> For AI agents: the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](https://saydart.com/llms.txt). A concatenated dump of public pages is at [llms-full.txt](https://saydart.com/llms-full.txt). Markdown versions of pages are available at the same path with a `.md` extension (for example `https://saydart.com/workflows/excel.md`).

Source: https://saydart.com/workflows/word/

# Write your first draft in Word by voice.

Click into your document and speak. Clean, punctuated text appears at your cursor; use Word to format and save the draft.

October 20, 2026

## Choose the dictation route that fits your document

Word has its own Dictate feature. Microsoft’s desktop instructions start at Home → Dictate and require an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription, a microphone and internet access. If that feature already covers your writing needs, you can use it directly.

Keyboard shortcut: in Word for Microsoft 365, Dictate starts with Option + F1 on a Mac, and Microsoft lists Alt + ` (the backtick key) to resume dictation on Windows. Windows voice typing (Windows key + H) also works in Word without a Microsoft 365 subscription.

Google Docs voice typing is covered on its own page.

SayDart works the same in Word, email and Slack: one hotkey, "um"s removed, and Dictionary for the names you use.

## Prepare an editable place for the words

Click into your document, press your voice shortcut and talk. Clean, punctuated text lands right where your cursor is, in Microsoft Word. Works on Windows and Mac (beta).

Click where the new paragraph should go.

- Sign in to SayDart and select your microphone in Settings > Voice & translation.
- Check your current voice shortcut; Right Alt is the Windows default. On Mac it's Right Option.
- Click the intended paragraph without selecting text you want to keep.
- Press Right Alt, say the paragraph, press it again.

## Dictate a passage you can review

For a project brief, say the purpose, the decision and the next step: “The first draft is ready for review. We need a decision on the two opening options before Thursday. I will update the document after everyone has commented.”

## Keep document formatting in the editor

SayDart cleans up "um"s and adds punctuation. Add headings, bullets and tables in Word as usual.

## Recover a paragraph that did not appear

If text doesn't appear, click Copy text on the result (it's also in History), then paste.

If no text was produced at all, check the microphone, connection and sign-in. If you use Free, also check its remaining allowance.

## Finish with a saved, checked draft

Review names, dates and punctuation, then use Word to format and save the document.

## Excel and PowerPoint: dictate into Office fields

In Excel, click one cell at a time, dictate with SayDart, then review before Enter — multi-cell fills and formulas still need the keyboard. In PowerPoint, click the title, body or speaker-notes box first; dictate one field at a time so text lands in the right placeholder.

Add column headers, slide titles and product names to your dictionary. Windows voice typing (Win+H) works for short bursts; SayDart helps when you want cleanup, history and the same shortcut across Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the rest of your desktop.

## Related

- [Google Docs voice to text](https://saydart.com/workflows/google-docs/)
- [Get SayDart for Windows](https://saydart.com/download/windows/)
- [Understand text cleanup](https://saydart.com/product/smart-cleanup/)
- [Capture notes by voice](https://saydart.com/workflows/notes/)
- [Set recognition languages](https://saydart.com/guides/speech-language-settings/)
- [SayDart pricing](https://saydart.com/pricing/)
- [Dictation software for writers](https://saydart.com/workflows/writers/)
- [Dictate emails in Outlook](https://saydart.com/workflows/outlook/)
- [Dictation software for lawyers](https://saydart.com/workflows/lawyers/)
- [Speech to text for students](https://saydart.com/workflows/students/)
- [Speech to text for dyslexia in Word](https://saydart.com/workflows/dyslexia/)

## FAQ

### What is the shortcut for speech to text in Word?

In Word for Microsoft 365, press Option + F1 on a Mac to start Dictate. On Windows, use Home → Dictate, or Alt + ` to resume dictation; Windows key + H starts Windows voice typing. In SayDart, press Right Alt (Windows) or Right Option (Mac).

### Do I need SayDart to dictate in Word?

No. Word has its own dictation. SayDart gives you one hotkey that works in Word, plus email, Slack and AI chats, with cleanup and Dictionary built in.

### Will SayDart create headings and tables when I describe them?

No. SayDart types what you say; use Word for headings and tables.

### Can I paste a result when automatic insertion fails?

Yes, if you have an available result and the destination permits editing and pasting. Check for partial text first, then copy and paste into the intended paragraph.