Source: https://quietmachines.fyi/wisp/guides/getting-started
Content coverage: article. HTML at the source URL is the canonical page.

# Your first five minutes with Wisp.

Check your Mac, allow the permissions you need, and put your first sentence into a text field.

## Check your Mac first

Wisp needs an Apple silicon Mac (M1 or later) running macOS 26 or later. It is currently in early access; the website waitlist is the way to hear when the download is ready. The trial will include all features.

## Let Wisp hear you

On first use, allow Microphone access. macOS may need an internet connection to download its speech assets. Choose the input you intend to use in Wisp’s microphone picker and speak a short test sentence.

## Allow text insertion

Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility and enable Wisp. This lets it insert text into other apps. Copy-only mode works without automatic insertion.

## Try one sentence

Click in an empty note, tap Control–Option–O, and say a sentence. Pause for it to appear. Press the shortcut again to finish. You can also hold the shortcut, speak, and release it to insert.

## Add notes when you need them

Notetaker uses microphone and system audio permissions. Saving to Apple Notes also asks for Automation access. Summaries require Apple Intelligence to be enabled and available; transcription works without it.

## Related guides

- [Find your way to talk.](https://quietmachines.fyi/wisp/guides/dictation)
- [When the words do not land.](https://quietmachines.fyi/wisp/guides/troubleshooting)