How do I dictate into any app on my Mac with NovaHUD?
Three ways to start
- Press the dictation shortcut — ⇧⌘D by default — to start, and again to stop. You can change it in Settings › Dictation.
- Hold the talk key — right ⌥ by default (fn/Globe, right ⌘ or right ⌃ are options). Speak while holding, let go when done.
- Tap the talk key once quickly to keep dictating hands-free; tap it again to stop.
While dictating, the notch turns into a dictation bar at the top of your screen: a live level meter, your words as they land, and a stop button.
Where does the text go?
Into the app you were typing in. If you start dictation from NovaHUD's own window, the text goes to the app you used just before, not into NovaHUD.
Is NovaHUD a Wispr Flow alternative?
Yes. It dictates into any app with a global shortcut or a hold-to-talk key. Unlike cloud dictation services, speech is transcribed on your Mac with whisper.cpp, and nothing is uploaded.
Why isn't my dictated text appearing?
- Accessibility isn't allowed. NovaHUD pastes with a synthesised ⌘V, which macOS blocks without System Settings › Privacy & Security › Accessibility › NovaHUD. Your words are left on the clipboard instead, so ⌘V still recovers them.
- The text field isn't focused. Click into the field first.
- The talk key was only tapped briefly while typing. Any other key pressed while holding the talk key cancels, so ⌥-shortcuts still work normally.
Does dictation replace my clipboard?
For a moment. NovaHUD puts the text on the clipboard, pastes, then restores your previous clipboard text about half a second later.
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