Getting started

Requirements

Avette runs on Apple Silicon Macs (tested on M2 and later). Everything happens on-device — there’s nothing to sign up for to start dictating.

Install

1. Download Avette and open the installer. It’s signed and notarized by Apple, so it opens without warnings.
2. The installer places Avette in your Applications and its input method in ~/Library/Input Methods.

First launch

1. Open Avette and grant microphone access when asked — dictation runs entirely on your Mac.
2. Avette downloads its speech model the first time (about 2 GB, once).
3. If prompted, enable Avette under System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources.

Dictate

Put your cursor anywhere you can type, then hold Right Option (⌥) and speak. Your words appear as you talk — marked and editable — and commit when you release the key. Press Return (↩) to submit. Every shortcut is on the Dictating page.

Trial, license, and your Macs

Avette is free to try: until you activate it, it dictates at full quality into its own Scratchpad window, so you can see how it does on your Mac. To type into every app, buy a license (€50, a lifetime license for Avette 1) and enter your key in Settings → License.

One license covers up to 15 devices — activate a new one by entering your key, and deactivate one to free a slot. Need more than 15? Write to avette@bearcove.eu. You can see your key, devices, and invoices any time at Your license.