Documentation

Install Steno, record your first dictation, and make it work for you.

Start here

01
IntroductionLearn how Steno records speech and turns it into text on your Mac.
02
InstallationInstall Steno 1.0, grant permissions, and keep the app up to date.
03
First Run and OnboardingSet permissions, choose a speech model, and record your first dictation.

04
Interface OverviewTour Dictate, History, Insights, Settings, and the optional live transcript.
05
Recording Modes and HotkeysRecord with Option hold-to-talk or a hands-free shortcut.
06
History and InsightsSearch past dictations, recover text, and see your activity in Insights.

07
Settings OverviewFind each setting and learn when your changes are saved.
08
Settings: PermissionsManage Microphone, Accessibility, and Input Monitoring permissions.
09
Settings: Speech ModelPick a model from the Model Library, read hardware recommendations, and run Test Setup.
10
Settings: Text OutputChoose the order Steno tries text insertion methods, with paste first in terminals.
11
Settings: Cleanup and StyleTune text cleanup style, structure, and per-app overrides.
12
Settings: Word Corrections and ShortcutsAdd preferred spellings, aliases, and reusable text shortcuts.
13
Settings: Appearance, Media, and GeneralChoose an appearance, control media interruption, and set startup preferences.

14
TroubleshootingFix recording, permission, and text insertion problems.
15
Privacy and SecuritySee what Steno stores, what stays on your Mac, and when it uses the internet.

16
ArchitectureSee how the app records, transcribes, and inserts text.
17
Development SetupInstall build tools and run Steno from source.
18
Testing and ContributingRun tests and benchmarks, follow coding standards, and prepare a pull request.
19
CI/CD PipelineFollow a change through GitHub Actions checks, release approval, signing, notarization, and publication.