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Arch Linux Setup Guide

Install Voice Dictation on Arch Linux

Arch users usually care about control and performance. This guide keeps setup lean while preserving compatibility across rolling-release desktop environments.

Install command

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux/main/install.sh -o /tmp/vl.sh && bash /tmp/vl.sh --interactive

Prerequisites

  • Arch Linux / Manjaro / EndeavourOS
  • Python 3.8+
  • Working microphone
  • curl installed (sudo pacman -Sy --needed curl)

Tested environments

  • Arch Linux (GNOME, Wayland)
  • Arch Linux (KDE Plasma)
  • Manjaro (X11 and Wayland sessions)

Setup notes for Arch Linux

  1. Prefer whisper.cpp for lower dependency footprint and faster cold start.
  2. On custom compositor setups, verify text injection behavior in both terminal and browser contexts.
  3. If you tweak keybinds heavily, set a non-conflicting activation shortcut in Vocalinux settings.

Post-install checklist

  • Run vocalinux and test dictation in multiple apps (terminal, browser, editor).
  • Confirm your chosen speech engine model balances latency and accuracy.
  • Back up ~/.config/vocalinux/config.yaml after tuning preferences.

Need help selecting an engine? Read thewhisper.cpp vs Whisper vs VOSK comparison.