Google Docs Dictation in Chrome and Edge

Does dictation work in Google Docs?

Yes. Voice In lets you write Google Docs documents using real-time speech to text in Chrome and Edge. Your words appear directly in the active text field and stay editable until you submit or send them.

Where it works in Google Docs

The document body
Titles and comments
Slides speaker notes and Sheets cells

Known limitations

Google Docs uses a custom editor, so it requires Voice In Plus Advanced Mode

Voice In in Google Docs

Google Docs, renowned for its collaborative and intuitive word processing platform, allows you to create, edit, and share documents seamlessly. With Voice In, you can now enhance your Google Docs experience by using your voice to draft documents, add comments, and collaborate with others. Imagine composing essays, reports, or any document in Google Docs — all hands-free and in real-time in over 50 languages. Voice In seamlessly transcribes your speech to text, making it easier than ever to capture your ideas and collaborate on written projects.

How to use dictation in Google Docs

Install Voice In

Add the free Voice In extension to Chrome or Edge.
Open Google Docs

Go to the document body or any other place where you would normally type.
Click a text field

Click where you would normally type so the text cursor is active.
Start dictating

Click the Voice In icon or press the keyboard shortcut, then speak. Say “period” or “new line” for punctuation.
Review and send

Check names and specialized terms, make any edits, and submit the finished text.

Why use Voice In with Google Docs?

Works in place

Speech to text goes straight into Google Docs fields without copying between tools.

Private by design

Speech is transcribed in your browser. Voice In never stores your audio or text.

Multilingual

Dictate in more than 50 languages and 100 dialects, and switch with one click.

Voice commands

Add punctuation, line breaks and custom snippets with built-in commands.

Google Docs dictation FAQ

Google Docs already has Voice Typing. Why use Voice In?

Docs Voice Typing only works in Chrome, only inside the document body, and cannot learn your custom terms. Voice In works in Chrome and Edge, in comments and titles, supports custom replacements, and uses the same setup on every other website.

Why is Google Docs Voice Typing greyed out for me?

Voice Typing is unavailable in Edge and some managed accounts. Voice In Plus works in both browsers regardless of account type.

How do I turn on dictation in Google Docs?

Install Voice In from the Chrome Web Store, open Google Docs, click a text field, then click the Voice In icon or press the keyboard shortcut and start speaking. The text appears as you talk.

Can I format text with my voice?

Voice In inserts plain text plus punctuation and line breaks from voice commands. Apply headings, bold and lists with the editor's own formatting tools after dictating.

Will the editor's built-in voice typing conflict with Voice In?

No. Use one or the other. Voice In also works in editors that have no built-in dictation and in browsers, such as Edge, where built-in voice typing is unavailable.

Which browsers and computers support Voice In?

Voice In works in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge on Windows, macOS, Linux and Chromebooks.

How to Dictate in Google Docs