Getting Started with WisperCode in 5 Minutes

WisperCode is designed to get out of your way. Here is how to go from zero to dictating in under five minutes.

Step 1: Download and Install

Head to the download page and grab the installer for your platform.

macOS: Open the .dmg file and drag WisperCode to your Applications folder. On first launch, macOS will ask you to confirm since the app is not from the Mac App Store.

Windows: Run the .exe installer and follow the prompts. Windows Defender may show a SmartScreen warning since WisperCode is new — click "More info" then "Run anyway."

Step 2: Grant Permissions

WisperCode needs two permissions to work:

• Microphone access — to hear you speak
• Accessibility access — to type text into the active application

On macOS, you will be prompted for both on first launch. On Windows, microphone access is requested automatically. Accessibility permissions are handled by the installer.

Step 3: Choose Your Hotkey Mode

WisperCode supports four hotkey modes. Pick the one that matches how you work:

The default is Hold mode with Ctrl+Space as the hotkey. You can change both in Settings.

Step 4: Start Dictating

Place your cursor where you want text to appear. Press your hotkey and speak naturally. When you stop (or release the hotkey in Hold mode), WisperCode transcribes your speech and types it into the active application.

That is it. No login, no account creation, no configuration required.

Tips for Better Results

A few things that improve transcription accuracy:

• Speak at a normal pace — Whisper handles natural speech well but struggles with very fast talking
• Use a decent microphone — built-in laptop mics work, but a dedicated mic reduces background noise
• Add vocabulary hints — if you use technical terms regularly, add them in Settings so Whisper recognizes them
• Try different models — the base model is fast, but the small or medium models are more accurate for complex vocabulary

What Is Next

Once you are comfortable with basic dictation, explore these features:

• Filler removal — automatically strips "um," "uh," and false starts
• Context styling — auto-formats text based on the active app
• Snippets — expand short trigger phrases into full text blocks
• Voice notes — save and search your transcriptions

All of these are configurable in Settings. Welcome to WisperCode.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our complete setup guide for Mac and Windows. Developers should also check out the voice dictation for developers guide for IDE-specific tips and vocabulary hints.