Private by default.

Steno records only while you dictate, transcribes locally on your Mac, and keeps audio, transcripts, profiles, and diagnostics local unless you choose to share them.

Local-first

Dictation and Profile Rewrite run locally using models included with the Mac app.

No account

Steno does not require sign-in, a cloud workspace, or an online account for core dictation.

No tracking

Steno does not collect analytics, crash reports, dictated audio, transcripts, or clipboard contents.

What Steno may access

Microphone To record speech only while you hold the dictation key.
Speech recognition When macOS requires permission for local speech features.
Clipboard By default, Steno copies completed transcripts to the clipboard so you can paste them manually into another app. You can turn off "Copy transcript to clipboard after dictation" if you want Steno to leave the clipboard unchanged after dictation.

What stays local

Transcripts, settings, and profiles Saved transcripts, settings, writing profiles, and Profile Rewrite output stay on your Mac.
Temporary audio Temporary local audio files used during capture are removed when transcription finishes or when capture is canceled.
Bundled models The Mac app includes the speech-to-text and Profile Rewrite models needed for the main dictation flows. Steno does not send captured audio or transcripts to a server for transcription or rewriting.
Transcript history History is stored only on your Mac. You can turn it off, choose a retention period, pin transcripts you want to keep, or delete all history.
Diagnostics Diagnostics exports are local files and are shared only if you choose to send them. Diagnostics do not include dictated text, audio, or clipboard contents.

Sharing and contact

Copying, sharing, exporting, and pasting are actions you start. Once content leaves Steno, it is governed by the app or service you chose.

Questions about privacy: [email protected] or the support page.