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VoiceTypr uses local AI models for offline transcription. Learn how to download, manage, and optimize your models.

Understanding Models

VoiceTypr supports multiple AI model engines:

Whisper

OpenAI’s speech recognition model99+ languages5 sizes available

Parakeet

NVIDIA’s optimized model (macOS only)25 languagesApple Neural Engine

Cloud Models

Soniox and other cloud providersAPI requiredNo download needed

Model Characteristics

Each model shows three key metrics:
1

Speed Score

How fast the model transcribes (1-10)Higher = faster transcription Speed indicator
2

Accuracy Score

How accurate the transcription is (1-10)Higher = better accuracy Accuracy indicator
3

Size

Disk space required for the modelRanges from ~75 MB to ~2.9 GB Size indicator

Model Sizes Explained

ModelSizeSpeedAccuracyBest For
Tiny~75 MB104Quick testing, limited accuracy needs
Base~142 MB95Fast transcription, casual use
Small~466 MB77Balanced performance
Medium~1.5 GB58High accuracy needed
Large~2.9 GB310Maximum accuracy, professional use
Recommended models are marked with a star icon and offer the best balance of speed and accuracy.

Downloading Models

1

Open Models Tab

Navigate to the Models section in VoiceTypr
2

Choose a Model

Browse “Available to Set Up” sectionReview speed, accuracy, and size metrics
3

Download

Click the “Download” buttonProgress is shown with a percentage bar
4

Wait for Verification

After download, model is verified (SHA-256 checksum)“Verifying…” indicator appears briefly
5

Model Ready

Model moves to “Available to Use” sectionNow selectable for transcription
Start with a Small model for balanced performance. You can download multiple models and switch between them.

Download Progress

While downloading:
  • Progress bar shows download percentage
  • Cancel button (X) allows canceling the download
  • Verifying state appears after download completes
Parakeet models may show “Downloading…” without a percentage. This is normal - FluidAudio (the download system) doesn’t report progress for these models.

Switching Models

Change your active transcription model at any time:
  1. Go to Models tab
  2. Find your desired model in “Available to Use”
  3. Click anywhere on the model card
  4. Active model is highlighted with a colored background
Only one model can be active at a time. Switching models takes effect immediately for new recordings.

Deleting Models

Free up disk space by removing unused models:
1

Locate Model

Find the model in “Available to Use” section
2

Click Remove

Click the “Remove” button on the model card
3

Confirm Deletion

Confirm you want to delete the model
4

Model Removed

Model moves back to “Available to Set Up”Disk space is freed immediately
If you delete your currently active model, you’ll need to select a different model before recording again.

Model Verification

VoiceTypr ensures model integrity:
  • SHA-256 checksum verification after download
  • Corrupted downloads are detected automatically
  • Failed verification prompts re-download
Verification typically takes 5-10 seconds depending on model size.

Storage Management

Where Models are Stored

Models are stored in platform-specific locations:
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/com.voicetypr.app/models/
  • Windows: %APPDATA%/com.voicetypr.app/models/

Checking Disk Usage

Total space used by all models:
  • Tiny only: ~75 MB
  • Tiny + Small: ~541 MB
  • Small + Medium: ~1.97 GB
  • All models: ~5 GB+
Keep only the models you use regularly. You can always re-download models later.

Cleaning Up

To free disk space:
  1. Delete unused models (see above)
  2. Keep 1-2 models that fit your needs
  3. Advanced users: Manually delete from file system (not recommended)

Cloud Models

Cloud-based models (like Soniox) don’t require downloads:
1

Add API Key

Click “Add API Key” on the cloud model card
2

Enter Credentials

Provide your API key from the providerKeys are stored securely in system keychain
3

Model Ready

Model moves to “Available to Use”Select to use for transcription
Cloud models require an internet connection for transcription. See provider documentation for pricing and limits.

Removing Cloud Models

Click “Remove API Key” to disconnect:
  • API key is deleted from keychain
  • Model moves back to “Available to Set Up”
  • No local data is deleted

Best Practices

  • Casual use: Small model (best balance)
  • Professional transcription: Large model
  • Quick notes: Tiny or Base model
  • Limited disk space: Tiny or Base model
Models range from 75 MB to 2.9 GB. Use a stable internet connection for downloading.
Download models while you have internet access. They work completely offline once downloaded.
Try different models to find the best speed/accuracy balance for your use case.

Troubleshooting

Solution:
  • Check internet connection
  • Ensure sufficient disk space (3-4 GB free)
  • Try canceling and restarting the download
Solution:
  • Delete the model and re-download
  • Check disk for errors
  • Contact support if issue persists
Solution:
  • Ensure model is fully downloaded and verified
  • Check that model appears in “Available to Use”
  • Restart VoiceTypr if needed
If you encounter persistent issues, try the “Reset App Data” option in Advanced settings (this will delete all models and settings).