Transcribe without an internet connection on Mac
You can use WhisprDesk without an internet connection once a local model is downloaded. Local transcription runs on your Mac, so dictation and audio file transcription do not need the network.
Set it up while you are online
Open Settings > Transcription, choose the Local tab, and download a model. NVIDIA Parakeet (Parakeet TDT 0.6B) is about 680 MB. Whisper models range from about 75 MB to about 3 GB. Click the model so it shows In Use.
What works offline
With a local model active, hotkey dictation and Upload both run on your Mac without a connection. Local AI cleanup models can also be downloaded and run on your Mac. Cloud transcription, cloud cleanup and cloud-only features need the internet.
The one periodic check
WhisprDesk re-checks your license about every 24 hours and keeps working through a 7-day grace period without a connection. After a longer time offline, reconnect briefly so the check can complete. For that reason we describe WhisprDesk as working without an internet connection, not as a tool that never goes online.
Languages offline
The language picker lists 58 languages and defaults to auto-detect. NVIDIA Parakeet covers 25 European languages and detects the language automatically. Whisper covers the wider list.
Frequently asked questions
- Is my audio uploaded when I use a local model?
- No. With a local model your audio is processed on your Mac.
- Which model should I pick?
- NVIDIA Parakeet is the simple choice for the languages it covers, with one download of about 680 MB. Choose Whisper for languages beyond those 25.
- Does the trial work offline?
- The trial runs inside the app with no account needed. Download your local model while you are online first.