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📥 Installation

Installing from Mac App Store

The easiest way to install MacTalk is from the Mac App Store:

1. Open the App Store on your Mac
2. Search for "MacTalk"
3. Click "Get" or the price button
4. Wait for the download to complete
5. Open MacTalk from your Applications folder

System Requirements

• macOS: 14.0 (Sonoma) or later
• Processor: Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, or later)
• Storage: ~500 MB (includes ML model)

First Launch Setup

When you first launch MacTalk, you'll see a welcome screen that guides you through:

• Granting microphone access
• Granting accessibility access (for Globe key support - optional)
• Setting up terminal support (optional)

🔐 Permissions

Microphone Access

MacTalk needs microphone access to record your voice. You'll be prompted on first launch, or you can enable it manually:

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Click "Microphone" in the sidebar
3. Enable "MacTalk"

Accessibility Access

Accessibility access is required for Globe key detection and text insertion. Without it, you can still use MacTalk from the menu bar.

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Click "Accessibility" in the sidebar
3. Enable "MacTalk"
4. Restart MacTalk if needed

Terminal Support (Automation)

For pasting into terminal apps, MacTalk needs automation permission:

1. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security
2. Click "Automation" in the sidebar
3. Enable "MacTalk" for "System Events"

🎯 Using MacTalk

Basic Recording

• Place your cursor where you want text to appear
• Press and hold the Globe (fn) key
• Speak naturally
• Release the key to insert transcription

Supported Terminal Apps

MacTalk works with these terminal emulators:

• Terminal.app
• iTerm2
• Ghostty
• WezTerm
• Alacritty
• Kitty
• Hyper
• VimR
• MacVim

Menu Bar Options

Click the 🎙️ icon in your menu bar to:

• Enable/disable MacTalk
• Open setup wizard
• Check permission status
• Quit MacTalk

🔧 Troubleshooting

Globe Key Not Working

Problem: Pressing Globe key doesn't start recording.

Solution:

1. Check that accessibility permission is granted (see Permissions section above)
2. Restart MacTalk from the menu bar
3. Try using the menu bar "Disable/Enable" toggle
4. Make sure MacTalk is not already recording (icon would be red)

Text Not Inserting

Problem: Recording completes but text doesn't appear.

Solution:

• Make sure your cursor is in a text field
• Try pressing ⌘V to paste manually
• Check that the application supports text insertion (some apps may not)
• For terminals, verify automation permission is granted

Poor Transcription Accuracy

Problem: Transcribed text has many errors.

Solution:

• Speak clearly and at a natural pace
• Reduce background noise
• Ensure your Mac's microphone is working properly
• Check System Settings → Sound → Input for microphone level
• Try a different language if you're bilingual

App Won't Launch

Problem: Clicking MacTalk does nothing.

Solution:

1. Check Console.app for crash logs
2. Verify macOS version is 14.0 or later
3. Make sure you have an Apple Silicon Mac
4. Try deleting and reinstalling from App Store
5. Contact support if the issue persists

Clipboard Issues

Problem: Clipboard content is lost after transcription.

Solution:

MacTalk preserves clipboard content during transcription. If you're experiencing issues:

• Make sure you're not copying during recording
• Try recording a shorter phrase
• Check that the app you're pasting into accepts clipboard data

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is my voice data private?

Yes! MacTalk processes all audio locally on your Mac using Core ML. No recordings are stored, and no data is transmitted to external servers.

Can I use MacTalk without accessibility permission?

Yes! You can use MacTalk from the menu bar without accessibility permission. However, the Globe key shortcut won't work.

Does MacTalk work with VPNs or firewalls?

Yes, MacTalk doesn't require network connectivity for transcription. All processing is local.

How much does MacTalk cost?

MacTalk is $19.99 USD (or equivalent in your local currency) as a one-time purchase. No subscriptions or hidden fees.

Do I need an internet connection?

No internet connection is required for transcription. The ML model runs entirely on your Mac.

Can I transcribe audio files?

Currently, MacTalk only supports live voice recording. File transcription may be added in a future update.

Will MacTalk receive updates?

Yes! Your one-time purchase includes free updates forever. We're actively working on new features and improvements.