Skip to main content

Answer

Apple Dictation commands on Mac (cheat sheet)

Useful voice commands for punctuation, capitalization, and line breaks while dictating on macOS.

Last updated: 2026-04-23

Say the punctuation out loud while Dictation is running: comma, period, question mark, new line, new paragraph, caps on, caps off. The exact set varies by macOS version, language, and app.

Punctuation

  • Say comma → inserts ,
  • Say period → inserts .
  • Say question mark → inserts ?
  • Say exclamation point → inserts !

Formatting

  • Say new line → starts a new line
  • Say new paragraph → starts a new paragraph

Capitalization

  • Say caps on → all-caps mode
  • Say caps off → leave all-caps mode

Two quick tips

  • If a command isn’t working, try pausing briefly before and after the command.
  • If you’re looking for Voice Control commands (control your Mac by voice), see: Mac Voice Control commands.
  • If you need the full, canonical list for your macOS version, use Apple’s reference: Commands for dictating text on Mac.

Related answers

Try it on your own work

Voice Type is on-device dictation for macOS. Hold a hotkey, speak, and release to insert text in any app. Your audio never leaves your Mac. Free for 7 days, then $19.99 once on the Mac App Store. No subscription and no account.

Start the free trial