1. Best Dictation Software For Mac 2019 Free
2. Best Dictation Software For Mac 2019

Handwriting Recognition Software – Convert Your Handwritten Documents into Digital Text Documents

Having a lot of handwritten documents in your business can be really confusing if you want to digitize your business. Typing all the documents manually can take a lot of time to complete. Thus, handwriting recognition software is necessary for you to automate all the process. This software helps you to convert your handwritten documents into digitized text documents, which make them more readable and easier to store.

MacSpeech Dictate Medical also works great with Apple's applications as well, including iChat, Mail, iPhoto, and Keynote, among others. Plus, MacSpeech Dictate Medical is optimized for performance. Here’s how to set up and use the dictation feature on a Mac computer. Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories. Voice-to-text is a helpful feature for those who are often out and about. Their product Dragon Anywhere is, in my opinion, the best dictation solution on the iPhone and iPad. For years I gladly paid $14.99 a month to have that service because it was so useful on the iPad. Specifically, I had a workflow where I would look at a PDF and then dictate comments about it at the same time using the Dragon Anywhere software.

This is useful if you want to convert all of your paper documents into digital documents. Not only paper documents, this software can also be used to recognize handwriting input from various sources, including touchscreen devices and photographs.

TopOCR

TopOCR is an OCR software developed for document cameras, which is a new way to scan documents with the best accuracy. Thus, this software can be used to scan books and magazines and convert them into digital documents easily. It can output to PDF text and PDF image files, making it easier for you to keep and organize the digital documents in your drive.

FreeOCR

FreeOCR offers a handwriting recognition technology that allows you to scan handwritten documents and convert it into text format, which you can then export as a Microsoft Word document. The software can also scan your handwritten documents and convert it into a JPG image file or PDF. The software is only available for Microsoft Windows.

Neuroph OCR

Neuroph OCR is an open source handwriting recognition tool that is developed to recognize various handwritten letters and characters. The software is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it can be used as a standalone software or as a plug in. It is a simple software the gets the job done to recognize the handwritten letters and convert it into digital document formats.

PenOffice

PenOffice provides an accurate handwriting recognition software with the extensive set of pen-based collaboration tools. It features new user interface, multi-monitor systems, multi-language support, new handwriting recognition engine, built-in dictionary, inline gestures, and customizable on-screen keyboard. This software can be integrated with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice software.

WritePad Pro

WritePad Pro is a word processing app with handwriting recognition engine embedded in it, allowing you to recognize your handwriting as you type on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices. The app can save your file in HTML format, in which you can view in any web browser. It features handwriting recognition, document import formats, text formatting, multimedia, document sharing, translator, and a file manager.

AceCad DigiMemo

DigiMemo is a software that allows you to take and organize digital memo. It is embedded with memory and handwriting recognition. It features the user interface that is available in various languages, send to OneNote function, and online writing function. The handwriting recognition software provided by DigiMemo can help you to recognize handwriting, diagrams, tables, and shapes, and convert them into Microsoft Word format.

Other Handwriting Recognition Software for Different Platforms

Some handwriting recognition software is available only for the Microsoft Windows platform, but some others are available for other platforms as well. Aside from that, there are some mobile apps that allow you to convert your handwriting into digital texts, and save the file as a Word document.

Windows Journal

Windows Journal is a built-in application that is available on Windows, which you can use to convert your handwritten letters into text documents. You can find this small utility by searching with the keyword “Journal” in your Windows search box. It offers the text correction feature, allowing you to keep the accuracy of your converted text.

inkBook for Mac

inkBook for Mac facilitates the old way of taking notes, allowing you to write your note as if you are writing it on a paper. Using a digital pen and tablet, you can easily create notes with your handwriting, and with the help of this software, convert it into text files accurately. It features multi-notebook style interface, customizable tabs, gestural input, handwriting recognition, and freeform layout.

Google Handwriting Input

This simple app allows you to convert your handwriting into digital texts, with support for emoji. Aside from typing your handwriting directly on your Android phone or tablet, you can also covert printed and cursive writing into digital texts as well. It features touchscreen typing, voice input, emoji drawing, and support for all types of handwriting.

Ink2Text Handwriting Recognition System

This is a simple open-source software that allows you to convert your printed and cursive writing into text documents. This software is available only for Linux system. It can also recognize the gesture input that you give via your keyboard, handwriting input panel, or tablet computers. It should be used in collaboration with S/HIP (Stylus/Handwriting Input Panel) project.

