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First Setup

When you launch TalkWriter for the first time, you need to grant two macOS permissions and sign in. This takes about one minute.

Permission Checklist​

PermissionPurposeRequired?
✅ MicrophoneRecord your voice for dictationYes
✅ AccessibilityPaste transcribed text into other appsYes
Both permissions are required

TalkWriter cannot function without these permissions. If you accidentally deny either one, see the troubleshooting section below.

Step-by-Step Setup​

Step 1: Launch TalkWriter​

Open TalkWriter from your Applications folder. The setup wizard appears on first launch.

Step 2: Grant Microphone Access​

  1. TalkWriter displays a prompt: "TalkWriter would like to access the microphone."
  2. Click OK to allow microphone access.
  3. A green checkmark appears in the setup wizard.
note

If you click "Don't Allow" by mistake, see the troubleshooting section below to fix it.

Step 3: Grant Accessibility Access​

  1. TalkWriter shows a prompt asking for Accessibility permission.
  2. Click Open System Settings. This takes you to Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
  3. Find TalkWriter in the list.
  4. Toggle the switch on (to the right).
  5. Enter your Mac password if prompted.
  6. Switch back to TalkWriter. The wizard shows a green checkmark.
tip

If TalkWriter is not listed under Accessibility, click the + button, navigate to Applications, and select TalkWriter manually.

Step 4: Sign In​

  1. Choose Sign in with Google or Sign in with Email.
  2. Complete the authentication in your browser.
  3. TalkWriter confirms your sign-in and shows your account name.

See Signing In for detailed instructions on each method.

Step 5: Choose Your Dictation Mode​

TalkWriter asks you to pick a default mode:

ModeHow It WorksBest For
Push-to-Talk (PTT)Hold Fn to dictate, release to stopShort messages, emails, commands
LiveToggle Fn on/off for continuous dictationLong-form writing, notes, essays

You can change this anytime in Settings > Dictation.

Step 6: Start Dictating​

Setup is complete. Press the Fn key and start speaking. Your text appears wherever your cursor is.

Verifying Your Setup​

After setup, confirm everything works:

CheckExpected ResultStatus
Press Fn and speakPill overlay appears, text is transcribed✅
Text pastes into another appWords appear at your cursor in any app✅
Account name shows in sidebarYour name or email is visible✅

Troubleshooting Permissions​

I denied microphone access by mistake​

  1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone.
  2. Find TalkWriter in the list.
  3. Toggle the switch on.
  4. Restart TalkWriter.

I denied accessibility access by mistake​

  1. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility.
  2. Find TalkWriter in the list.
  3. Toggle the switch on.
  4. Restart TalkWriter.

TalkWriter is not listed in the permissions panel​

  1. Quit TalkWriter completely.
  2. Relaunch TalkWriter from Applications.
  3. The permission prompt should appear again.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Why does TalkWriter need Accessibility permission? macOS requires Accessibility permission for any app that simulates keyboard input. TalkWriter uses this to paste transcribed text into your active application.

Is my microphone always on? No. TalkWriter only accesses your microphone while you are actively dictating (Fn key held or Live mode active).

Can I complete setup without signing in? No. A free account is required to use TalkWriter, even on the free plan.

Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai