Documentation & FAQs

Everything you need to know about using Ultramic

Getting Started with Ultramic

Ultramic is a powerful speech-to-text tool that works across all your desktop applications. It uses OpenAI's Whisper API to provide accurate transcription without requiring a subscription. Here's everything you need to know to get started.

Providers

Ultramic supports two providers: OpenAI and Deepgram. You can choose the one that best suits your needs.

How to Obtain Your OpenAI Whisper API Key

If you choose OpenAI as provider, you need to get your API key. Follow these steps to get your own key:

  1. Go to OpenAI's platform and create an account if you don't already have one.
  2. Once logged in, navigate to the API Keys section in your account dashboard.
  3. Click on "Create new secret key" and give it a name (e.g., "Ultramic").
  4. Copy the generated API key immediately (you won't be able to see it again).
  5. Open Ultramic and paste your API key in the settings.

Note: Keep your API key secure and never share it with others.

How to Obtain Your Deepgram API Key

If you choose Deepgram as provider, you need to get your API key. Follow these steps to get your own key:

  1. Go to Deepgram's platform and create an account if you don't already have one.
  2. Once logged in, got to Dashboard and click on "Create new secret key".
  3. Copy the generated API key immediately (you won't be able to see it again).
  4. Open Ultramic and paste your API key in the settings.

Note: Keep your API key secure and never share it with others.

Why Do You Need Your Own API Key?

We've designed Ultramic with a pay-as-you-go model instead of a subscription for several reasons:

  • Cost Efficiency: You only pay for what you actually use. If you transcribe occasionally, your costs will be minimal.
  • Transparency: You have direct control over your usage and can monitor costs through your OpenAI dashboard.
  • Privacy: Your audio data is processed directly through your own API key, giving you more control over your data.
  • No Subscriptions: We believe subscriptions are becoming overwhelming for users. Our approach eliminates another monthly payment.

OpenAI's Whisper API is very cost-effective, typically costing just pennies per hour of transcription.

Shortcuts

Ultramic uses keyboard shortcuts to make transcription easy and accessible. You can choose from two available shortcuts:

  • Default Shortcut: Ctrl+\
  • Alternative Shortcut: Shift+\

The shortcuts work globally across your system, so you can use them in any application where you need to input text.

How Ultramic Works

Ultramic simplifies the process of converting speech to text. Here is a typical workflow:

  1. Start Recording: Press the shortcut key (Ctrl+\ by default) to start recording.
  2. Speak Clearly: Say what you want to transcribe. A small indicator will show that Ultramic is listening.
  3. Stop Recording: Press the shortcut key again to stop recording.
  4. Automatic Transcription: Ultramic sends your audio to OpenAI's Whisper API for processing.
  5. Text Insertion: The transcribed text is automatically pasted into your active text field, whether it's an email, document, or any other application.

The entire process happens quickly, allowing you to write up to 3× faster than typing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages does Ultramic support?

Ultramic supports 98 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Czech, and many more, thanks to OpenAI's Whisper model.

How much does it cost to use Ultramic?

Ultramic itself is free. You only pay for your usage of the OpenAI Whisper API, which is typically around $0.006 per minute of audio. For most users, this amounts to just a few dollars per month with regular use.

Does Ultramic work offline?

No, Ultramic requires an internet connection to send audio to the OpenAI Whisper API for transcription.

Is my data secure?

Yes. Ultramic doesn't store any of your recordings or transcriptions. Your audio is sent directly to OpenAI using your API key and is subject to OpenAI's privacy policy.

Can I use Ultramic for long recordings?

Ultramic is designed for short to medium-length dictations. For very long recordings, you might want to use a specialized transcription service.

What if I encounter issues with transcription accuracy?

Try speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. Ensure you're in a quiet environment with minimal background noise for best results.