Open or create an entry, enter Edit mode, and choose Dictate from its editing actions. If the journal is locked, unlock it before writing.
Record and review
- Choose Start Recording and allow microphone access when asked.
- Speak, then choose Stop and Review.
- Correct names or wording in the raw transcript.
- Choose Use Raw, or use the optional cleanup and compare its result with the original before choosing Use Cleaned.
Nothing is inserted into the entry until you choose Use Raw or Use Cleaned. Cancelling leaves the entry unchanged.
Where the text goes
Echo inserts the chosen text into the editor without replacing a selection you made before opening Dictate. You can edit the inserted text normally and use Undo if you change your mind.
Privacy and troubleshooting
Audio is transcribed on this device and is never saved. Optional cleanup also uses an on-device model; it is separate from an external AI-client connection.
If recording fails, check microphone permission in the system’s Privacy & Security settings. On-device speech support and its language assets also need to be available. You can keep writing with the keyboard, and you can use the raw transcript if AI cleanup is unavailable or its result is not what you meant.