Say Goodbye to Typing: Best Mac Speech-to-Text Tools You’re Missing Out On

Do you struggle to meet deadlines for your text assignments? If you do, then you are in luck. Speech recognition technology is the best way to beat this challenge. Whether you are a student or a corporate professional, several speech-to-text apps can be used to guarantee that you meet your deadlines. For example, Mac owners can use dragon for Mac to complete typing assignments in half the time.

Below are the best speech-to-text apps on Mac you might have missed since the beginning of 2022. Some of the apps in the list are in-built into your device, while others may require you to download additional software. Regardless, all of those listed below are free to use on your Mac device. Keep reading to find out more.

Part1: Top 1 Built-in Mac Dictation Feature

Did you know your Mac device comes with a built-in speech-to-text feature? So whether you use a laptop or desktop, you can generate text from your voice through your device’s microphone. Officially known as Dictation, the app allows you to transcribe text anywhere you can type it. So, for example, you can use Apple Dictation for your messaging and word processing apps.

The feature has been available since macOS Sierra as a free built-in feature. Earlier versions of Apple Dictation relied on its voice recognition software. However, it now relies on Siri for users of macOS Catalina onwards.

Typically, the app allows you to transcribe thirty seconds and below of audio. However, you can enable Enhanced dictation for longer transcription times. According to most users, the app is suitable for getting the first draft of your assignment, which you can manually edit later.

Follow these steps to enable Apple Dictation on your Mac:

Tap the Apple logo on the top-left toolbar of your screen and select System Preferences from the resulting menu.
Click on the Keyboard option from the system preferences screen.
Once there, click on the Dictation option located at the top of the menu.
Select On to activate the app in its default mode. In addition, you can check the Use Enhanced Dictation box to enable additional functions such as offline use and text commands like bold and italics.
Finally, select your language from the dropdown menu and choose a shortcut key.

Please note that you need to speak your punctuation loudly when using Apple Dictation. Otherwise, the app will consider them as regular words.

Part2: Top 2 Microsoft Word [Free & No Download]

Another option to consider is speech-to-text Microsoft Word Mac. The app is free to use and relies on Microsoft Azure Speech Services to transcribe text. Below are the requirements to use speech-to-text word mac.

An external microphone for your Mac desktop, or you can use your built-in microphone for your MacBook. This is because speech-to-text on Microsoft word mac only allows input with a microphone rather than an audio file upload.
An active Office 365 subscription. Please note you need to log in to your account for the app to function.
Insider builds 16.32 (19120802) and above.
An active internet connection.

Once you have everything set up, follow these steps to use speech-to-text on Word.

Launch Microsoft Word from your desktop.
Click on the Dictate button from the top menu of your Word document, and wait for the red dot to appear. The button features a microphone for easy identification.
Once the dot appears, start speaking to transcribe your text. Ensure you are in a quiet environment for the best results. In addition, speak louder when transcribing punctuations.
Click on the Dictate button to finish the transcription.

Part3: Top 3 Google docs

Google Docs is arguably the market’s most accurate free speech-to-text service. In addition, it allows you to transcribe your voice to text and format documents with your voice. However, you can only use the service through the Chrome browser.

Follow these steps to activate Google Docs voice typing on your Mac device:

Launch the Chrome browser on your macOS and select Docs from the app menu. Please note you will need an active Google account to use the service.
Open a new document and click on the Tools tab from the top menu.
Select Voice Typing from the menu to access speech-to-text on Google Docs.
Tap the microphone to start transcribing, and tap it again to finish.

Google Docs speech-to-text is available in 71 languages. In addition, it supports simple commands such as ‘create a bulleted list,’ which are unavailable on other speech-to-text apps. As such, it is one of the market’s most popular voice typing apps.

Part4: Top 4 Filmora

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Adding subtitles to your videos can be incredibly time-consuming if you do not have the right tools. However, with Filmora’s speech-to-text function, you can add subtitles to your video with a single click. In addition, it automatically recognizes audio in your videos and transcribes it to text with incredible accuracy. The plugin uses state-of-the-art algorithms to ensure the video industry’s most accurate speech technology.

Furthermore, you can import external files to your video’s timeline and edit them as you please. For example, you can import a video from your thumb drive and use the Filmora speech-to-text plugin to transcribe to text. Currently, the plugin can transcribe the text in 26 languages. As such, it is a favorite for vloggers, teachers, and film editors, who all have to deliver their content with great efficiency.

