This AI transcription app for Mac computers just got a lot better

The latest update to MacWhisper, a popular AI-powered transcription application for Mac, brings significant design improvements and new features that enhance its usability and functionality.

Major design overhaul: MacWhisper 11 introduces a completely redesigned interface centered around a new collapsible sidebar that provides quick access to essential features and settings.

• The new sidebar organizes display settings, AI prompts, translations, transcript information, and speaker management in an easily accessible format
• Users can now adjust text size, colors, and padding options to customize their transcript viewing experience
• The sidebar can be collapsed to provide a more focused view of transcripts
• Individual speakers can be added on a per-transcript basis directly from the sidebar

Enhanced functionality: The update brings several practical improvements that streamline the transcription workflow.

• Word-level highlighting during playback is now available for transcripts created with WhisperKit models
• Voice Activity Detection has been added for WhisperKit models, improving transcription speed
• The search function now displays the total number of matching words in transcripts
• Users can control playback speed using keyboard shortcuts and adjust font sizes with standard command keys

Dictation capabilities: MacWhisper’s dictation feature has been refined to provide a more seamless experience across the operating system.

• The app now offers speech-to-text functionality that works in any text field on Mac
• Dictation is reported to be more than four times faster than typing
• Users can choose to use the right option key for dictation control
• The feature includes AI integration for automatic real-time text rewrites

Privacy and integration: MacWhisper maintains its commitment to user privacy while expanding integration options.

• The app supports on-device AI services including LM Studio and Ollama
• Users can now choose to run the app exclusively from the menu bar without requiring the main application to be open
• Dictations are designed not to appear in clipboard history managers

Technical refinements: Version 11/11.1 includes numerous quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall user experience.

• The HTML export feature now automatically adapts to light and dark mode
• Video playback speed synchronizes with audio playback adjustments
• The app intelligently defaults to the next best model if a Whisper model fails to load
• Export previews now display complete transcripts

Looking ahead: While MacWhisper 11 represents a significant evolution in transcription software, its enhanced AI integration and focus on user experience suggest future updates may continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in automated transcription technology, particularly in areas of real-time processing and accessibility.