How to Dictate in Google Docs on a Mac (Voice Typing Steps)

To dictate in Google Docs on a Mac, open your document in Chrome, Edge or Safari, click Tools > Voice typing, then click the microphone and start talking. Click the microphone again when you are done.

That built-in voice typing is free. This guide shows the steps, the voice commands, what to do when it does not work, and two other ways to dictate into Google Docs on your Mac.

The steps follow Google's Docs Editors Help pages as checked on October 28, 2026.

How do you turn on voice typing in Google Docs on a Mac?

1. Open a document in Google Docs in the latest version of Chrome, Edge or Safari.
2. Click Tools > Voice typing. A box with a microphone appears.
3. Click the microphone. If your browser asks to use the mic, allow it.
4. Speak clearly, at a normal volume and pace.
5. Click the microphone again to stop.

You can also say "Stop listening" to stop. Say "Resume" to start again at the end of the paragraph.

Your Mac's microphone must be on and working. If you use an external mic, check that it is selected in System Settings > Sound > Input.

What is the Google Docs voice typing shortcut on Mac?

The shortcut is ⌘ + Shift + S. Google's shortcut list marks it as available in Chrome. In other browsers, use Tools > Voice typing.

Which browsers work for Google Docs voice typing?

Google says voice typing works with the latest versions of Chrome, Edge and Safari. Older guides say Chrome only. That is no longer true, but keep your browser up to date.

Google also notes that your browser controls the speech-to-text service. It decides how your speech is processed, then sends the text to Google Docs.

How do you add punctuation and new lines?

Say these words while voice typing:

• "Period"
• "Comma"
• "Exclamation point"
• "Question mark"
• "New line"
• "New paragraph"

Voice commands only work in English. Google says your account language and document language must both be English. In other languages, voice typing still types words, but punctuation commands may not work.

Which editing commands can you say?

In English, Google Docs also understands commands to select, format and edit text. A few examples from Google's list:

• "Select paragraph", then "Bold" or "Italics"
• "Delete" to remove the selected text
• "Go to the end of the line"
• "Undo" if a command did the wrong thing

Google suggests you speak slowly and pause before and after each command so it is not typed as text.

Google Docs voice typing not working on Mac? Try these fixes

1. Use a supported browser. Update Chrome, Edge or Safari to the latest version.
2. Check the microphone. Open System Settings > Sound > Input, pick your mic, and watch the input level move as you talk.
3. Allow the mic in your browser. If you blocked it before, allow it again in the browser's site settings for docs.google.com.
4. Look for "We're having trouble hearing you." Google suggests a quieter room, an external microphone, or a higher input volume.
5. Check the language. If punctuation commands are typed as words, set your account and document language to English.
6. Ask your admin. On a work or school account, an administrator may have turned voice typing off.

Can you use Apple Dictation in Google Docs?

Yes, you can try it. Apple's Dictation is free and built into macOS. Click in your document and press your Dictation shortcut, then speak.

It is handy when you want the same shortcut in every app, not only Google Docs. If it does not start, see our Mac dictation fix guide. Our guide on how to dictate on Mac covers setup and voice commands.

When built-in voice typing is enough

Google Docs voice typing is free and needs no install. It is a good fit for:

• Short drafts and notes written straight into a Doc.
• English writing where you want voice commands for punctuation and formatting.
• Work or school accounts where you cannot install apps.

If that covers what you do, you do not need anything else.

When a dedicated dictation app is better

A dedicated app can suit you better if you:

• Write in many apps, not only Google Docs. One shortcut that works everywhere is faster than learning each app's own tool.
• Want speech that stays on your Mac. Some people prefer that their voice is not sent to a server.
• Work offline or on poor Wi-Fi. On a train, a plane or a busy campus network.
• Dictate in other languages. Docs voice typing types many languages, but its punctuation and editing commands only work in English.

TalkFlowy runs speech recognition on local AI models on your Mac. It works 100% offline, and your voice and text are not sent to a server. Press a system-wide shortcut, speak, and your words appear live. Then AutoPaste puts the text into Google Docs, or any app with a text field, and copies it to the clipboard.

It supports 50+ languages and dialects with one-click switching, and it can transcribe audio and video files too. It needs an Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or newer) with macOS 14.6 or later. It does not run on Intel Macs, Windows, iPhone or iPad.

The free trial has every feature and needs no credit card. After that, it is a one-time license: $89 for one Mac or $249 for up to three. There is no subscription.

Writing essays? See voice to text for students. Comparing tools? Read Apple Dictation alternatives.