Speech to Text
Dictate text with your browser's speech recognition, then edit, copy, or download the transcript.
Updated
What is the Speech to Text?
Dictate into an editable transcript using your browser's speech recognition. Click the mic, allow access, and speak; recognition support and accuracy vary by browser, device, and language.
The transcript is handled in this page and is not uploaded to Toolection. However, speech recognition may be provided by a browser or operating-system service, which may process audio outside your device. Check the provider's privacy settings before dictating sensitive information.
What makes this tool stand out:
- Live, editable transcript — text streams in as you speak and stays fully editable, so you can fix a misheard word without starting over.
- Language choices — select from the languages listed in the tool; actual recognition support depends on your browser and its speech service.
- Continuous mode — the tool attempts to restart recognition when a session ends, but browser limits or service errors may stop a long dictation.
- Audio-reactive waveform — a live meter shows your mic picking up sound, so you always know it's listening.
- One-click export — copy the transcript or download it as a timestamped
.txtfile with word count included.
Use it to draft notes, blog posts, or emails by voice, then review the transcript for recognition mistakes.
How it works
1. Choose your language
Choose a language from the dropdown. Available languages are sent to the browser's speech recognition engine, but not every engine supports every option. Changing the language restarts recognition.
2. Click the mic and speak
Click the microphone button and allow microphone access when your browser asks. Start talking; recognized words appear as interim text and may later be revised as the browser finalizes recognition.
Continuous mode (on by default) asks the browser to continue recognition and attempts to restart it when a session ends. Browser limits or service errors can still interrupt long dictation.
3. Edit as you go
The transcript is a normal, editable text box at every stage. Fix a misheard word, add punctuation, or delete a false start directly — no need to re-record.
4. Copy or download
Once you're happy with the result, use Copy transcript to grab the text, or Download to save it as a .txt file with the recording duration and word count included in the header.
Behind the scenes
The tool uses your browser's Web Speech API (SpeechRecognition). The browser or its speech provider handles recognition. Depending on the browser and its settings, audio may be processed by an online service rather than entirely on your device. The transcript is not uploaded to Toolection.
Examples
Draft an email by voice
Instead of typing a long reply, click the mic and dictate it out loud. Edit any misheard words directly in the transcript, then copy the finished text into your email client.
Mic input: "Hi Sarah, thanks for sending over the report..."Editable transcript: "Hi Sarah, thanks for sending over the report..."Take meeting notes hands-free
Keep the tool running in continuous mode during a call or meeting to capture a rough transcript, then clean up the wording afterward before saving it.
Live mic dictation, continuous mode ontranscript.txt — timestamped, with word countFrequently asked questions
What is Speech to Text?
What is Speech to Text?
It's a free browser-based dictation tool that converts your spoken voice into written text in real time. Click the mic, talk, and your words appear as an editable transcript that you can copy or download — no software, account, or upload required.
Is my voice recorded or sent to a server?
Is my voice recorded or sent to a server?
The transcript is not uploaded to Toolection. Speech recognition is handled by your browser or its speech provider, and depending on the browser and its settings, audio may be sent to an online service. Check your browser's privacy settings and provider information before dictating sensitive content.
Is Speech to Text free?
Is Speech to Text free?
Yes, completely free with no account, sign-up, or usage limits.
Which browsers support this tool?
Which browsers support this tool?
Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have the most reliable support. Safari works too, with on-device recognition on recent versions. Firefox does not currently implement the Web Speech API's recognition feature, so dictation won't work there.
Why isn't the microphone working?
Why isn't the microphone working?
Your browser needs microphone permission. Click the lock or camera/mic icon in the address bar, make sure microphone access is set to "Allow," then click the mic button again. Also check that no other app or browser tab is already using your microphone.
Can I edit the transcript?
Can I edit the transcript?
Yes. The transcript box is fully editable at any time, including while you're still dictating. Fix misheard words, add punctuation, or delete false starts directly in the text.
What languages are supported?
What languages are supported?
The dropdown includes a range of languages and regional variants. Whether a selection works depends on the speech recognition engine provided by your browser or device.
What happens if recognition stops unexpectedly?
What happens if recognition stops unexpectedly?
With Continuous mode on (the default), the tool attempts to restart recognition when a session ends. Browser limits or service errors may still interrupt dictation, so review and save your transcript as you work.
How do I export my transcript?
How do I export my transcript?
Use Copy transcript to copy the text to your clipboard, or Download to save it as a .txt file. The download includes a header with the date, recording duration, and word count.
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