Download & Install TalkWriter
Getting TalkWriter on your Mac takes about two minutes. Follow the steps below.
Why a Native Mac App?
TalkWriter runs as a native macOS application (not a browser extension or web app) because it needs deep system access to work everywhere. It uses macOS Accessibility to paste text into any app, and it captures microphone audio with low latency for real-time streaming. A browser extension cannot do either of these things reliably.
Which Version Should I Download?
| Your Mac | Chip Info | Download |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air/Pro (2020+), iMac (2021+), Mac Mini (2020+), Mac Studio, Mac Pro (2023+) | Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) | arm64 (recommended) |
| MacBook Air/Pro (2019 or older), iMac (2020 or older), Mac Mini (2018), Mac Pro (2019) | Intel | x64 |
| Not sure which chip you have | Check Apple menu () > About This Mac | Universal (works on both) |
The arm64 build runs natively on Apple Silicon and delivers the best performance and battery life. Only download the universal build if you share the installer across different Macs.
Download Links
| Build | Link |
|---|---|
| Apple Silicon (arm64) | Download arm64 DMG |
| Intel (x64) | Download x64 DMG |
| Universal | Download Universal DMG |
Installation Steps
Step 1: Download the DMG file
Click the download link above that matches your Mac. Your browser saves a .dmg file to your Downloads folder (approximately 150 MB).
Step 2: Open the DMG file
Double-click the downloaded .dmg file. A window appears showing the TalkWriter icon and your Applications folder.
Step 3: Drag TalkWriter to Applications
Drag the TalkWriter icon onto the Applications folder icon. This copies the app to your Mac.
Step 4: Eject the DMG
Right-click (or Control-click) the TalkWriter disk image on your desktop and select Eject. You can also drag it to the Trash.
Step 5: Launch TalkWriter
Open your Applications folder (or use Spotlight: press Cmd + Space and type "TalkWriter"), then double-click TalkWriter to launch it.
The first time you open TalkWriter, macOS may show a warning: "TalkWriter can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software." To proceed:
- Open System Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down and click Open Anyway next to the TalkWriter message.
- Launch TalkWriter again.
After Installation
Once TalkWriter launches for the first time, you need to:
- Grant microphone permission so TalkWriter can hear your voice.
- Grant accessibility permission so TalkWriter can paste text into other apps.
- Sign in with your Google account or email/password.
See First Setup for a complete walkthrough of these steps.
Updating TalkWriter
TalkWriter does not auto-update. When a new version is available, download the latest DMG from talkwriter.ai and repeat the installation steps above. Dragging the new version into Applications replaces the old one. Your account, dictionary, snippets, and settings are preserved because they sync to your account, not the app itself.
Bookmark the download page so you can quickly grab new versions. TalkWriter may show an in-app notification when a new version is available.
Uninstalling TalkWriter
- Quit TalkWriter if it is running (right-click the menu bar icon and choose Quit).
- Open your Applications folder.
- Drag TalkWriter to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash.
Your account data (dictionary, snippets, history) is stored in the cloud and will be available if you reinstall later.
Practical Example
Scenario: You just got a new MacBook Pro with an M3 chip.
- Go to the download link above and grab the arm64 DMG (it will run natively on your M3).
- Open the DMG, drag TalkWriter to Applications.
- Launch TalkWriter, grant permissions, sign in.
- Open Slack, hold Fn, say "Hey team, I'm set up on the new laptop and ready to go."
- Release Fn. Polished text appears in Slack.
Total time from download to first dictation: under 3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The download is blocked by my browser. What do I do? Some browsers flag unfamiliar downloads. Click "Keep" or "Allow" in your browser's download bar. The file is safe.
Can I install TalkWriter on multiple Macs? Yes. Sign in with the same account on each Mac and your subscription applies everywhere. Your dictionary, snippets, and settings sync across devices.
How big is the download? Approximately 150 MB, depending on the build.
Do I need to uninstall the old version before updating? No. Dragging the new version into Applications overwrites the old one automatically.
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai