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Jatin K MalikandGitHub f48bdda525 docs: improve project documentation for a clearer public surface (#634) 
* docs: polish project documentation for a clearer public surface

Rewrite the README and supporting docs for a more professional first
impression: less emoji and badge noise, install-first structure, and a
real documentation index. Add a Contributor Covenant, tighten SECURITY
and GitHub templates, and make distro/update guides read as product docs
instead of internal status notes.

* docs: split install guide and add changelog plus support pages

Break INSTALL.md into a short primary guide, manual/PyPI package lists,
and troubleshooting. Add root CHANGELOG.md and SUPPORT.md, wire them
into the docs index and README, and drop the outdated screenshot lag note
now that v0.15 assets are on main.

* docs: humanize PR copy and remove em dashes

Strip em/en dashes from the documentation rewritten in this PR, fix
mid-sentence colon fallout from that pass, and smooth a few stiff
phrases so the public docs read more natural.

* docs: list Faster Whisper after rebase onto main

Installer and CLI already accept faster_whisper. Document it next to
the other engines, drop the outdated screenshot lag note, and keep the
on-device wording honest for local vs remote.
2026-09-07 22:51:14 -07:00

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<div align="center">
<img src="https://vocalinux.com/brand/vocalinux-mark-circle.svg" width="50" height="50" alt="Vocalinux">
# Vocalinux
**Voice dictation for Linux**
[![Ubuntu](https://img.shields.io/badge/Ubuntu-24.04+-E95420?logo=ubuntu&logoColor=white)](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md)
[![Debian](https://img.shields.io/badge/Debian-12+-A81D33?logo=debian&logoColor=white)](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md)
[![Fedora](https://img.shields.io/badge/Fedora-42+-51A2DA?logo=fedora&logoColor=white)](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md)
[![Arch](https://img.shields.io/badge/Arch-rolling-1793D1?logo=archlinux&logoColor=white)](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md)
[![openSUSE](https://img.shields.io/badge/openSUSE-Tumbleweed-73BA25?logo=opensuse&logoColor=white)](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md)
[![Privacy: on-device](https://img.shields.io/badge/privacy-on--device-success)](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux#privacy-and-security)
[![X11 & Wayland](https://img.shields.io/badge/display-X11%20%7C%20Wayland-lightgrey)](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux#features)
[![License: AGPL-3.0](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-AGPL--3.0-blue.svg)](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0)
[![Python 3.11+](https://img.shields.io/badge/python-3.11+-blue.svg)](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
[![PRs Welcome](https://img.shields.io/badge/PRs-welcome-brightgreen.svg)](CONTRIBUTING.md)
[![Discord](https://img.shields.io/discord/1538633755877580810?logo=discord&logoColor=white&label=Discord)](https://discord.gg/t6muquAJbm)
[![VocaHQ](https://img.shields.io/badge/VocaHQ-vocahq.com-1a7f4e)](https://vocahq.com)
[![Follow on X](https://img.shields.io/badge/Follow%20%40vocahq-000000?style=flat&logo=x&logoColor=white)](https://x.com/vocahq)
[![GitHub release](https://img.shields.io/github/v/release/VocaHQ/vocalinux)](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/releases)
[![PyPI](https://img.shields.io/pypi/v/vocalinux)](https://pypi.org/project/vocalinux/)
[![AUR](https://img.shields.io/aur/version/vocalinux)](https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/vocalinux)
[Website](https://vocalinux.com) · [Install](#install) · [Docs](#documentation) · [Releases](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/releases)
</div>
Vocalinux turns speech into typed text in whatever app has focus. It is a free, AGPL-3.0-licensed desktop app for X11 and Wayland. After you download a model, local engines (whisper.cpp by default, plus OpenAI Whisper, Faster Whisper, VOSK, and Parakeet) run speech-to-text on your machine. An optional remote HTTP API is off unless you configure it.
No Voca account is required. Models download once. After that, speech-to-text stays on your machine.
**Current release:** [v0.16.2](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/releases/tag/v0.16.2). Stability patch on the 0.16 series (KDE leftover IBus, Wayland/IBus shortcuts, BackSpace for "delete that", installer glslc, release integrity pins). Series highlights include the in-app update checker, Right Alt push-to-talk for new installs, searchable languages, unused-model cleanup, and the family tone picker. Details: [docs/UPDATE.md](docs/UPDATE.md).
## Features
- **On-device after model download**: Local engines; speech-to-text stays on your machine
