Is speech typing free to use? Do I need a subscription?
There are no per-minute transcription fees and no Padhow subscription. Download a speech model, then English dictation runs on your Mac. Apple Intelligence text help is also included without API usage charges on compatible Macs running macOS 26 or later. Speech recognition uses its own local models, not Apple Intelligence. The app purchase is separate; optional cloud AI providers may charge for usage. Read the Mac dictation guide.
Is Padhow an alternative to Apple Spotlight?
Yes, if you want a launcher that combines app and file search with
AI rewriting, clipboard previews and configurable extensions.
Spotlight remains a capable built-in option, including clipboard
history and app actions on recent macOS versions.
Compare Padhow and Spotlight.
Can I connect Gmail and Google Calendar?
The integrations are implemented as optional extensions. Gmail
shows unread message excerpts and supports mark-read/archive
actions; Calendar shows upcoming primary-calendar events. OAuth
client setup is required, and public sign-in verification and
live-account testing are still pending.
Can I change Mac settings directly in Padhow?
The app already includes sound mute/unmute, 30-minute keep-awake
sessions, display sleep and basic window placement, plus shortcuts
to macOS settings. Broader controls in launcher search and a
dedicated System Controls page are planned, not yet available.
Some settings will continue to open Apple’s own interface.
See current actions and planned controls.
What does “one payment” include?
The €12 launch offer includes the Padhow app for one
person on all their Macs, with future Padhow app updates included.
There is no recurring app subscription. Third-party AI usage and
services are separate.
How will I get the app after paying?
At launch, a completed purchase will give you access to the macOS
download. Public checkout is still being prepared.
Does everything work offline?
App search, calculations, unit conversions, clipboard history and
usage statistics work locally. Google and website previews, Gmail
and Google Calendar need an internet connection. Writing depends
on the model you choose: cloud providers require internet, while
supported local models run on your Mac.
Does €12 include unlimited AI?
On-device transcription has no per-minute fees, and Apple Intelligence text help has no per-request API charge on compatible Macs. The €12 price is for the app; it does not include credit for optional cloud AI providers, which bill separately.
Do I need to open the launcher to fix selected text?
No. The automatic menu appears near your pointer after a selection
in a supported app. Choose grammar, translation or another enabled
action, review the compact preview, then copy or replace.
Dedicated action shortcuts can instead copy or insert directly,
according to your settings. Automatic detection requires
Accessibility and a source app that exposes the selection; you can
disable it.
Which Macs and permissions are supported?
The download is for Apple Silicon. English dictation requires macOS 14+, a speech-model download and microphone access. Selected-text capture and insertion require Accessibility in supported apps.
Apple Intelligence is optional and requires macOS 26+, compatible hardware and its model enabled and downloaded. You can use a supported cloud provider, Ollama or a compatible endpoint instead.
Dictation requirements · AI models and privacy
Can I use Apple Intelligence without an API key?
Yes, on a compatible Mac running macOS 26 or later, with Apple
Intelligence enabled and its model downloaded. Setup checks
availability before letting you select it. Generation stays
on-device, with no per-request API charge. This route supports
text context; image attachments require another provider.
Where does my API key go?
By default, a key entered during setup stays in memory for that
app session. Choose Remember securely in macOS Keychain to save it
explicitly. Your cloud provider receives the prompts and context
you submit and bills API usage separately. A subscription to its
consumer chat app generally does not include API credit.
What happens when I first open Padhow?
A guided welcome flow helps you choose and test a global shortcut,
grant macOS access, and select Apple Intelligence or your own AI
provider. Optional permissions and AI can be skipped. You can
reopen the flow from Settings → General at any time.
Explore the setup steps.
Can I download it today?
Yes.
Download the latest signed and notarized DMG for Apple Silicon
Macs. Open it to install Padhow. Future releases are available
through in-app updates. Paid checkout is still being prepared;
this page does not collect payments yet.
