Vocalinux
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Fedora Setup Guide

Install Voice Dictation on Fedora

Fedora 42 and newer ship the Python and GTK stack Vocalinux needs, and Fedora 42 is the release in the project's CI matrix. This guide focuses on reliable setup and minimal friction.

Install command

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

Prerequisites

  • Fedora 42 or newer (Workstation or a spin)
  • Python 3.11+ with python3-gobject (the installer handles this)
  • Working microphone
  • curl installed (sudo dnf install -y curl)

Supported on

  • Fedora 42 and newer: good support (uses lib64 paths)

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

Other install options for Fedora

Native .rpm package

Download the .rpm for your CPU from GitHub Releases (aarch64 files are attached too). It is a thin package: Python and GTK come from Fedora, whisper.cpp runs on the CPU, and there is no auto-update or COPR yet. On Wayland, add yourself to the input group (sudo usermod -aG input $USER, then log out and back in) or the default hotkey stays off.

sudo dnf install ./vocalinux-*.x86_64.rpm

Flatpak from the VocaHQ remote

Not on Flathub. The self-hosted vocahq remote updates with flatpak update and ships whisper.cpp only.

flatpak install https://vocahq.github.io/vocalinux-flatpak/com.vocalinux.Vocalinux.flatpakref

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

Setup notes for Fedora

  1. If prompted for optional dependencies, accept defaults unless your desktop setup requires custom input tooling.
  2. Keep the default whisper.cpp engine for the best speed-to-accuracy tradeoff.
  3. Use the smallest model first, then scale up once dictation feels stable on your hardware.
  4. On the KDE spin under Wayland, set System Settings → Keyboard → Virtual Keyboard to IBus Wayland.

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.
  • Confirm startup behavior and language settings persist after reboot.

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