Please note that you must have Filmora installed on your Mac device to access the Speech to Text plugin. In addition, check if your Filmora version is compatible with the plugin before downloading. Once you confirm that you meet all the requirements, here is how to use the service:

Launch the Filmora app on your Mac and open a new video workspace.
Click on the microphone symbol at the bottom right corner of the page to start recording. Tap it once again to finish the recording.
Tap the Tools tab on your main menu and select Speech to Text. Then, confirm your preferences and wait for the transcription.

Part5: Top 5 Dragon for Mac

Dragon Dictate is arguably the best dictation software currently on the market. According to most users, its accuracy and feature sets are next to none. For example, the Smart Format Rules learn how you represent dates, numbers, and abbreviations, resulting in less editing work for you. The Dragon Dictate app is free to download from the Apple Store.

Dragon for Mac users reports a dictation accuracy of nearly 99%, which is excellent in the speech-to-text software category. All of Nuance’s Dragon products use deep learning technology to capture your accent and cadence. As such, the app gets better at transcribing your text as you continue using it. In addition, dragon for Mac professional allows you to transcribe audio clips from uploaded files. For example, you can import audio from your iPhone to your Dragon Dictate workspace and transcribe it hassle-free.

Unfortunately, you cannot get a stand-alone dragon app for Mac. This is because Nuance discontinued its development in 2018. In addition, Microsoft’s acquisition of the company in 2021 proves that the decision is permanent. However, you can still use the Windows version of Dragon through Parallels, which allows you to run macOS and Windows simultaneously. In addition, this method also works for M1 Macs.

Part6: FAQs

Is there a difference between voice recognition and speech-to-text?

Voice recognition software allows your device to capture your accent and tone and then stores that data for different functions, such as user logins and speech-to-text functionality. For example, Siri will ask you to repeat a sentence several times as one of the setup steps.

Which is the best external device for the speech-to-text service?

Most users report better speech-to-text accuracy when using headsets compared to using an external microphone. This is because the microphone is much closer to your mouth, so your voice is less affected by external noise.

Can speech-to-text apps automatically translate a transcribed text?

Yes, they can. Apps such as Google’s Speech to Text include a translation feature in their functionality. However, you will need the Google Chrome browser to access Speech to text. This is because the service is only available to active google account holders.

How much faster is speech to text faster than typing?

A 2017 Stanford study states that speech to text is aboutthree times faster than typing . In addition, it found that speech-to-text apps can transcribe over 150 words per minute, while professional transcriptionists range between 50 to 80 words per minute.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Launch the Filmora app on your Mac and open a new video workspace.
Click on the microphone symbol at the bottom right corner of the page to start recording. Tap it once again to finish the recording.
Tap the Tools tab on your main menu and select Speech to Text. Then, confirm your preferences and wait for the transcription.

Part5: Top 5 Dragon for Mac

Part6: FAQs

Is there a difference between voice recognition and speech-to-text?

Which is the best external device for the speech-to-text service?

Can speech-to-text apps automatically translate a transcribed text?

How much faster is speech to text faster than typing?

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Uncomplicate Your Edit: Simple Video Editing Solutions

New to video editing and don’t know how and where to edit videos, don’t have a media production, or can’t find a qualified video editor to film and produce your highlights? It’s all fine! The purpose of today’s article is to demonstrate that, with the correct video editor, you also can create slick, sophisticated video content—regardless of perception—and maintain your content marketing strategy ahead of the game.

In the coming year, over half of marketers will add YouTube and Facebook platforms for streaming video; one-third of all internet usage is spent viewing video; video will make for more than 80% of all internet traffic by 2019. 80% of the time! Let’s get started! From the most affordable (i.e., free!) for the beginners. Here is the best basic video editor that includes the features you’ll find handy in a video editor.

Part 1: Best Basic Video Editors for Windows and Mac [Free and Paid]

What should you do when you do not have access to a video studio or a team of video experts on staff to film and edit your videos? Do not be concerned!

Without the need for an in-house team or outsourcing your video brand awareness, it’s quicker than ever to make high-quality films on your own. Here are some of the top picks.

