VS Code doesn’t need a special dictation feature on macOS. If your cursor is in an editor, terminal input, commit message box, or PR description field in the browser, you can dictate with system-wide Dictation.
Option A: Use built-in macOS Dictation (fastest setup)
- Open System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation → switch Dictation On.
- Confirm the Dictation shortcut (often Fn twice).
- In VS Code, click where you want text (comment/docstring/commit message).
- Start Dictation, speak, then stop to insert the text.
Tip: Dictation is best for prose (comments, READMEs, changelogs). For raw code syntax, most developers still type.
Option B: Use Voice Type (better daily workflow)
- Install Voice Type from the Mac App Store.
- Set a hold‑to‑dictate hotkey that won’t collide with VS Code shortcuts.
- Hold the hotkey to dictate; release to finalize.
This is especially helpful when you jump between VS Code, GitHub, Linear/Jira, Slack, and docs — the hotkey stays the same everywhere.
High-conversion use cases in VS Code (what to dictate)
- Function/class comments and docstrings (first draft)
- Commit messages (short but easy to overthink)
- Changelogs and release notes
- PR review comments (explain the why, then edit)
Troubleshooting (mic permissions)
- System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → allow VS Code (and Voice Type if you use it).
- Dictation not working on Mac (checklist)