- **X11 and Wayland**: Text injection via xdotool, IBus, wtype, ydotool, or clipboard fallback
- **Several engines**: whisper.cpp (default), OpenAI Whisper, Faster Whisper, VOSK, Parakeet, plus optional remote HTTP API
- **GPU acceleration**: Vulkan for AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA with whisper.cpp
- **Toggle or push-to-talk**: New installs default to hold Right Alt; existing configs keep their shortcut
- **System tray + settings**: Searchable sidebar, Speech Model simple setup with Advanced as an island, status icons, audio feedback
- **Start on login**: XDG autostart (desktop session, not a systemd service)
- **Packaging**: install script, AppImage, AUR, PyPI, Snap (`--edge`), Flatpak (release bundles and local build; not on Flathub)
## Screenshots
Vocalinux in action. Full gallery on the [website screenshots page](https://vocalinux.com/screenshots/).
### Product
<table>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="50%">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/00-transcription.png" alt="Transcription in Action" width="350"><br>
<em>Real-time voice-to-text transcription</em>
</td>
<td align="center" width="50%">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/02-system-tray.png" alt="System Tray" width="350"><br>
<em>System tray with listening indicator</em>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/05-about-view.png" alt="About View" width="350"><br>
<em>About &amp; Updates in Settings</em>
</td>
<td align="center">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/03-log-viewer.png" alt="Log Viewer" width="350"><br>
<em>Log viewer for debugging</em>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
### Settings
<table>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="33%">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/settings-speech-engine.png" alt="Speech Engine settings" width="260"><br>
<em>Speech Engine</em>
</td>
<td align="center" width="33%">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/settings-recognition.png" alt="Recognition settings" width="260"><br>
<em>Recognition</em>
</td>
<td align="center" width="33%">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/settings-audio.png" alt="Audio settings" width="260"><br>
<em>Audio</em>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/settings-performance.png" alt="Performance settings" width="260"><br>
<em>Performance</em>
</td>
<td align="center">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/settings-general.png" alt="General settings" width="260"><br>
<em>General</em>
</td>
<td align="center">
<img src="web/public/screenshots/settings-advanced.png" alt="Advanced tuning and settings" width="260"><br>
<em>Advanced</em>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
## Install
### Recommended (interactive installer)
```bash
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/main/install.sh -o /tmp/vl.sh
bash /tmp/vl.sh
```
Prefer to review the script first: open `/tmp/vl.sh` before running it, or clone the repo and run `./install.sh` locally.
The installer detects hardware, recommends an engine, downloads a default model (~74MB for whisper.cpp tiny), installs neural VAD when ONNX Runtime is available, and sets up desktop integration. Typical install time with whisper.cpp is about 1-2 minutes.
| Engine | When to use |
|--------|-------------|
| **whisper.cpp** (default) | Best default; Vulkan GPU on AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA |
| **Whisper** (OpenAI) | PyTorch path; NVIDIA/CUDA |
| **Faster Whisper** | CPU-friendly Whisper via CTranslate2 / INT8 |
| **VOSK** | Low RAM / minimal footprint |
| **Parakeet** | CPU; NVIDIA NeMo ASR via sherpa-onnx; 25 European languages |
| **Remote API** | Offload to a server you configure |
Non-interactive options:
```bash
bash /tmp/vl.sh --auto # whisper.cpp defaults
bash /tmp/vl.sh --auto --engine=whisper # OpenAI Whisper
bash /tmp/vl.sh --auto --engine=faster_whisper # Faster Whisper (CPU)
bash /tmp/vl.sh --auto --engine=vosk # VOSK only
bash /tmp/vl.sh --auto --engine=parakeet # Parakeet (CPU)
```
For a specific release tag, see [GitHub Releases](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/releases) or `./install.sh --tag=v0.16.2`.
### Arch Linux (AUR)
```bash
yay -S vocalinux
```
See [docs/AUR.md](docs/AUR.md).
### AppImage
Download the `x86_64` or `aarch64` AppImage from [Releases](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/releases), mark it executable, and run it. Built against glibc 2.35 (Debian 12+, Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 36+, Arch, Tumbleweed). Host text-injection tools (`xdotool` on X11; `wtype` / `ydotool` / clipboard tools on Wayland) are still required. Current AppImages rebuild whisper.cpp with Vulkan and use the host GPU driver. Prefer the installer when you want system deps, a CUDA build, and models set up automatically.
