Dictation in TalkWriter (Scratchpad)
The Scratchpad is TalkWriter's built-in text editor. It gives you a dedicated space to dictate, edit, and organize text without needing another application open.
Scratchpad vs Global Dictation
| Feature | Scratchpad (In-App) | Global Dictation (Any App) |
|---|---|---|
| Where text appears | Inside TalkWriter | At your cursor in any app |
| Editing tools | ✅ Built-in editor | Depends on the target app |
| Text persists | ✅ Saved automatically | Depends on the target app |
| Copy to clipboard | ✅ Easy export | N/A (already in target app) |
| Best for | Drafting, brainstorming, collecting ideas | Quick replies, form fields, direct input |
How to Use the Scratchpad
Step 1: Open the Scratchpad
Click Scratchpad in the TalkWriter sidebar. The text editor appears in the main window.
Step 2: Dictate into the Scratchpad
Press Fn and speak. Your polished text appears directly in the Scratchpad editor.
Step 3: Edit Your Text
Use the Scratchpad editor to:
- Fix any words the AI misheard
- Rearrange sentences
- Add formatting
- Combine multiple dictation passes into one document
Step 4: Copy or Export
Select your text (Cmd + A to select all) and copy it (Cmd + C) to paste into any other application.
When to Use the Scratchpad
- Drafting emails or messages — Dictate your thoughts freely, edit them, then paste the final version.
- Brainstorming — Speak ideas as they come. Edit and organize later.
- Collecting dictation fragments — Dictate multiple short passages and combine them.
- Troubleshooting — If global dictation is not working in a specific app, use the Scratchpad as a reliable fallback.
- Practice — Get comfortable with voice dictation before using it in other apps.
Scratchpad Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto-save | Your text is saved automatically. No manual saving needed. |
| Standard text editing | Cut, copy, paste, undo, redo — all standard shortcuts work. |
| Persistent content | Text remains in the Scratchpad between sessions. Close and reopen TalkWriter and your text is still there. |
| Clean workspace | A distraction-free environment focused on your dictated text. |
Tips
Use the Scratchpad for your first few dictations. It is the simplest environment to learn TalkWriter because you can see your text immediately and edit it in place without worrying about other apps.
- Dictate in passes. Do not try to dictate a perfect paragraph in one go. Speak one idea at a time, then review and combine.
- Use Cmd + Z to undo. If a dictation result is not what you wanted, undo it and try again.
- Clear the Scratchpad when starting fresh. Select all (Cmd + A) and delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Scratchpad just for dictation? No. You can also type into the Scratchpad normally with your keyboard. It is a general-purpose text editor.
Does the Scratchpad count toward my word limit? Yes. All dictation counts toward your weekly word limit, regardless of where the text is pasted.
Can I have multiple Scratchpad documents? The Scratchpad is a single document workspace. For multiple documents, consider copying text to another app like Notes or Notion.
Does the Scratchpad support rich text or markdown? The Scratchpad is a plain text editor. For rich text formatting, dictate into an app that supports it (like Google Docs or Notion).
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai