Frequently asked questions
I hold the key and talk, but nothing is typed.
Voice Tide needs two permissions from macOS: the microphone, to hear you, and Accessibility, to type into other apps. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security and check that Voice Tide is switched on under both Microphone and Accessibility. If it already is, switch it off and on again, then restart Voice Tide.
Which key do I hold?
Right Option, by default: hold it while you talk and let go when you're done. You can pick another key, or a mode where you tap once to start and again to stop, in Settings › General.
Is there a subscription?
No. Voice Tide has no subscription and no account.
How does the free week work?
Download Voice Tide and use every feature free for 7 days, with no card and no sign-up. When you're ready, buy it once for $39.99 (the launch price; regular price $49.99): your license key appears as soon as you've paid, and your receipt email links back to it. Your history, transcripts and words stay on your Mac either way.
Where do I enter my license key?
At the top of the Voice Tide window, choose Enter license key, paste your key and choose Activate. To find your key again, open the Access purchase link in your receipt email, or sign in at polar.sh/voicetide/portal with your purchase email.
Can I use my license on another Mac?
Yes. One key works on 2 Macs. To move it to a new Mac, open Settings › About on the old one and choose Move to another Mac. If the old Mac is gone, sign in at polar.sh/voicetide/portal with your purchase email and free it there.
Is Voice Tide coming to Windows?
Yes, soon. Write to [email protected] and we'll tell you the day it's out.
Can I dictate in a language other than English?
Yes, in about 100 languages. At setup, choose "Another language" and pick yours. Later, open Settings › Models to download a model that lists your language (Whisper Large v3 Turbo covers 100), then choose the language in Settings › General. Models are free downloads, with nothing to sign up for.
I speak two languages. Can I switch between them?
Yes. Give the second language its own key under Second language key in Settings › General. Each key then listens for its own language.
It keeps getting a name or a word wrong. Can it learn?
Yes. Select the wrong word in any app, press Control Option F and type the right one. Voice Tide fixes it in place and uses the right word from then on. You can see and edit everything it has learned on the Words page.
How do I get what I say translated?
Install the Local translation pack in Settings › General. It translates between English and the language you pick, Spanish for example, on your device. It's a one-time download of a few gigabytes, so use a good connection.
How does read aloud work?
Select text in any app and press Control Option S: Voice Tide reads it back to you. Pick a voice, or download the natural voices, on the Read aloud page, where you can also change the keys.
Can Voice Tide transcribe my meetings?
Yes, any call on your device. Open the Meetings page, download the meeting model (a one-time download of about 1 GB) and switch Meetings on. Then press Control Option M (Ctrl Alt M on Windows) when the call starts and again when it ends: Voice Tide records your side and the other side, transcribes the call on your device, and saves the transcript with a page for your notes. The first time, macOS asks you to allow Voice Tide to record system audio.
Can I see the tour again?
Yes. Open Settings › About and choose Take the tour.
Is my voice sent anywhere?
No. Your voice becomes text on your device. See the privacy policy for the full details.