WaveCrab — On-Device Dictation for Mac
Hold a key, speak, release. Nothing leaves your your Mac
Introduction to WaveCrab — On-Device Dictation for Mac
WaveCrab is a powerful on-device dictation tool designed specifically for macOS users who want to dictate text without relying on cloud services. Inspired by the seamless dictation experience found in applications like ChatGPT, WaveCrab brings this functionality system-wide across all apps and text fields on your Mac. It leverages OpenAI's Whisper model running locally on your device, ensuring that your voice data never leaves your machine. This means no internet connection is required after initial setup, and there are no subscriptions or recurring fees.
The product is built with privacy and convenience in mind. With WaveCrab, you simply hold a key, speak, and release to have your words transcribed and pasted wherever your cursor is located. It supports 29 languages and offers seven different model sizes, allowing users to choose the balance of speed and accuracy that best suits their hardware and needs. Whether you're taking notes, writing code, or managing emails, WaveCrab ensures that your voice is typed anywhere, anytime, without compromising your data security.
Takeaways
- On-device processing using OpenAI's Whisper model ensures complete privacy and no data sent to the cloud.
- System-wide compatibility works in any app, including Electron apps, browsers, and Terminal.
- Supports 29 languages, with optional translation to English and auto-detection.
- Seven model sizes from Tiny to Large v3, allowing users to choose between speed and accuracy.
- Flexible trigger options including keyboard keys and mouse buttons.
- No subscription required — pay once and own it forever.
How WaveCrab Works
WaveCrab operates through a simple three-step process:
- Hold your trigger: Choose a key or mouse button that feels natural to you (e.g., fn-right, ⌘-right, or ⌥).
- Speak naturally: Dictate in any of the 29 supported languages. The menu-bar icon pulses while listening.
- Text appears instantly: Release the key, and WaveCrab transcribes your speech on-device and pastes it where your cursor is located.
The transcription is powered by Whisper.cpp and runs entirely on your Apple Silicon chip using Metal GPU acceleration. After downloading a model during setup, no internet connection is needed for regular use.
Core Benefits and Applications
WaveCrab is ideal for professionals, students, and anyone who wants to improve productivity through voice input without sacrificing privacy. It is particularly useful in scenarios such as:
- Taking meeting notes in Notion or Google Docs
- Writing code in VS Code or other development environments
- Managing emails in Mail or Gmail
- Creating content in Obsidian or other note-taking apps
- Scheduling tasks in Linear or other project management tools
Its universal compatibility makes it a valuable addition to any macOS workflow, especially in situations where traditional dictation APIs are not available or reliable.
