Voice input accessibility guide

Dictation for ADHD writers

Writing can feel easier when capturing an idea does not require a long trip from thought to keyboard. StarWhisper is our product, a local Whisper dictation app that uses a global hotkey and types into the active Windows or Mac app. ADHD is not one writing experience, so treat this as a flexible workflow to test, not a promise about attention or health.

Use short voice bursts, then decide what deserves an edit.

Capture the thought, then shape the draft

Make capture separate from editing

Many writers have two different jobs: getting an idea out of their head and turning that idea into a clean draft. A keyboard can make the first job feel slow when the thought is moving faster than the hands. Voice input gives you another way to capture a rough paragraph, a scene, or a list of questions. It does not remove the need to edit, and it is not a treatment for ADHD.

ADHD includes varied experiences, preferences, and support needs. Some people like a spoken brainstorm, while others find the microphone distracting. Try one small task in your normal writing app. Keep the method if it helps you start or continue, and drop it if it adds friction.

A low-friction dictation workflow

1. Open one writing surface

Open a document, notes page, or editor and place the cursor where the words belong. Reduce extra tabs for the short capture session. StarWhisper types into the active app, so checking focus is part of the setup.

2. Set one global hotkey

Choose a hotkey in StarWhisper settings that does not conflict with your writing app. A consistent trigger makes starting a voice burst a single known action. If the shortcut is hard to use, keep your usual input method available and explore the assistive options on your computer.

3. Speak one idea

Dictate a paragraph, a scene beat, a character note, or a problem you need to solve. You do not need to make the first pass polished. Stop after one idea so the text is easy to scan and move later.

4. Mark the next action

Read the result and add a plain note such as “check this source” or “write the next scene.” A small next action helps the next session start without rebuilding context. Edit names and technical terms before sharing the draft.

Four writing jobs that suit voice capture

Brainstorming

Speak a messy list of angles, questions, or possible scenes. Keep the list in the document, then circle the one idea you will develop.

Rough paragraphs

Dictate the point you want to make and the example that supports it. Editing can turn the spoken draft into a tighter paragraph later.

Transitions

When a draft stalls between sections, speak what the next section needs to do. The imperfect bridge is often easier to revise than an empty page.

Research notes

After reading a source, dictate a short summary and a follow-up question into your notes. Keep the source link nearby and check facts during editing.

Keep the workflow kind to your attention

Local privacy and model choices

StarWhisper local mode processes speech on your computer through whisper.cpp. Once installed, local transcription can work without an internet connection. That is useful for an unfinished manuscript, private journal entry, or research notes you do not want to send to a cloud transcription service.

The app supports Whisper models from tiny through large-v3. CUDA, Vulkan, and Metal acceleration are available where supported. Start with a model that runs comfortably on your computer, then test a larger model if you want a different speed and quality tradeoff. Pro users can optionally use a cloud Whisper fallback when local processing is not suitable.

Free to test, clear about limits

The free tier includes 2,000 words per week. Use that allowance for a real outline, paragraph, or research note so you can judge whether voice capture fits your writing. Pro is $10 per month or $80 per year for unlimited dictation. See the Pro details before upgrading.

Do not treat a word limit as a judgment about your writing pace. It is simply the boundary of the free plan. If you only need occasional capture, the free tier may be enough. If you write daily and want longer sessions, compare the Pro offer with your own use.

Frequently asked questions

Is dictation a treatment for ADHD?

No. StarWhisper is writing software and makes no diagnosis or treatment claim. Voice capture may fit one person's writing routine and not another's. Discuss health questions and accommodations with a qualified professional.

Can I dictate into my usual writing app?

Yes. Focus a text field, use the global hotkey, and StarWhisper types the result into the active Windows or Mac application. Review the words before you share or publish them.

Does StarWhisper work offline?

Yes. After installation, local mode runs Whisper through whisper.cpp on your device and can work without an internet connection.

What is included in the free tier?

The free tier includes 2,000 words per week. Pro is $10 per month or $80 per year for unlimited dictation.

Try one small writing task

Open the app where you write, dictate one idea, and review the result. Keep the method only if it makes the next sentence easier to start.

Download StarWhisper

Related StarWhisper guides

See the StarWhisper home page, read the offline speech to text guide, or compare the product with Superwhisper if platform and local processing matter to your choice.