The Google Docs audio voice typing feature uses speech-to-text technology to improve accessibility and productivity. Learn more about this feature!

Google Docs audio voice typing

Google Docs (also called Google Documents) is the most popular text processor today, and you can use the Google Docs voice typing feature to make it even more accessible. This feature allows you to transcribe audio using speech recognition software integrated in the app and, essentially, create subtitles. 

This can be more than beneficial for those that want to avoid typing. Google Docs audio voice typing opens a whole new world of possibilities, and it allows you to save time during the process. More importantly, it is a great tool for those that struggle with typing or dyslexia.

Almost everyone has a Google account today, and many people use Google apps like Google Docs or Google Slides. Using Google Docs audio voice typing only simplifies using this feature since you won’t need to create additional accounts or learn how to use different text processors.

Type with your voice in Google Docs

Having the ability to use your voice instead of typing is something that many people prefer. After all, not everyone is able to type messages or text as fast, and this will save so much time in the process.

There are so many benefits to using speech-to-text (STT) tools in your everyday life. For some, it is a way to save time, while for others, voice commands are a way to overcome a disability. These tools do an incredible job of improving accessibility of numerous devices and apps. 

One of the main advantages of STT tools is that they are easy to use. In the majority of cases, all you need to do is press a single button, and the app will start “listening” to your command. 

This makes writing with your voice accessible even to people who are not computer experts. Having a tool that can make communication a bit simpler is one of many ways people use speech-to-text. 

One use case example for speech-to-text is driving. You might be in a car and need to respond to a message. Instead of putting yourself and others at risk by replying to the message, you can use STT to send it in just a couple of seconds.

Speech-to-text can also help improve flexibility, since you will be able to work from outside of your office. Regardless of the type of document you need to write, you can take a walk, dictate it, and only proofread it once it's done. 

For PC owners, you will need an external microphone to use the voice to text feature since it would be impossible for the PC to recognize your voice without it. However, modern smartphones already include a built-in microphone to sue.

When it comes to Google Docs, you can use STT tools to write entire documents!

Uses for speech-to-text in Google Docs

Besides being used to save time, speech-to-text software can offer so much more. In fact, it was designed with a couple of ideas in mind. Most of these apps are designed to assist people with dyslexia, and they do quite a good job with it.

Many people know that dyslexia means that a person has difficulties reading, but it can also affect their writing. Speech-to-text tools can eliminate this problem. Additionally, using these tools allow people to respond to messages hands-free.

Whether you are driving, cooking, or doing anything around the house, it’s incredible that people can dictate their messages or even entire texts, and the device will recognize the text. 

Finally, people who are blind or have any type of visual impairment will struggle with typing, which STT software can help solve. Today, smartphones rarely have any buttons, and typing a message can be challenging.

There are a few different programs and accessibility tools to make it possible, but using STT is so much simpler. It is one of the best accessibility features you can find on modern devices, and it is a game-changer. 

With virtual assistants, speech recognition will also play an important role, and being able to “talk” to your device is more than useful for numerous users across the globe. Whether you need to write a paper, a resume, or take notes—speech-to-text in Google Docs can help!

How to use voice typing in Google Docs

The first thing you should know is that Google Docs has an integrated speech-to-text tool in Google Docs. It is available on Google Chrome, and you can use it on any device as long as you use this web browser. You can open a new document and start a new paragraph. 

Obviously, the first thing you will need to do is turn on your microphone. If needed, you will need to adjust permissions and ensure that the device has access to your mic. The settings for the microphone will vary based on whether you are using Mac or PC. 

To start voice typing, you can click on Tools on top of the screen once the new Google Doc is open. Within the dropdown menu, you will notice the Voice Typing, and with it, you’ll be able to record your voice. You can also start it using the CTRL+SHIFT+S keyboard shortcut. This will add an on-screen microphone box, and when you are ready to use it, just click on the microphone icon.

Using the voice dictation is quite easy. You don’t need to speak too loud since the microphone will be able to pick up your voice without any problems. Try to speak as clearly as possible. Stressing the words will allow you to add a question mark, for example.

If it happens that the app made a mistake while typing, you can always use your cursor to mark the word and fix the error without stopping the microphone. The app allows you to speak commands like “italics” or “select paragraph” for further customization.

What about TTS?

Now that you understand how speech-to-text apps work, it is time to talk about the flip side of the coin—text-to-speech. Text-to-speech (or TTS) tools do the reverse by making a synthesized speech that is able to read text out loud. 

The majority of devices today offer the text-to-speech feature in some shape or form. You can find TTS apps on Android, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows, and they are one of many ways to increase accessibility of your device.

You can use speech-to-text and text-to-speech together by using your voice to type the text or transcription with STT—and after that you can listen to what you wrote said out loud with TTS. You can choose to either use an existing app on your device or to download a new one. 

There are plenty of different options when it comes to TTS apps. Each offers something different, and your primary goal should be finding one with natural-sounding voices. 

If you are interested in getting one of the best text-to-speech apps on the market, the answer is Speechify. The app works with all types of devices, and you can convert any type of text file format into an audio file in just a few clicks.

The main advantage of Speechify is that it offers high-quality voices, and it is available across multiple platforms. 

Using both text-to-speech and speech-to-text

Using Speechify in combination with Google Docs will get accessibility to a whole new level. You can use the Voice Typing feature to dictate the entire document instead of writing it on your own. And after that, Speechify can do a great job of letting you proofread it. 

This is the simplest way to go through the document and hear how it sounds. It will give you a clearer perspective, and you’ll be able to improve it if there is enough space for improvements. 

Keep in mind that you can use these apps independently, and turn any type of text into an speech. It is easy to use through Chrome extension, and you won’t need any tutorials—although many are available if you would like some extra guidance.

Since these tools work through the Chrome browser, you can use them not only on Google Docs or Google Slides (Google Workspace), but on any other website as well. Speechify is available for free, or you can choose different pricing based on subscribers' preferences. 

You can also save the audio recording on Google Drive, listen to it wherever you go, or just use these features to simplify the process of writing and editing.