ABBYY FineReader – Best Handwriting Recognition Software of 2016

This software allows you to convert paper documents, PDF, and digital photos into editable text documents. The software’s main feature is that it provides the output text documents with a high level of accuracy, which helps you to reduce the amount of time needed for you to edit and format the output documents. The text recognition engine embedded in this software can recognize up to 190 different languages. This handwriting recognition software is available for Windows and Mac.

What is Handwriting Recognition Software?

Handwriting recognition software, often called OCR software, is the type of software that allows you to convert your handwritten documents into digital documents. Not only that, the software can also convert the handwriting done on a touchscreen interface, using digital pen and stylus. You can convert your handwritten documents or texts into various formats, such as Microsoft Word, PDF, and JPG formats. Some handwriting recognition software can also recognize drawing, shapes, tables, and diagrams and convert them into digital formats as well. Whereas you can usually use this software with a stylus, digital pen, or any touchscreen device, you can also use your scanner and camera to scan your paper documents and convert them into digital documents with the help of this software.

How to Install Handwriting Recognition Software?

Some handwriting recognition software is only available for specific platforms. So, you should make sure that your platform is compatible with the software before you start installing it. To install the software, you need to download the installation file to your device and run the installation process by clicking the downloaded file. To use the software, you need to have the associated accessories, such as touchscreen panel, digital pen, and stylus. Some handwriting recognition software is also available for mobile devices.

Converting paper documents into digital documents can take a lot of time to do if you do it manually. OCR or handwriting recognition software can help you to convert multiple paper documents into digital documents at the same time. This will save your time in the process. As the handwriting recognition technology is advancing day by day, the accuracy of the handwriting recognition software is increasing. Nowadays, you can accurately convert printed and cursive handwriting into digital text files without much editing needed. All the formatting is done by the software so that you don’t need to spend your time fixing errors due to bad accuracy in the handwriting recognition system.

12 Best dictation software to optimize voice-to-text tasks

Dictation software or voice-to-text software has come a long way and advanced in leaps and bounds. It is speech recognition software that allows you to speak, rather than type a wide variety of documents, e.g. articles, emails, commands or notes. The spoken word is then turned into text. It can make an important contribution towards increased productivity simply because people speak much faster than they can type.

Students, editors, professional writers, business executives and, in fact, anyone using a computer regularly can use such voice recognition software to save time. In this article, we review 12 of the best dictation software 2021 you can use to create content, articles, emails and much more through speaking rather than typing.

Best Dictation Software 2021 – Top 4

Last review update: 01/2021

1. Nuance Dragon Home v15

Formerly known as Dragon Naturally Speaking, Dragon Home (visit website) is an award winning speech recognition solution, consistently labeled the best dictation software in the voice-to-text field of the industry.

Nuance Deep Learning Technology – By employing the latest Deep Learning technology, Dragon Home effortlessly adapts to changes in your voice and in the background environment, even if those changes occur while you are actually dictating. So, if you have a bad cold, for example, you can still dictate efficiently.

High Accuracy – Much less time is wasted on editing thanks to an industry-leading 99% accuracy rate. The intuitive user-friendly interface makes editing a breeze, saving you even more time. Formatting your text professionally is just as easy and quick.

Playback feature – You can select blocks of text and listen to it while you proofread or edit a document. Listening to your own text is often an excellent way in which to pick up inconsistencies, errors and poorly flowing text. Fine-tuning your text and correcting errors is thus achieved with the absolute minimum of fuss.

Versatile case uses – Wherever text input is required, Dragon Home will generate that text as you speak. Apart from lengthy documents, use Dragon Home to surf the web, to interact on social media, to compose emails, to manage your calendar and to full in electronic forms. It works well with touch screens too.

Nuance, the makers of Dragon Home, claims that you will not need any training before you can use their dictation software productively. It is a simple matter of “launch and dictate”! Extensive Help files are nevertheless available online.

Verdict – Dragon Home is certainly pricey, but definitely worth it for serious computer users. It is easy to use and you will be up and running in no time at all. If you spend a lot of time generating documents you will quickly wonder how you ever managed without Dragon Home. One of the best dictation software for home use.

Systems: Windows, Explorer, Firefox, Chrome
Price: $150. Visit Website.
Rating: ★★★★★

2. Nuance Dragon Professional Individual

Also based on Dragon Naturally Speaking, Dragon Professional Individual (visit website) offers all the features and benefits of Dragon Home. However, it goes quite a few important steps further along the road of efficient dictation software.

