About GhostWriter
GhostWriter is a voice-to-text app for macOS. You hold a keyboard shortcut, speak naturally including fillers and self-corrections, and release; the app transcribes, cleans, formats and pastes the text into the app you are working in, such as Cursor, VS Code, Gmail, Notion, Messenger or Figma. If you can type in it, it works there.
The main window includes a dictionary, snippets, usage stats, a style setting and a vibe coding mode, along with an agent notch feature. Punctuation, paragraphs, lists and corrections are handled automatically, and the interface suggests tone can change per context. A transcript history lets you copy earlier dictation. The app is a macOS download.
Key features
- Hold-to-talk global shortcut
- Cleans fillers and self-corrections
- Automatic punctuation, paragraphs and lists
- Pastes into any focused app
- Custom dictionary and snippets
- Transcript history and usage stats
Good fit for
- Dictating emails and notes on a Mac
- Speaking prompts into coding tools
GhostWriter: questions and answers
- What is GhostWriter used for?
- GhostWriter is a Mac dictation app that turns speech into cleaned-up, formatted text and pastes it into whatever app has focus, using a hold-to-talk shortcut. It is a good fit for dictating emails and notes on a Mac, and speaking prompts into coding tools.
- How much does GhostWriter cost?
- Paid plans for GhostWriter start at $5 per seat per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
- Is GhostWriter open source?
- No. GhostWriter is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the Productivity category, open-source options include Rectangle, Maccy and MarkerOn.
- What are some alternatives to GhostWriter?
- GhostWriter competes with Wispr Flow.
Open-source alternatives to GhostWriter
See all
Rectangle
Productivity
Move and resize windows on macOS with keyboard shortcuts and snap areas
OSSvs BetterTouchTool★ 30k
Maccy
Productivity
Lightweight clipboard manager for macOS
MITvs Paste★ 22k
MarkerOn
Productivity
Lightweight (~1.5 MB) open-source screen annotation with click-through mode and keyboard-f
MIT★ 1.1k
RustCast
Productivity
An open source alternative to raycast, in rust!! (retired)
MITvs Raycast★ 1.1k
PowerToys
Productivity
Microsoft PowerToys is a collection of utilities that supercharge productivity and customi
MITvs Alfred★ 139k
Files
Productivity
A modern file manager that helps users organize their files and folders.
MIT★ 46k
SaaS alternatives to GhostWriter
See all
Wispr Flow
AI Tools
AI voice dictation app that types into any app
SaaS
Openbroca
Productivity
Native macOS voice-to-text app that turns natural speech into clear writing wherever your cursor is
SaaS
VibeWhisper
Productivity
Push-to-talk voice-to-text app for macOS using OpenAI Whisper, working in any text field
SaaS
WriteVoice
Productivity
AI-powered editor and dictation tool that lives in your keyboard
SaaS
AirSpell
Productivity
Offline macOS voice dictation using a local Whisper model that pastes formatted text into any app
SaaS
Clabrate
Productivity
Mac voice app for dictating into any app and handing tasks to an assistant that controls windows and terminals
SaaS

