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About AuraScribe

AuraScribe is an open-source, offline voice dictation application designed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It transcribes spoken words directly on the user’s device without sending audio or text to external servers. The tool operates via a global hotkey, allowing users to dictate text into any application without interrupting their workflow. Transcription occurs locally on the CPU, with punctuation, capitalization, and filler words handled automatically during the process. The application supports over 65 languages, including European and Asian languages, with language detection handled automatically by each engine. AuraScribe includes features such as a personal dictionary for custom terms, snippet expansion for frequently used phrases, and a local SQLite-based history for searchable transcripts. It is distributed under the MIT license and does not require an account, subscription, or internet connection after the initial model download.

Key features

  • Global hotkey activation for hands-free dictation
  • Local CPU-based transcription with real-time processing
  • Automatic punctuation, capitalization, and filler-word removal
  • Personal dictionary for custom names and jargon
  • Snippet expansion for frequently used phrases
  • Local transcript history stored in SQLite
  • Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Rebindable hotkey configuration

Use cases

  • Dictating emails or documents without typing
  • Transcribing meetings or lectures in real time
  • Generating code comments or documentation via voice

Pros

  • 100% offline transcription with no cloud dependency
  • Supports over 65 languages with automatic language detection
  • No account, subscription, or telemetry required
  • Runs faster than real time on standard CPUs
  • Open-source and MIT licensed

Cons

  • Not notarized for macOS, requiring manual security permission
  • Wayland sessions on Linux restrict global hotkey and typing functionality
  • Limited to supported languages; unsupported languages cannot be added

Frequently asked questions about AuraScribe

Is AuraScribe really free?

Yes. AuraScribe is free forever and open source under the MIT license. There is no paid tier, no subscription, and no account to create.

Does my voice get sent to the cloud?

No. Every word is transcribed on your own PC. The only network request the app ever makes is downloading a speech model once, after which it works fully offline.

How is it different from Wispr Flow, Superwhisper, or Dragon?

AuraScribe is free, open source, and 100% offline, with no account required. Wispr Flow and Superwhisper are paid and cloud-based; Dragon is expensive. It is the private, local alternative.

Which languages does it support?

English plus 25 European languages, roughly 40 Asian languages, and Malayalam and Kannada, using four on-device engines. Each auto-detects the language within its region.

What are the system requirements?

A microphone and one of: Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit), macOS on Apple Silicon, or Linux (Debian or Ubuntu). The download is about 9 MB and runs faster than real time.

How do I get started with AuraScribe?

Download the installer for your system, set a hotkey, and start dictating in under a minute. No account to create, nothing to pay, and no cloud to trust with your voice.

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