ParrotDownload
Local-only voice dictation that runs entirely on your device. No account, no subscription, no servers.
Apple Silicon (M1 or later) · .dmg · macOS 11+
In the box
Global hotkey
Press fn to start recording from any app. Release the hotkey and your words paste at the cursor.
On-device transcription
Whisper runs locally via whisper.cpp. Audio never leaves your Mac.
Custom vocabulary
Teach Parrot your jargon, names, and abbreviations once — it gets them right every time after that.
Optional AI cleanup
An on-device LLM (Ollama) cleans up filler words, fixes grammar, and applies your writing style.
Local history
Every dictation is saved to a local SQLite database. Search, copy, re-paste — all offline.
Native menu bar app
Built with Tauri. ~30MB download, low memory, no Electron.
Setup
Hit the download button above. The .dmg is signed for Apple Silicon (M1 and later).
Open the .dmg and drag the Parrot icon into your Applications folder. Eject the disk image when you're done.
On first launch, macOS will ask for Microphone (to record) and Accessibility (to paste at the cursor). Both are required.
Choose your Whisper model size — small is fast, large is most accurate. Parrot downloads it once and runs everything offline from there.
Anywhere, in any app. Release the hotkey and your transcription pastes at the cursor.
Apple Silicon
M1, M2, M3, or M4
macOS 11+
Big Sur or later
~5 GB free
For models & cache
Common questions
Yes. Local mode is free, for life. No account, no trial, no card. A managed cloud mode is coming later for people who want higher accuracy and cross-device sync — that one will be paid.
Not currently. The local Whisper and LLM models we ship are tuned for Apple Silicon's Neural Engine, which Intel Macs don't have.
No. Local mode runs entirely on your Mac — transcription, cleanup, and history all stay on-device. Nothing is sent to any server.
The .dmg is signed and notarized, but on first launch macOS still asks for Microphone and Accessibility permissions. You can revoke either anytime in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
Drag Parrot from Applications to the Trash. Models and history live in ~/Library/Application Support/com.kash.parrot — delete that folder to remove everything.
Get notified about new releases, model updates, and the managed cloud mode launch.