SayStuff

SayStuff is a macOS menu bar app for local voice-to-text. Hold a hotkey to record, release to transcribe, and the text is pasted into the active app.

Requirements

• macOS 13+
• whisper-cli from whisper.cpp (or another compatible build)
• At least one Whisper model file (.bin)

Install (Recommended for Non‑Technical Users)

1. Download the latest SayStuff-<version>.dmg from GitHub Releases.
2. Open the DMG and drag SayStuff into /Applications.
3. On first launch, if macOS warns about an unidentified developer:
   • Right‑click SayStuff in /Applications → Open → Open.

Share With a Friend (Fastest)

1. On your Mac, run ./scripts/release.sh <version> (example: ./scripts/release.sh 0.5.1).
2. Send your friend releases/SayStuff-<version>.dmg.
3. They open the DMG, drag SayStuff into /Applications, and launch it.

Notes:

• The release script will try to bundle whisper-cli into the app automatically (so your friend doesn't need to install whisper.cpp). If it can't find whisper-cli, it will print a warning and your friend will need to install it or you can re-run with WHISPER_CLI_PATH=/path/to/whisper-cli.
• On first run, SayStuff can download the Whisper model in-app and will prompt for permissions.

Install (Build from Source)

1. Open SayStuff.xcodeproj in Xcode.
2. Build and run the app.

Setup

1. Launch SayStuff. On first run, the onboarding will guide you through downloading a model and granting permissions.
2. If needed, open Settings → Model and confirm the whisper-cli path and model directory.
3. Grant permissions when prompted:
   • Microphone access (for recording)
   • Accessibility access (for global hotkey and paste)

Usage

• Hold the hotkey (default: Option+Command+V) to record.
• A red screen border shows while recording.
• Release to transcribe and paste.

Troubleshooting

• No audio captured: check System Settings > Sound > Input and microphone permissions.
• Hotkey not working: grant Accessibility access for SayStuff.
• whisper-cli not found: set the correct path in Settings.

License

MIT