### Flatpak (any distro)
GitHub Releases attach `Vocalinux-<version>-x86_64.flatpak` and `Vocalinux-<version>-aarch64.flatpak`. After the Flathub GNOME runtime is present:
```bash
flatpak install --user ./Vocalinux-<version>-x86_64.flatpak
```
Bundles do not auto-update. Local build:
```bash
flatpak install flathub org.gnome.Platform//50 org.gnome.Sdk//50
flatpak-builder --user --install --force-clean build-dir \
packaging/flatpak/com.vocalinux.Vocalinux.yml
flatpak run com.vocalinux.Vocalinux
```
Ships whisper.cpp with Vulkan. It is **not on Flathub** (submission [flathub#9368](https://github.com/flathub/flathub/pull/9368) closed 2026-07-23 on policy grounds). Details: [packaging/flatpak/README.md](packaging/flatpak/README.md).
### Snap (Ubuntu Snap Store)
Listing: [snapcraft.io/vocalinux](https://snapcraft.io/vocalinux). `stable` is still a manual promote after QA.
```bash
sudo snap install vocalinux --edge
sudo snap connect vocalinux:audio-record # if mic is not auto-connected
sudo snap connect vocalinux:raw-input # global keyboard shortcuts (evdev)
```
### From source
```bash
git clone https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux.git
cd vocalinux
./install.sh
# or pick the engine up front
./install.sh --engine=whisper_cpp
./install.sh --engine=vosk
./install.sh --engine=parakeet --auto
```
### After installation
```bash
vocalinux # if ~/.local/bin is on PATH
# or
~/.local/share/vocalinux/venv/bin/vocalinux
```
You can also launch Vocalinux from your application menu.
### Nightly builds
Daily builds from `main` appear on [Releases](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/releases). Use the latest stable or beta release for production; nightlies are untested.
## Requirements
| | |
|--|--|
| **OS** | Linux (Ubuntu 24.04+, Debian 12+, Fedora 42+, Arch, openSUSE Tumbleweed) |
| **Python** | 3.11 or newer |
| **Display** | X11 or Wayland |
| **Hardware** | Microphone; GPU optional (Vulkan) |
The distro must ship Python 3.11+ because Vocalinux uses distro PyGObject (`python3-gi`). Ubuntu 22.04 (Python 3.10) and Debian 11 (3.9) are below that floor. Distribution notes: [docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md).
## Usage
### Dictation
1. **Push-to-talk (default on new installs):** hold Right Alt (Option on Mac-layout keyboards) and speak
2. Speak into the microphone
3. **Release** to stop, or switch to **Toggle mode** in Settings (double-tap a key to start/stop)
Existing configs keep their saved shortcut.
### Voice commands
English phrases always work. With a non-English recognition language, matching
punctuation / line-break phrases in that language are also recognized
(Italian *virgola* / *punto*, French *virgule* / *point*, etc.).
| Command | Action |
|---------|--------|
| "new line" | Line break |
| "period" / "full stop" / "dot" | `.` |
| "comma" | `,` |
| "question mark" | `?` |
| "exclamation mark" | `!` |
| "delete that" | Delete last sentence |
| "capitalize" | Capitalize next word |
### CLI
```bash
vocalinux --help
vocalinux --version
vocalinux --debug
vocalinux --engine whisper_cpp # default
vocalinux --engine whisper
vocalinux --engine faster_whisper
vocalinux --engine vosk
vocalinux --engine parakeet
vocalinux --engine remote_api
vocalinux --model medium
vocalinux --model medium.en-q5_0 # exact whisper.cpp variant
vocalinux --model large-v3-turbo
vocalinux --wayland
vocalinux --start-minimized
```
### Autostart
**Start on Login** creates an XDG autostart desktop entry (`~/.config/autostart/`). It does not install a systemd unit. Enable from the first-run dialog, tray menu, or Settings.
### Configuration
Stored at `~/.config/vocalinux/config.json`. Prefer the Settings dialog for day-to-day changes. **Settings → Speech Model** starts with a simple setup; expand **Advanced** for engine, size, and specialization.
Neural VAD (Silero) is used when `onnxruntime` is available; install via `pip install "vocalinux[vad]"` for manual/PyPI installs. The installer attempts this automatically.
## Documentation
| Document | Description |
|----------|-------------|
| [Installation](docs/INSTALL.md) | Installer, AppImage, AUR, Flatpak, Snap, running |
| [Manual / PyPI install](docs/INSTALL_MANUAL.md) | Package lists and pip workflows |
| [Troubleshooting](docs/TROUBLESHOOTING.md) | Common failures |
| [User guide](docs/USER_GUIDE.md) | Dictation, engines, models, tips |
| [Update guide](docs/UPDATE.md) | Upgrade steps and release notes |
| [Changelog](CHANGELOG.md) | Release history pointers |
| [Support](SUPPORT.md) | Where to get help |
| [Distribution compatibility](docs/DISTRO_COMPATIBILITY.md) | Distro matrix and session notes |
