How to Use Speech to Text or Dictation on Chromebook

The speech-to-text feature, also known as dictation, is an accessibility feature on Chromebook that allows you to type text using your voice instead of the keyboard. Whether you call it speak to type, voice typing, voice to text, or voice dictation, this feature can be a convenient way to input text. If you're interested in using your voice to type on Chromebook, let's explore how to enable, disable, and use speech-to-text.

How to Enable and Use Chromebook Voice Typing

There are two methods to type using voice on Chromebook: system-wide speak-to-type and voice typing on the on-screen keyboard. Let's look at both methods.

Method 1: Use System-Wide Speech to Text

To use this method, you need to enable the Dictation feature in Chromebook's accessibility settings. Here's how:

1. Click on the time at the bottom-right corner to open the Quick Panel. From there, click on the Settings icon to open Chromebook Settings.
2. Expand the Advanced section from the left sidebar and click on Accessibility.
3. Go to Manage accessibility features from the right panel.
4. Scroll down to the Keyboard and text input section and turn on the toggle next to Enable dictation (speak to type).
5. Click on the Change button next to the Language option under Dictation to choose a language for voice typing.
6. Once you enable the dictation toggle, a microphone icon will appear on the Chromebook's Shelf (Taskbar). Click on this icon whenever you want to start typing using your voice. Alternatively, you can use the Search + D or Launcher key + D keyboard shortcut to activate the voice typing feature without clicking on the microphone icon.

For example, if you want to search in Chromebook settings using your voice, place the mouse cursor in the settings search box, click on the microphone icon on the Chromebook's shelf, and start speaking. Your speech will be automatically converted into typed text.

Dictation will end automatically if you stop talking. Additionally, Chromebook will stop listening if you navigate away from the text field or click on the microphone icon again.

Method 2: Using Voice Typing With On-Screen Keyboard

The voice typing feature is also available on the Chromebook's on-screen keyboard. This method is useful on touchscreen devices where you don't need to rely on keyboard shortcuts or Chromebook's shelf. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the on-screen keyboard on your Chromebook. If it's not enabled, go to Chromebook Settings > Advanced > Accessibility > Manage accessibility features > Enable on-screen keyboard.
2. When the on-screen keyboard appears, click on the microphone icon and start speaking to type.

Tip: Learn how to use Chromebook's on-screen keyboard like a pro.

How to Edit Text Using Voice Commands

When you use voice typing, you can use voice commands to perform text editing operations. Here are some useful commands:

• Select all: Selects everything in the text field.
• Unselect: Clears the selected text.
• Copy: Copies the selected text to the clipboard.
• Cut: Copies and deletes the selected text.
• Paste: Pastes the text from the clipboard.
• Delete: Deletes the selected text or the previous character.
• Undo: Clears the previous text-editing action.
• Redo: Repeats the previous text-editing action.
• New line: Moves the cursor to a new line.
• Move to the next line: Moves the cursor to the next line.
• Move to the previous line: Moves the cursor to the previous line.

How to Turn off Dictation on Chromebook

If you no longer want to use the dictation feature, you can disable it by going to Chromebook Settings > Advanced > Accessibility > Manage accessibility features. Turn off the toggle next to Enable dictation (speak to type).

Note: Disabling Dictation in accessibility settings will not turn off voice typing on the on-screen keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Chromebook have a text-to-speech feature?

Yes, Chromebooks offer native text-to-speech functionality. You can use it to listen to selected text or the entire text on the screen. Learn how to use text-to-speech on Chromebook.

2. How to fix speak-to-type not working on Chromebook?

If you are unable to type using your voice, make sure the speak-to-type feature is enabled in the accessibility settings. Additionally, update your Chrome OS and restart it at least once.

3. How to use voice typing in Google Docs?

Google Docs has a native voice typing feature that allows you to speak text. In addition to the two methods mentioned above, you can go to Tools > Voice typing in Google Docs to use this feature.

Explore Your Chromebook

Chromebook is a capable device with many hidden features to discover. Aside from speech-to-text, you can explore setting it up for a child, allowing others to borrow your Chromebook without accessing your Google account, downloading Android apps, and much more. Discover the possibilities of your Chromebook!