VoicePad on macOS: setup, dictation and local sync


VoicePad for macOS is distributed through a direct desktop download from the VoicePad website. It provides local speech recognition, desktop AI Tools and supported mobile sync.


Prepare the app

  1. Get the macOS download from voicepad.tech.
  2. Follow the installer’s normal instructions.
  3. Open VoicePad and allow microphone access.
  4. Select your speech language and wait until the model is ready.
  5. Record and review a short note using the main mic control.

Dictate while using another app

For the floating Orb, look for Settings → Float Orb. For Direct typing, enable the supported Direct option and allow VoicePad under System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility when requested.

Start the Orb session, choose an editable field and speak. Stop with the Orb and review the inserted text. Read-only content cannot act as a typing target.


Local AI Tools

Desktop Clean, Improve, Summary, Translate and AI Prompt use Ollama and a local model. Complete installation and model downloads while connected, then select the installed model in VoicePad. Speech recognition itself does not need Ollama.

Sync with your phone

  1. Connect the Mac and your Android or iOS device to a local network that allows communication.
  2. Open Mobile Sync on the Mac and start the server where offered.
  3. Enable WiFi Sync on the phone and use Sync Now if present.
  4. Verify the transferred notes in History.

Use WiFi for the documented Mac–mobile workflow. The Android-to-Windows USB instructions do not establish USB support on macOS. Direct Windows-to-Mac sync is not documented as supported.


Features still being developed

SubPad meeting transcription and other roadmap features are available only when released for your build. Shared desktop code does not mean every Windows option behaves identically on the Mac.