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Ubuntu Setup Guide

Install Voice Dictation on Ubuntu

This Ubuntu guide is tuned for practical desktop use: terminals, browsers, IDEs, office suites, and chat apps. Vocalinux runs locally so your voice data never leaves your machine.

Install command

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

Prerequisites

  • Ubuntu 22.04+ (or Ubuntu-based distro)
  • Python 3.9+
  • Working microphone
  • curl installed (sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y curl)

Tested environments

  • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (GNOME, Wayland)
  • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (GNOME, X11)
  • Kubuntu and Linux Mint derivatives

Setup notes for Ubuntu

  1. Choose whisper.cpp for the fastest setup and cross-vendor GPU support.
  2. On lower-RAM systems, pick VOSK for lightweight realtime dictation.
  3. If your desktop uses Wayland, keep keyboard injection defaults unless you know your compositor specifics.

Post-install checklist

  • Run vocalinux and confirm the tray indicator appears.
  • Hold Right Alt (Option) to dictate, or switch to toggle mode in Settings and verify dictation starts.
  • Set language and model size in the settings panel for your workload.

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