TheTechDad1027 Dictation is a compact local speech-to-text tool. It records your voice, transcribes it locally, and places the finished text on the clipboard so you can paste it wherever you want.
Local speech recognitionUses whisper.cpp and a locally stored Whisper model.
Clipboard readyCompleted dictation can be copied automatically for quick pasting.
Self-containedSettings, models, logs, history, and temporary files stay under the application folder.
Widget-styleThe main window is designed to stay compact while larger tasks open in separate windows.
Using Dictation
Use the main Dictation tab for everyday speech-to-text and the Recent tab to reuse or remove previous transcriptions.
1. Start DictationSelect Start Dictation and speak normally.
2. Stop DictationSelect Stop Dictation when you are finished speaking.
3. Wait for transcriptionThe status area shows when the tool is listening, transcribing, and finished.
4. Paste your textIf Auto-Copy is enabled, right-click and paste the completed text into another application.
Speech recognition models
You can choose the balance of speed and accuracy that works best for your computer and dictation style.
Fast — Tiny EnglishBest for quick everyday dictation. Uses fewer system resources, but may make more mistakes with names, technical terms, or unclear speech.
Balanced — Base EnglishRecommended for most users. Provides a good mix of speed, accuracy, and system resource use.
Accurate — Small EnglishBest when transcription quality matters most. Better with longer dictation, names, technical terms, and less-clear speech, but takes longer to process.
Local model storageA newly selected model downloads once and remains in the tool's Models folder for later use.
Privacy & local storage
The tool is designed around local processing and does not require a user account.
Local processingRecorded speech is processed locally by whisper.cpp.
Temporary WAV filesAudio is written temporarily for transcription and deleted after processing.
Recent historyRecent dictations are stored locally under the application's Data folder.
No account requiredThe application works without sign-in or cloud storage.
Interrupted runs can leave a stale temporary recording. Older temporary dictation files are cleaned up automatically on a later launch.
TheTechDad1027
TheTechDad1027 creates practical desktop tools, family-focused tech projects, recommendations, and other technology resources.
TheTechDad1027 Dictation — Build 5.15
Local desktop dictation with private speech-to-text and clipboard support.
Third-party licensing
This application uses open-source speech-recognition components.
whisper.cppDistributed under the MIT License.
OpenAI WhisperSource code and model weights are distributed under the MIT License.
Applicable copyright and license notices should be retained when redistributing these components. See ThirdPartyNotices.txt in the application folder for included notices.
Application log
Recent activity can be viewed here without opening the Logs folder.
