> At a Glance
> – Handy is a free, open-source speech-to-text app that turns voice into text.
> – It uses Nvidia’s Parakeet and OpenAI’s Whisper models, with Parakeet V3 as the default.
> – Created by CJ Pais after breaking a finger, Handy runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
> – Why it matters: It lets users speak instead of type, even in noisy environments, without cost or complex setup.
If you’ve ever wished for a keyboard shortcut that turns your voice into words, Handy offers a simple, free solution. Built on open-source AI models, the app automatically transcribes spoken language into text across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Developed by CJ Pais after a finger injury, Handy removes the technical hurdles that usually accompany speech-to-text tools.
How Handy Works
When you launch Handy, it prompts you to choose a model-Parakeet V3 is the default. After the model downloads, you activate transcription by holding Control-Space on Windows/Linux or Option-Space on macOS. A translucent overlay signals that the app is listening, and the spoken words appear in the active text box once you release the key.
- Free to use
- Runs offline on the device
- Supports multiple languages
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts
- Filters background music
Customization and Advanced Settings
Handy allows you to tweak its behavior-from selecting a microphone to enabling start-on-boot. You can also add custom words so frequently mis-transcribed names stay accurate. The app remains lightweight, keeping models in memory only while needed.
Isaac Y. Thornwell said:
> “I’ve been using this to write the article today, and an impressive thing is I don’t even have to turn my music off-the models are good at filtering it out.”
Isaac Y. Thornwell said:
> “I even tried speaking a few sentences in French and Spanish-it worked (and, I imagine, would work even better if my pronunciation weren’t horrible).”
Isaac Y. Thornwell said:
> “I can’t recommend Handy enough. Give it a shot. Personally, I’ll probably keep using my keyboard to write articles-I type faster than I can think. But if I ever hurt my hand in any way, I’m going to be very thankful this tool exists.”
Key Takeaways
- Handy is a free, open-source speech-to-text tool that works offline.
- It uses Parakeet V3 and Whisper, with customizable shortcuts and audio filtering.
- The app is ideal for anyone who prefers talking over typing, especially if hand injuries occur.
Handy proves that sophisticated AI can be packaged into a user-friendly tool, making voice typing accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a writer, a developer, or someone who simply prefers talking, Handy is a free option worth trying.
