Speech to text for Ubuntu
Ubuntu LTS releases do not include voice typing. OiPer adds it: hold a hotkey, speak, and your words are typed into any Ubuntu app. Transcription runs locally with Whisper models, so it works offline and needs no account.
Updated
Install on Ubuntu
A .deb package and one typing tool.
1. Install the .deb
Download the .deb for amd64 and install it with sudo apt install ./OiPer_<version>_amd64.deb, so apt pulls in any dependencies.
Read about Installation2. Install ydotool for GNOME on Wayland
Ubuntu’s default desktop is GNOME on Wayland, where wtype and kwtype do not work. Run sudo apt install ydotool and sudo usermod -aG input $USER, reboot, then systemctl --user enable --now ydotool.
Read about Installation3. Pick a local model and a hotkey
First-run setup downloads a Whisper model and records the shortcut you hold to dictate. The default is Left Shift + Left Control.
Read about QuickstartTest the typing tool
Click into a text field and run ydotool type hello in a terminal. If the word appears, OiPer can type too.
Read about TroubleshootingUbuntu 26.04 or 24.04
The typing setup depends on your release.
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
GNOME runs only on Wayland since Ubuntu 25.10. The ydotool package is version 1.0.4 and ships a user service for its daemon, so the steps above work as written.
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
The ydotool package is the older 0.1.8. If it does not type for you, choose Ubuntu on Xorg on the login screen and install xdotool with sudo apt install xdotool.
Kubuntu and other flavours
On KDE Plasma Wayland use kwtype or ydotool. On an X11 session use xdotool.
Read about InstallationWhere files live
Settings, history, models, audio and logs are kept in ~/.config/com.oiper.desktop. Deleting that folder resets OiPer completely.
Read about InstallationLocal models on Ubuntu
Pick for your hardware, not for a subscription.
Start with Base or Large v3 Turbo
Base (142 MB) is quick on everyday laptops. Large v3 Turbo (1.5 GB) gives large-model accuracy at lower cost if your machine can take it.
Read about ModelsEnglish-only variants
If you only dictate in English, the English-only Tiny, Base, Small and Medium models are more accurate than the multilingual model of the same size.
Read about ModelsCPU or GPU
Whisper Hardware set to Auto uses your GPU when one is usable and the CPU otherwise. Set it to CPU if GPU drivers cause trouble.
Read about SettingsWhat about Ubuntu’s own dictation, Myna?
Canonical is building voice typing into Ubuntu Desktop.
What Myna is
Myna is Canonical’s local speech to text for Ubuntu Desktop, announced in June 2026 and aimed at Ubuntu 26.10. You press a shortcut, speak, and text appears in the active app. Reviews of early builds say it is expected to be opt-in.
When Myna is the better fit
It is built into the desktop by Canonical, runs speech models locally, and inserts text through the input method framework, so it needs no extra typing tool or input group.
When OiPer is the better fit
You are on Ubuntu 24.04 or 26.04 LTS, use KDE or an X11 session, or want formatting, translation, profiles per hotkey or an optional cloud model. Myna’s first release leaves out translation, voice commands and other desktops.
Read about FormattingQuestions, answered
What people ask before they start dictating with OiPer.
Does Ubuntu have speech to text?
Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04 LTS have no built-in voice typing. Canonical is building a local dictation feature called Myna for Ubuntu 26.10. OiPer adds local voice typing to current releases today.
How do I install OiPer on Ubuntu?
Download the .deb and run sudo apt install ./OiPer_<version>_amd64.deb. Then install ydotool so OiPer can type on the default GNOME Wayland session.
Why does OiPer need ydotool on Ubuntu?
GNOME on Wayland does not let apps send keystrokes to each other. ydotool types through a virtual keyboard at the kernel level, which works on any session.
Does voice typing work offline on Ubuntu?
Yes. In local mode OiPer transcribes on your machine with a Whisper model, so it works without an internet connection.
Does OiPer work on Ubuntu 24.04?
Yes. Install the .deb and a typing tool. On 24.04 you can also log in to Ubuntu on Xorg and use xdotool.
Is OiPer free on Ubuntu?
Local, on-device transcription is free and unlimited, and no account is required. Paid plans add hosted transcription and formatting models.