Documentation

Introduction

What Steno is, who it is for, and how dictation flows through the app.

Installation

Set up local dependencies, generate the project, and run Steno on macOS.

First Run and Onboarding

Walk through the five-step onboarding flow and know what is optional.

Interface Overview

Understand the menu bar app, tabs, status indicators, and quick actions.

Recording Modes and Hotkeys

Use press-to-talk and hands-free mode with global hotkeys.

History and Search

Browse, search, copy, paste, and manage transcript history.

Settings Overview

A map of every settings section and when changes take effect.

Settings: Permissions

Manage Microphone, Accessibility, and Input Monitoring permissions.

Settings: Engine and Model

Configure whisper-cli, model paths, threads, and Test Setup.

Settings: Text Output

Control insertion methods and fallback ordering by app context.

Settings: Cleanup and Style

Choose local or cloud cleanup and tune formatting behavior.

Settings: Lexicon and Snippets

Teach Steno your terms and create reusable text shortcuts.

Settings: Media and General

Control media auto-pause, launch behavior, and onboarding flags.

Troubleshooting

Solve the most common setup, permission, and insertion issues.

Privacy and Security

Understand what stays local, what can go to cloud, and where data lives.

Architecture

Learn Steno's two-layer design and core dictation pipeline.

Development Setup

Prepare your machine for local development and safe iteration.

Testing and Contributing

Run tests, follow coding standards, and submit quality pull requests.