1. Windows Photos App

Microsoft Photos, a free digital viewer and video editor included with Windows 10 and Windows 11, provides capable visual effects and video enhancements, as well as techniques for organizing and editing videos, everything in a touch-friendly functionality. Windows 10/11 comes with the Photos app pre-integrated. You don’t have to do anything to obtain the app when you have Windows 10/11.

The free Microsoft photo and video editing app is a great choice for viewing, editing, and sharing digital photos and videos. As the name suggests, it’s for Windows users – a delight to use a picture and video-editing tool that’s simple to use, clean, and has all the functions you need for basic viewing and repairs. Obviously, a full-featured program like the Windows Photos App is required for advanced photo organizing, optimization, and effects.

Clips may be trimmed or divided, text can be added , motion or 3D effects can be applied, filters can be used, and the speed can be changed . It’s a huge array that allows you to create an interesting result. There are over 20 options for adding soundtracks at the backend at the top.

The Photos app features the Automatic Video tool which can create video automatically with the images or videos uploaded .

2. iMovie

Okay, so this one won’t actually apply to those of you who deal with computers, but we’d be negligent if we left it off the roster. Thanks to its high-class interface, it doesn’t get much nicer than Apple iMovie regarding elegance and beauty. It is only supported by macOS and iOS.

The ten high-fidelity filters in iMovie are among the best in the video editing game, and you can utilize AirDrop to instantly and smoothly transmit your video to your Mac when you’re filming on your iPhone or working on your iPad.

Green-screen , or “chroma-key,” is among iMovie’s most prized tools since it enables you to relocate your characters to exotic locations—say, Hawaii—at any time. Do you want to add “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to the image? Because iMovie is integrated with iTunes and GarageBand, you may quickly add unique music and sounds to your movie. Once your video is finished, send it out into the world via iMessage, Facebook, YouTube, or any of iMovie’s numerous easily accessible venues.

Here are some tips and tricks in editing videos with iMovie, hope that will help you edit faster.

3. Apple Photos App

Apple Photos, a free app included with macOS and iOS, is our pick for the best basic video editing software for Mac and iOS users because it embodies the company’s concept of fun, easy-to-use software. The interface of Apple Photos is clean, straightforward, and direct, allowing you to express yourself using basic, uncomplicated shortcuts rather than the complex layers of capabilities seen in more feature-rich products. It is only supported by Apple devices only.

Years, collections, and Moments are used to arrange the videos. Only current devices with 64-bit CPUs, such as the iPhone 5s or above, is compliant with the new release of Apple Photos. The Apple Photos mobile application includes thumbnail sliders to switch numerous characteristics of a photo quickly, in addition to options for auto-enhance, red-eye removal, and crop/rotate.

In Adjust, for example, you may move an indicator over a thumbnail variant to change the video’s luminance or color intensity. The one-click filters are basic, but they can provide some interesting results. You can also use your fingers or type text on display to mark up a video, trim a video and save it as a short teaser, change the slow-motion segment of a film, and trim a video and save it as a new video.

Here are some of the best Apple video editing software , make sure to check it if you’re using a Mac.

4. Wondershare Filmora

In terms of video editors, Wondershare Filmora has long been a current favorite of several, particularly regular customers, due to its ease of use. You will be met with the interface where you will do all of your film editing production. You’ll note how clean, tidy, and uncomplicated it looks and seems at first sight.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.12 or later

Library, Timeline, and Preview are the three options available in the interface. By heading to a specific section of the video on your timeline, double-clicking the area, waiting for it to pop into the preview segment, and then adding effects, transitions, audio, or stabilizing and correcting the video using any of the editing options that are available to you, you can perform simple video editing features.

Additional but equally impressive functions include Lens Correction, Compositing, which applies blend modes to transitions and overlays; Drop Shadow, which applies shadows to images and words. And Auto Enhance, which significantly improves the quality of a substandard video.

5. Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements allows even beginner editors to create polished projects from their video sources. It’s an all-in-one video editing and video production software for those who love graphic user interfaces and straightforward layouts. You may sketch around an item or region within a video after adding an effect to it.

As the videos go on, Elements keeps track of this item and conceals the effect on it. You can brighten the sky, change the color of a driving car, and blur a person’s face. Guided Edits, which walk the user step-by-step through multiple things, is a fundamental component of Elements. It is supported by Windows

They help learn the ropes and gain confidence thanks to the user-friendly design. The current version of Premiere Elements has received some under-the-hood improvements, depending less on the CPU and more on the graphics card to improve results.

