Gmail emails by voice
Say the email the way you would explain it to a colleague, and DanDin writes it tidy at the cursor, ready to send.
Yes, you can write your Gmail emails by voice on a computer. Open a new email or a reply, click in the body, then hold the start key and talk. DanDin drops the "um"s and repeats, adds commas and full stops, and if you count points out loud it writes them as a numbered list. If you want the email in English while you speak Arabic, turn on Translate to English before you start.
How to voice type in Gmail
On a Mac
- The first time, DanDin asks for the microphone and Accessibility. Allow both in System Settings.
- Open Gmail in Safari or Chrome and click Compose or Reply.
- Click once in the body of the email. The To and Subject fields take dictation too, one field per dictation.
- Hold the Fn key, say the whole email in one go, then let go.
On Windows
- Open Gmail in Chrome or Edge and start a new email or a reply.
- Put the cursor in the body, below the subject line.
- Hold Ctrl + Win, talk, and let go of both keys when you finish.
- For a long email, switch the activation mode to Toggle in Settings: one press starts, another stops, so you do not hold the keys.
An example in Gmail
A reply to a client asking about delivery
You say
hi Khalid thanks for your email about the delivery so we have three points first the designs are done on Sunday second the review is on Tuesday third the final delivery is next Thursday and if you have any notes before then let me know
DanDin types
Hi Khalid, thanks for your email about the delivery. So we have three points: 1. The designs are done on Sunday. 2. The review is on Tuesday. 3. The final delivery is next Thursday. And if you have any notes before then, let me know.
Good to know in Gmail
- DanDin types; it does not press Send or attach files.
- The text is pasted as plain text, so it takes the email’s font and size. Bold and links come from Gmail’s own tools.
- Your tone stays yours: it does not turn your email formal. If you want clearer wording, turn on Deep polish in Settings.
- The free plan is 2,000 words every week, with no card.
Common questions
How do I dictate an email in Gmail on a computer?
Open a new email and click in the body, then hold the start key (Fn on a Mac, Ctrl + Win on Windows), say the email, and let go. The email is typed, tidy, at the cursor.
Can I speak Arabic and get the email in English?
Yes. Turn on Translate to English in the dictation options on the pill before you talk, and DanDin writes the meaning in English. Translate is off in English only mode, since you are already speaking English.
Does it work in Outlook and Apple Mail?
Yes. DanDin types in any app with a text box, so it works the same way in Outlook, Mail and any other email app.
What if I say the wrong name and fix it out loud?
Say "no wait" and go on with the right one, like "call Mr. Adams, no wait, Mr. Andrews". DanDin writes "call Mr. Andrews" and drops both the mistake and the "no wait".