| [Remote HTTP API](docs/HTTP_REMOTE.md) | Offload transcription to a server |
| [Contributing](CONTRIBUTING.md) | Dev setup, style, PR process |
| [Security](SECURITY.md) | Supported versions and vulnerability reporting |
| [Docs index](docs/README.md) | Full documentation map |
## Privacy and security
- Local engines process audio on-device after you download a model; no Voca account required
- Optional remote API is off by default and only used when you configure a server
- Model downloads are checked against pinned checksums
Report vulnerabilities privately per [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md).
## Development
```bash
git clone https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux.git
cd vocalinux
./install.sh --dev
source venv/bin/activate
pytest
python -m vocalinux.main --debug
```
See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for the two-venv layout, `just` recipes, and PR guidelines.
## Roadmap
Shipped: graphical settings, multi-language support, whisper.cpp default, Vulkan GPU, Wayland/IBus, Flatpak packaging, AppImage, in-app update checker, Parakeet and Faster Whisper engines, Snap recipe.
Planned:
- [ ] Application-specific voice commands
- [ ] Debian/Ubuntu package (`.deb`)
- [ ] User-customizable voice command map
- [ ] Flathub publication (not currently listed; see #167)
## Voca ecosystem
Vocalinux is part of [VocaHQ](https://vocahq.com). On-device speech-to-text first, one app per platform. Optional [VocaGateway](https://vocagateway.vocahq.com) is self-hosted and not on-device.
| Platform | Project | Website | GitHub | Status |
|----------|---------|---------|--------|--------|
| Linux | **VocaLinux** | [vocalinux.com](https://vocalinux.com) | [VocaHQ/vocalinux](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux) | Available now (`v0.16.2`) |
| macOS | **VocaMac** | [vocamac.com](https://vocamac.com) | [VocaHQ/vocamac](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocamac) | Beta (`v0.9.0`) |
| Windows | **VocaWin** | [vocawin.com](https://vocawin.com) | [VocaHQ/vocawin](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocawin) | Unsigned beta (`v0.1.0-beta.1`) |
| Phone | **VocaPhone** | [vocaphone.vocahq.com](https://vocaphone.vocahq.com) | [VocaHQ/vocaphone](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocaphone) | Android beta / iOS [TestFlight](https://testflight.apple.com/join/wd85wQ3W) |
| Gateway | **VocaGateway** | [vocagateway.vocahq.com](https://vocagateway.vocahq.com) | [VocaHQ/vocagateway](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocagateway) | Beta · optional · not on-device |
VocaWin is unsigned. SmartScreen may warn about an unknown publisher. It is not a Microsoft Store ship.
Talk to us: [Discord](https://discord.gg/t6muquAJbm) · [X @vocahq](https://x.com/vocahq) · [hello@vocahq.com](mailto:hello@vocahq.com)
## Contributing
Bug reports, docs, and code are welcome. Start with [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) and [good first issues](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3A%22good+first+issue%22).
- [Report a bug](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/issues/new?template=bug_report.md)
- [Request a feature](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/issues/new?template=feature_request.md)
- [Discussions](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/discussions)
### Contributors
Thanks to everyone who has contributed code, docs, or fixes:
<a href="https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/graphs/contributors">
<img src="https://contrib.rocks/image?repo=VocaHQ/vocalinux" alt="Vocalinux contributors" />
</a>
## Repository mirrors
GitHub is the primary forge for issues, PRs, CI, and releases.
| Role | URL |
|------|-----|
| Primary | https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux |
| Read-only mirror (Codeberg) | https://codeberg.org/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux |
Open issues and pull requests on GitHub only.
## License
This project is licensed under the **GNU Affero General Public License v3.0**
([AGPL-3.0](LICENSE)), aligning with the other [VocaHQ](https://github.com/VocaHQ)
distribution projects.
You may use, study, modify, and redistribute the software under AGPL-3.0. If you
run a modified version as a network service, AGPL also requires that you make the
corresponding source available.
## Star Chart
[![Star History Chart](https://api.star-history.com/chart?repos=VocaHQ/vocalinux&type=date&legend=top-left&sealed_token=ZWyQQLhSORoR4mKf6UXMGFSCBXRxM_yEZgc8MFCH_ysBjaFUm_OCH-bI3TD7OivczEzm-ADRIpF9xCWFOMHvBPW95eQBxzfRMpNksChz7rN_eiqL7AIMDw)](https://www.star-history.com/?type=date&repos=VocaHQ%2Fvocalinux)
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