Part 2: Best Free Basic Video Editors Online

With the advent of social video sharing platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, and TikTok, video editing and production are no longer limited to experts. In this section of the article, we’ll go through the top 5 most highly suggested free online video editing tools that you may use.

The majority of the free basic video editor are beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to video production, you can rapidly create a movie with these resources.

1. Clipchamp

Clipchamp is an excellent free online video editing program that includes a video compressor, converter, and webcam recorder in addition to video editing features. You can cut, crop, rotate and flip films with ease using drag-and-drop tools.

It allows you to upload media files from a local computer or online cloud storage sites like Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. You can also record the screen, camera or use the text to speech feature to generate audio sound.

Besides the basic video editing feature, this online video editor also provides some templates, stock video and music & sound effect libraries, which makes creating a video much easier. Furthermore, brightness, saturation, and contrast may all be easily adjusted. Transitions, text, overlays, and backdrops may all be added.

You may choose from a variety of aspect ratios, including 1:1, 9:16, 4:3, and 16:9, and it also comes with a built-in instruction to help you build a movie quickly. Plus, the software provides the editor with a large number of templates to pick from.

2. Magisto

Magisto is a fantastic online video creator who automatically transforms ordinary movies into gorgeous, dynamic videos and amazing social videos. It’s easy to use and speedy, with all the features you’d expect from software you paid your kidney for.

You may contribute photographs and videos to Magisto after signing up with your Facebook or Google+ account. Magisto also offers a variety of video themes for a variety of sectors, including birthday wishes, weddings, promotions, announcements, and inspiration. Select from trendy, family, business, social, seasonal, fun, and clean editing themes.

3. Kizoa

Kizoa is well-known for its extensive transition effects, which may help you create professional-looking films quickly. Kizoa also offers 4K UHD videos in various aspect ratios, including 16:9, 4:3, 3:2, 1:1, and 9:16, 3:4, and 2:3 portraits. That’s not even taking into account the software’s numerous templates.

Kizoa’s library has a large number of animations and effects which can be used to adapt films to meet the demands of certain editing tasks. Many aspects of video clips will be considerably easier to customize, such as position, size, length, and timing. Because there is no need to log in to obtain all of these amazing features, most pros and novices prefer to utilize Kizoa for their daily requirements.

4. Canva

Another one on our list is the Canva , which is as easy and simpler to use as the rest of these. The interface on a computer’s web browser is quite straightforward, with a sidebar on the left-side guiding you through all of the stages required to complete your work. You may choose from a variety of templates. They’re divided into categories like Education, Reviews, Explainer, Sale, Fashion, Slideshow, YouTube into, and Outro, and so on.

There are dozens of templates to pick from, with some appearing in many categories. Canva makes use of layers to allow things to be put in front of and behind each other. You may view and adjust that function by clicking the ‘Position’ option. Transparency, filters, color tweaks, cut, and flip are some of the other options available.

5. Adobe Spark

Adobe Spark , like Canva, is a video design platform. It enables you to generate a variety of images and social media material for professional or personal usage. Adobe Spark’s layout and usability will appeal to you. The primary interface, which appears before you use the editor, is straightforward.

Adobe Spark includes a vast library of templates when you’re looking for ideas or motivation for your creations. For organizations who wish to maintain a strong brand image in their material, the Brand area is a must-have element. You may develop new brands with the corporate logo, color palette, and typefaces as the starting point. Adobe Spark features a separate project tab that stores all of your work in one place.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – the best basic video editors for beginners. Video editing has grown by ten folds from where it was five or six years ago. Almost anyone can edit a video to an extent. But what takes them to the next level is the use of efficient, effective, and productive software in place to do almost any kind of video editing. If you don’t want to install any software on your computer, you can try these online video editors or the preset video makers; if you want to improve the video quality, desktop software is recommended.

02 Best Free Basic Video Editors Online

Part 1: Best Basic Video Editors for Windows and Mac [Free and Paid]

What should you do when you do not have access to a video studio or a team of video experts on staff to film and edit your videos? Do not be concerned!

Without the need for an in-house team or outsourcing your video brand awareness, it’s quicker than ever to make high-quality films on your own. Here are some of the top picks.