Dictation software for writers who draft out loud

Some writers think faster than they type; others want a break from the keyboard. Dictation gets a rough draft onto the page so you can spend your keyboard time editing.

Reviewed October 27, 2026

What writers should look for

  • Works in your writing app. Word, Google Docs, a notes app, or almost any other text field — the tool should type where your cursor is.
  • Handles names. Characters, places and jargon need a custom dictionary.
  • Clean output, or your exact words. Some drafts benefit from filler words removed; others need every word kept.
  • Recovery. If text fails to land, you should not lose a paragraph.
  • Platform. Does it run on the computer you write on? SayDart is for Windows and Mac (beta).

Your options

  • Built in: Windows voice typing (Win+H) and Apple Dictation are free and good for short bursts.
  • Google Docs voice typing: free, Docs only, with voice formatting commands in English.
  • Desktop dictation apps such as SayDart, for one shortcut in every writing app.
Google Docs voice to textDictation software for Mac

A first-draft workflow with SayDart

  1. Add your names first. Put character names, places and invented words into Dictionary. Import a CSV if you have a list.
  2. Pick a style. Choose Original to keep every word for fiction voice, or Casual / Formal for cleaner nonfiction.
  3. Talk a scene or section. Click into your manuscript, press the shortcut (Right Alt on Windows / Right Option on Mac), speak, then press it again.
  4. Save repeated text as Snippets — a recurring scene header or sign-off.
  5. Lost a paragraph? It is in History on your computer; copy and paste it.
  6. Edit on the keyboard. Dictation drafts; you revise.
DictionarySmart cleanupHistoryWord voice to text

Good to know

  • SayDart types text; format headings and chapters in your writing app.
  • Recognition runs in the cloud; you need an internet connection.
  • Free to start with a modest weekly limit; Pro for unlimited use.

Pricing

SayDart is free to start. Pro is unlimited for $12/month, billed yearly ($144), or $15 month to month. Prices exclude tax.

SayDart pricing

Talk, don't type.

Open your manuscript, press Right Alt (Right Option on Mac) and draft the next scene by voice. SayDart is free to start.

Download SayDart for Windows, macOS (beta)

FAQ

Visit the help center
Does SayDart work in Scrivener?

SayDart types at the cursor in almost any app or text field; try it on the Free plan to confirm with your setup.

Can I dictate in another language and get English?

Yes — voice translation supports many spoken languages and hundreds of written targets. Review the result before you keep it.

Will it keep my exact words?

Choose the Original style to keep every word. Other styles clean filler and tidy punctuation.

Is dictation software for writers free with SayDart?

SayDart is free to start. Pro is unlimited for $12/month, billed yearly ($144), or $15 month to month. Prices exclude tax.