Questions, answered.
How Spiel helps you write faster, how it keeps data on your Mac, and what to know before buying.
What is Spiel?
Spiel is private Mac dictation built to help you write faster. Press your hotkey, speak, and Spiel turns your voice into text directly in the app you're using.
Who is Spiel for?
Spiel is for anyone who wants to write faster by speaking: writers, founders, students, consultants, researchers, and Mac users who spend too much of the day turning thoughts into text.
What if I need more than 2 licenses?
Get in touch and we'll help you find the right option.
Where is Spiel available?
Spiel is available to download directly here or on the Mac App Store.
What are the system requirements?
Spiel is compatible with Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 26 or newer. If you're using a Whisper model, 8GB RAM is recommended.
How does Spiel protect my data and privacy?
Spiel runs entirely on your Mac: data never leaves your device.
How do dictation styles and tone styles work?
Choose a dictation style such as email, chat message, text message, list, code-safe text, or your own custom style; then add a tone style and optional voice instructions. On macOS, Auto can apply a different dictation style or tone style for each app. Processing stays on your device and is guarded against adding information you did not dictate.
Can Spiel learn names and specialist terms?
Yes. Add preferred spellings to the personal dictionary. Spiel uses them both to improve speech recognition and to correct the finished text, all on your device.
What does Spiel use for text cleanup?
Spiel can use Apple Foundation Models or an optional locally downloaded text model for cleanup, dictation styles, and generated note titles. Availability depends on your selected language and installed models; processing stays on your device.
Does Spiel work without an internet connection?
Core dictation runs locally on your Mac. Setup tasks like downloading Whisper models, purchasing, licensing, or support may require internet access.
What is the difference between buying on the website vs the Mac App Store?
The App Store version shows Insights but can't display per-app usage. The version available on the website shows usage for the specific apps you dictate into.
Why does Spiel need Accessibility permission?
Accessibility permission lets Spiel put your words directly into the app where you're writing. If direct insertion isn't available, Spiel copies the text to your clipboard.
Are future updates included?
Yes. Future updates are included with your Spiel purchase.
Where are notes stored?
Notes are only stored locally. You can delete them or change how long they are stored anytime.
Which languages does Spiel support?
Spiel supports 99+ languages. Available languages vary by engine, model, and installed speech assets.
What audio file types can I import?
Spiel can transcribe common formats like MP3, M4A/AAC, WAV, AIFF/AIF, and CAF.
Does Spiel store my imported audio files?
No. The app reads the selected file locally to create the transcript, then releases access to the file. The resulting transcript is saved locally on your device.
Do I have to copy and paste transcripts?
No. After you enable Accessibility permission, Spiel inserts text automatically into most standard Mac text fields. Clipboard paste is available as a fallback when automatic insertion isn't possible.
How can I send feedback, request a feature, or report an issue?
You can reach us anytime at [email protected].