Transcription feature – With this version, you can use any digital device to dictate and record your documents. These audio files can then be transcribed automatically into text whenever it is convenient for you.

Synchronize devices – You can easily start on a document by using one device and then complete the document at another time using a completely different device. This allows for a high level of efficiency. You need to register for Dragon Anywhere, however.

Powerful customizations – You can create customized commands to perform certain tasks such as filling in your personal details. You can also format your documents with spoken commands and you can import custom word lists and acronyms. You can even create and fill in forms.

This is one of the best dictation software for environments with multiple users that need the flexibility of being able to work anywhere and at any time, using different devices.

Systems: Windows and Windows Server, iOS or Android
Price: from $300. Visit Website
Rating: ★★★★★

3. Winscribe Speech Recognition Suite

The Winscribe Speech Recognition Suite is a part of their overall digital work-flow management system. It is highly rated by respected reviewers and it enjoys a solid share of the growing voice-to-text software market. Here is what you need to know:

Client and server-side options – It is your choice: using the client-side server means that your voice is converted into text as you speak. The server-side server, on the other hand, records your dictation, converts it into a sound file and sends it to a server. The server will compare the voice file with a profile and converts the sound to text.

User cases – The voice-to-text software can be used in any application that requires the typing of text. Of particular interest is the fact that you can place the text cursor anywhere inside an existing document and then dictate additional text. In addition, it also supports bar-code and QR scanning. You can even attach photos and maps to your dictated document.

Extensive reporting – The reporting features allow you to measure your productivity and analyze the way in which you use the dictation software.

The versatility of Winscribe is appealing to those who want to choose whether they want their documents to be created as they dictate them or to have them transcribed at a later stage.

Systems: Android, Blackberry, Windows, iOS
Price: n.a.
Rating: ★★★★★
Website: Winscribe

4. Braina Dictation Software

The makers of Braina (Brain Artificial) see their voice-to-text software as a smart personal assistant. ‘Operations and Technology’ has described it as the dictation software with the best digital assistant capabilities.

Multiple languages – Braina supports more than 100 different languages. It can even convert text from one language to another.

User cases – The speech-to-text software can be used in any application that supports the input of text. In addition, it can be used to issue voice commands in multiple languages. It can be used for text-to-voice playback, to perform complex mathematical calculations and to issue commands customized by yourself.

Artificial brain – Braina constantly learns and adapts to your accent and environmental noises. When you edit text, it learns from the changes that you made.

Braina appeals to many users because it is so very good at learning from the user. This goes a long way in improving the accuracy of the end result.

Systems: Windows, Android, iOS.
Price: Free Lite version. From $49 for Premium.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Website: brainasoft.com

5. Tazti Voice Recognition

Branding itself as a fun application, Tazti would not be suitable for use by authors of lengthy documents. Instead, it focuses on voice commands to automate tasks and to control your applications.

Create custom commands – You can create up to 300 different custom commands that can be used to control various applications.

User cases – Tazti is popular with gamers because it can be used to play many different popular games. Its other voice command capabilities are limited however and are mostly used to open and close specific applications and files.

User friendly – Getting going with Tazti takes no time at all. The user interface is intuitive and it is even possible to mute the dictation software when you do not want it to hear you, such as when answering a telephone call.

Tazti is popular among users that use their computers for fun and games. It would not really appeal to authors of more complicated documents or those that require advanced formatting features.

Systems: Windows
Price: $80
Rating: ★★★★☆
Website: tazti.com

6. iFlyTek – iFlyDictation

iFlyTek is a China based company and has been active in the field of intelligent speech and language technologies for about two decades. Their AI based voice recognition client iFlyDictation is amongst the best dictation software to date achieving one of the highest accuracy rates.

Good accuracy – With a recognition rate of up to 95%, the client has been popular amongst businesses and entrepreneurs who wish to create, manage or send messages, eMail or short blog posts via voice input.

Languages – The tool is available on iOS and Android and supports English, Mandarin and Cantonese but also handles handwriting and stroke inputs.

The iFlyDictation dictation software could be interesting to those who wish to use a free client with high accuracy and also have their work priorities and activities set in the languages mentioned above.

Mobile: Android, iOS.
Price: free
Rating: ★★★★★
Website: iflytek.com

7. Express Dictate

Operations and Technology has awarded Express Dictate the title as “easiest to use dictation software”. It offers a wide array of advanced features. It is important to note, however, that this is dictation software that does not offer speech-to-text capabilities. This means that your recordings still need to be transcribed at a later stage.

