Vocalinux
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Arch Linux Setup Guide

Install Voice Dictation on Arch Linux

Arch users can install Vocalinux from the AUR or with the install script. Both keep whisper.cpp as the default engine and work across rolling-release desktops.

Install command

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

Prerequisites

  • Arch Linux, Manjaro or EndeavourOS
  • Python 3.11+ with python-gobject
  • Working microphone
  • curl installed (sudo pacman -Sy --needed curl), or an AUR helper such as yay

Supported on

  • Arch Linux (rolling): good support
  • Manjaro (rolling): good support, inherits Arch compatibility
  • EndeavourOS (rolling): good support, inherits Arch compatibility

Support levels come from the project’s distribution compatibility matrix. They describe expected compatibility, not a list of test machines.

Other install options for Arch Linux

AUR packages

vocalinux builds the canonical release sdist against Arch dependencies. vocalinux-bin installs the prebuilt release AppImage. vocalinux-git is a community package that tracks main. The three conflict, so install only one.

yay -S vocalinux # canonical release sdist, built against Arch dependencies yay -S vocalinux-git # community package; tracks main

Compare every package format on theinstall overview, or read theFlatpak guide.

Setup notes for Arch Linux

  1. Prefer whisper.cpp: it avoids the full PyTorch stack that OpenAI Whisper pulls in.
  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.
  4. AUR packages update with your AUR helper; the in-app update checker only notifies.

Post-install checklist

  • Run vocalinux --version to confirm the installed release.
  • Launch vocalinux and confirm the tray icon appears. On GNOME, the tray needs the AppIndicator extension.
  • Hold Right Alt (Option) to dictate, or switch to toggle mode in Settings → Shortcuts, and confirm text lands in a terminal and a browser.
  • If anything misbehaves, run vocalinux --debug and check the troubleshooting guide.
  • Back up ~/.config/vocalinux/config.json after tuning preferences.

Need help selecting an engine? Read theengine comparison. Stuck? Seetroubleshooting.