How to Use Voice Typing in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you start voice typing in Google Docs?
In Chrome, press Ctrl + Shift + S (⌘ + Shift + S on Mac), or click Tools › Voice typing. Click the microphone when you're ready to speak, and again when you're done. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H D.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Dictate (Voice Typing). On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcut
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Start voice typing (Chrome) | Ctrl+Shift+S | ⌘+Shift+S |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
Using the Menus
- Click Tools › Voice typing. A microphone box appears.
- When you're ready, click the microphone and speak clearly.
- Click the microphone again when you're done.
Voice typing works in recent versions of Chrome, Edge and Safari, and needs a working microphone.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Click where you want the text to go.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, then D. ShortieCuts runs “Dictate (Voice Typing)”.
When the ALT route helps: Word's Dictate button is on its Home tab, so ShortieCuts puts voice typing there too: Alt, H, D.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H7U | Change Case |
| Alt PIL | Hanging Indent |
| Alt NB | Page BreakBuilt-in: Ctrl + Enter |
| Alt HE | Clear FormattingBuilt-in: Ctrl + \ or Ctrl + Space |
| Alt HU | Bullet PointsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Alt PBN | Section Break |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to start voice typing in Google Docs?
Start voice typing (Chrome): Ctrl + Shift + S on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + S on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + D work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + D there won't start voice typing. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then D, and ShortieCuts runs its "Dictate (Voice Typing)" command.
How do I start voice typing in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Shift + S (Start voice typing (Chrome)). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then D.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.