Multiple file formats – You can record in many different formats, including .wav, mp3 and dct.

Advanced editing features – Express Dictate allows you to perform editing in many different ways. You can insert speech at any stage, overwrite all or parts of an existing recording and add notes at the end of the recording. Playback ignores long pauses. This makes it easier when transcribing the audio file into text.

Manage recorded files – Once a recording is done, you can save it to your hard drive, but you can also send it to recipients via email, FTP or your computer network. If you send more than one file at a time for transcription, you can prioritize the files.

For those of you that do not do your own typing, this is the ideal dictation solution. It is popular with busy people that are continually on the move and that wish to be able to work when they have time available.

Systems: Windows
Price: from $99 Single user.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Website: nch.com.au

8. Google Docs Voice Typing

Several rating agencies have described Google Docs Voice Typing as the very best for online dictation. Even better: it is free. All you need is a Google account (free to create) and Chrome.

Easy to use – You can start using their browser-based dictation software effectively within a few minutes. In addition, Google offers extensive support and help files that are easy to understand.

User cases – Google Docs Voice Typing may not be the best solution for managing various desktop applications, interacting on social media or even web browsing. Instead, it is a professional solution for those of you that frequently create a variety of text documents. It only supports English, however.

Formatting features – A wide variety of voice commands allow you to format your documents. You can format as you dictate or when you are done.

If you are on a strict budget or if you do not want to issue voice commands to control your applications, then Google Docs Voice Typing will be ideal for you.

Systems: Online, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Windows, Mac
Price: free
Rating: ★★★★☆
Info: Google

9. Windows Speech Recognition

If you do not find Google Docs Voice Typing suitable for your needs, you may just like Windows Speech Recognition. It does not operate in the cloud. Instead, it is a locally processed platform and you do not need to be online in order to work.

User cases – The voice-to-text software can be used to control the desktop interface, to dictate text when completing electronic forms, to add text to email messages and to navigate websites. It is also useful to execute keyboard short-cuts, to control the mouse cursor and to create macros.

Intelligent adaptation – The more you use Windows Speech Recognition, the more effective it becomes. It learns and adapts from your input, your grammar, your voice samples and special optional training sessions.

Custom language models – A unique feature of this dictation software is its ability to support custom dialects, terminology and phonetics used by users in specialized fields such as medicine and engineering.

Windows Speech Recognition works well and it is a very good option if you do not wish to pay for voice-to-text software that you will only use occasionally.

Systems: Windows
Price: free
Rating: ★★★★☆
Info: Microsoft

10. Apple Dictation

Every Mac comes with built-in dictation software. It is easy to use and you can be up and running within a few minutes.

User cases – Apple Dictation can be used wherever text input is required. You can use it to create emails, type documents, to search the web and to fill in electronic forms. It is not suitable for controlling various desktop applications, such as opening files or playing music, for example.

Multiple languages – Many popular languages are supported and in most cases, even specific dialects of that language can be specified.

Enhanced mode – When you turn on the enhanced mode of the dictation software, you can use voice commands to insert special characters and to format your text as you dictate it.

Systems: Mac, iOS
Price: free, built-in
Rating: ★★★★★
Info: Mac or iOS

11. Dictation.io

Dictation.io uses Google Voice Recognition to convert your voice into text, but it only works in the Google Chrome environment. Your text is stored locally, not in the cloud. It works in Google Chrome in an Android environment too, but a desktop browser is recommended.

Features – Just because Dictation only works in Google Chrome does not mean that its uses are severely hampered. Create documents and emails, browse the internet, fill in forms and generate text wherever it is required. There is one important restriction, however. Unfortunately, you cannot have multiple tabs open in your browser and use the dictation software at the same time.

Multiple languages – An impressive 100+ languages are fully supported. A standard set of voice commands allows you to format and edit your text as you go. The voice commands cannot be customized, but the existing set is extensive and easy to use.

Dictation.io does not work well in noisy environments and it does not adapt to changes in your own voice. However, it is ready to be used within a few minutes and you can use voice commands to format your text as you go along.

Systems: Windows, Mac, Linux
Price: free
Rating: ★★★★☆
Website: Dictation.io

12. Dictation Pro

Dictation Pro is a basic dictation software client for Windows and offers hands-free typing for creating letters, emails, assignments and reports. The client is certainly not as sophisticated as some of the above-mentioned programs, however, it does the basic tasks fairly reliable.

