How to Voice Type on Google Docs

byJeffBrown4

1.4K followers

1 year ago

How to voice type on Google Docs is what I have to share with you today, so if this is something that interests you read my step-by-step guide.

What is Voice Typing

Voice typing, also known as speech-to-text, is a technology that allows you to convert your spoken words into written text. It's a handy tool that can be used on a variety of devices, including smartphones, computers, and even web browsers.

Here are some of the benefits of using voice typing

• If you find typing slowly or find it uncomfortable, voice typing can be a real time-saver. You can dictate your emails, messages, documents, and more, all by speaking.
• Voice typing can be a valuable tool for people with disabilities that make typing difficult.
• For some people, voice recognition software can be more accurate than their typing, especially for those who are prone to typos.

I started to research voice typing because of numbness in my hands from nerve pain, since others might have problems with their hands in typing I decided to share with you.

Here are some popular ways to use voice typing

• Most smartphones come with built-in voice typing functionality. You can typically activate it by tapping a microphone icon on your keyboard.
• Windows and macOS both have built-in voice typing features. There are also third-party dictation apps available that can offer additional features.
• Some web apps, such as Google Docs, have built-in voice typing functionality.

Here are some things to keep in mind when using voice typing

• While voice recognition software has gotten very good, it's not perfect. You may need to do some editing after you're done dictating.
• Voice recognition software works best in quiet environments. Background noise can make it more difficult for the software to understand your speech.
• Some voice typing software allows you to dictate punctuation by saying things like "period" or "comma." However, it's not always perfect, so you may need to add punctuation yourself.

Overall, voice typing is a powerful tool that can help you to be more productive and efficient. If you haven't tried it before, it's worth giving a try.

Voice Typing Google Docs Guide

Requirements

• Google Chrome web browser (Voice typing currently only works on Chrome for Google Docs)
• A working microphone

Steps

Head to https://docs.google.com/ and open an existing document or create a new one.

Activate Voice Typing

Method 1

Click on the "Tools" menu in the top toolbar. A dropdown menu will appear. Select "Voice typing" from the list.

Method 2

Use the keyboard shortcut. Press Ctrl+Shift+S (Windows) or Command+Shift+S (Mac).

Allow Microphone Access (if first time)

The first time you use voice typing, a pop-up window may appear asking you to allow Google Chrome to access your microphone. Click "Allow" to proceed.

Start Dictating

A small microphone window will appear. Click the red microphone icon to begin voice typing. You'll see the icon turn white and pulsate slightly to show it's listening.

Dictate your text

Speak clearly and at a normal pace. Google Docs will transcribe your words into text in your document.

Punctuation with Voice Commands (Optional)

While speaking, you can also add punctuation by using voice commands. Here are some examples

• Say "period" to add a full stop (.)
• Say "comma" to add a comma (,)
• Say "question mark" to add a question mark (?)
• Say "new paragraph" to start a new paragraph

End Dictation

Click the microphone icon again (it will turn red) to stop voice typing.

Editing and Proofreading

As with any dictated text, there may be errors or misinterpretations. Review your document carefully and edit any mistakes you find.

Tips

• Speak clearly and avoid background noise for better accuracy.
• Practice your dictation skills for smoother and faster results.
• Explore more voice commands by saying "Help" while voice typing is active (availability may vary).

By following these steps, you should be up and running with voice typing in Google Docs!

Final Thoughts

• Voice typing can be a great way to break up the monotony of traditional typing. Don't be afraid to experiment with it for different tasks and see how it works for you.
• While this guide focused on Google Docs, voice typing can be a helpful tool for many other applications as well, such as composing emails, taking notes, or even filling out online forms.
• Voice recognition technology is constantly evolving. New features and functionalities may emerge over time, so keep an eye out for updates and improvements.

Anyone can take advantage of voice typing, but for those of us with limitations in our hands, this can be a very valuable tool.

Jeff