails, and social media posts, even though their hardware doesn't support Apple Intelligence.

In a conversation with AppleInsider , the VoicePen developer argued that transcription applications often target different markets and use cases. Khairullin claims that Otter.ai, for example, primarily focuses on transcribing live events such as meetings, rather than speech-to-text note-taking, as is the case with VoicePen.

Apple's on-device audio transcription features, coupled together with Apple Intelligence, pack a serious punch, but not enough to truly rival or endanger the third-party transcription app market. Both cloud-based and offline transcription services are likely to maintain their current foothold, by offering a broader range of features or by supporting older devices.

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