Features – Dictation Pro will adapt to the speaker’s tone in order to improve the overall speech recognition process. Similar to other voice-to-text software, customizable commands for formatting text are crucial to handle the software with efficiency. To further speed things up, phrases, words and names can also be added to improve accuracy.

Best Dictation Software For Mac 2019 Free

Verdict – Due to its simplicity, the software is easy to understand and use. On the other side, the interface looks outdated, and, while still being reasonably priced, it might not be able to keep up with the pace of this vibrant industry in the future.

System: Windows
Price: $29.90
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Criteria to Choose the Best Dictation Software

• The best dictation software achieve accuracy rates of more than 95%.
• Be clear about your individual needs before looking at the various features.
• Do you like the interface? The usability and navigation? Ease of use is important.
• Availability of specific voice commands will ease the process of editing.
• Some products do not work well in noisy environments. Crucial to you?
• Some software are limited to certain devices and systems. Check compatibility.
• An expensive product will be overkill if you are an infrequent user.
• Consider trying out a free product before you invest in a professional product.
• Some products offer a free trial period. This may help you make a final decision.
• The best dictation software should offer always good technical support.

Benefits and Cons of Voice-to-Text Software

1. Save time creating written content. Humans can talk faster than they can type.
2. Reduce risk of RSI (repetitive strain injury) or posture issues.
3. Takes notes and compose articles while your hands can focus on other tasks.
4. It is an alternative to the input method to typing and many people like it.
5. Have ideas conveniently converted into text the moment you articulate them.

Good to know – Of course, there are some obstacles to overcome too. Apart from tricky user interfaces, accuracy issues, noisy backgrounds or listening to fellow human beings you may need to learn certain commands to further format the text converted. This may take time as those can be different to each dictation software.

Need to edit – Furthermore, having dictated all your thoughts does not mean you have a document ready to be published. You will still need to edit the text, shorten it or improve grammar and vocabulary. This may neutralize some of the time benefits, particularly if you struggle with the software’s voice commands.

Best Dictation Software 2021 – Review Verdict

Busy people, slow typists, editors and most computer users can all benefit from the best dictation software available. It is most certainly worth it to try a few options to see if it will not make a positive difference to your productivity. This best voice-to-text software has also found a growing market with people that have physical disabilities, arthritis and other conditions that make it difficult for them to use the keyboard.

Recommendation – For beginners, we recommend to try either Apple or Google dictation software as those ones come already built-in in your OS, iOS, Windows or Android device. If your work as a writer, publisher or depend on high accuracy levels you may consider the best dictation software such as Dragon or Braina.

Best Dictation Software For Mac 2019

What is voice-to-text software?

Dictation software is able to recognize speech and voice with the focus to convert the spoken word into written text. It offers an alternative input method for typing to produce written content in the form of notes, articles, documents, etc.

There are different types of voice recognition software available that respond to verbal commands. Personal assistants, for example, differ from dictation software in the way that they perform a task based on the given verbal command.

Recommendation – If you are already serious about voice-to-text, the best dictation software would be Dragon Home or Professional (visit website) or Braina. If you simply wanna try it out, we recommend using built-in voice to text software such as Apple, Windows or Google dictation.

What is the best dictation software 2021?

1. Dragon Home | ★★★★★
2. Dragon Professional Individual | ★★★★★
3. Winscribe Speech Recognition Suite | ★★★★★
4. Braina | ★★★★☆
5. Tazti | ★★★★☆
6. iFlyDictation | ★★★★★
7. Express Dictate | ★★★☆☆
8. Google Docs Voice Typing | ★★★★☆
9. Windows Speech Recognition | ★★★★☆
10. Apple Dictation | ★★★★★
11. Dictation.io | ★★★★☆

How to best use dictation software?

You can improve the performance of your voice dictation software by following a few common tips and best practices. The most important one is to have your microphone working properly and also close to your mouth with as little background noise as possible. Speak as clearly as you can. Adjust your voice and volume accordingly.

Learn basic voice commands such as ‘Period’ or ‘Exclamation Mark’ to handle punctuation while you speak and dictate text. Furthermore, try to speak in the same way as you would write as written language differs from the spoken word. This will reduce the amount of formatting afterward.

What is the best dictation software 2021 in your opinion? Please leave a comment to further improve this review.

External resources:Wikipedia