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Requirements

You need:
  • Apple Silicon
  • Microphone permission
  • Accessibility permission
  • Network access during setup for packages and model downloads

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Install

Recommended installer: 
curl -fsSL https://gabrimatic.github.io/local-whisper/install.sh | bash
Manual Homebrew setup: 
brew install gabrimatic/local-whisper/local-whisper
wh setup
Source setup for development: 
git clone https://github.com/gabrimatic/local-whisper.git
cd local-whisper
./setup.sh
The Homebrew path installs Local Whisper, downloads and warms the default Parakeet-TDT v3 model, checks macOS permissions, and starts the background service. Source setup is for development and unreleased changes. Other MLX speech models download from Settings when selected; the Transcription panel shows progress, partial cache state, and cancel. See Installation for permissions, updates, and uninstall details.

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Service controls

Local Whisper runs as one background service. If you close it, update it, or it stops responding, use: 
wh status    # Check whether Local Whisper is running
wh start     # Start it again
wh stop      # Stop it
wh restart   # Stop and start cleanly
wh log       # Open the live service log
wh doctor    # Check install, permissions, models, and service health
wh update    # Update Local Whisper, prepare models, rebuild the menu app, and restart
Only one service can run at a time. Homebrew and source installs share the same service lock, so another Terminal or install path cannot start a second running service.

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Start dictating

ActionKey
Start recording and copy resultDouble-tap Right Option
Hold to record and paste resultHold Right Option past the double-tap threshold, then release
Stop double-tap recordingTap Right Option or Space
CancelEsc
Read selected text aloudOption+T
Stop speechOption+T again or Esc
Double-tap recordings go to the clipboard by default. Hold-to-record recordings paste at the active cursor while preserving the previous clipboard contents. When ui.auto_paste is enabled, all dictation recordings paste at the active cursor.

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Check the service

wh status
wh doctor
wh log
Use wh doctor --fix only when you want Local Whisper to repair install, permission, or service issues automatically.

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Next steps