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AbeAbe Docs

Getting started

1. Install

Section titled “1. Install”

Download the installer for your platform from the download page.

  1. Run Abe-windows-x64-setup.exe.
  2. If Windows SmartScreen shows “Windows protected your PC”, click More info, then Run anyway. New releases show this until they build up reputation.
  3. Follow the installer. You don’t need administrator rights. Abe starts and appears in your system tray.

2. First run

Section titled “2. First run”

The setup guide opens the first time you launch Abe. It walks you through:

  1. Choose how Abe transcribes. Pick Local (offline) to run Whisper on this computer, free and with no key, or Use my own API key to use Groq (recommended), OpenAI or a compatible service. Not sure? Read Local vs Cloud.
  2. Add your key (cloud only). Pick the provider, paste the key and click Test; Abe confirms when the key works. Step-by-step guides: Groq (recommended, free to start), OpenAI, Custom endpoint.
  3. Choose your microphone and check the level meter moves when you talk.
  4. Learn the hotkey. The default is shown, and you can change it here or later in Settings.

You can rerun the guide any time from Settings → Restart Setup Guide.

3. Your first dictation

Section titled “3. Your first dictation”
  1. Click into any text field: an email, a document, a chat box.
  2. Hold Ctrl + Alt + Space (on macOS, Ctrl + Option + Space).
  3. Speak naturally. The recording overlay shows a live level meter.
  4. Release the keys. A moment later your words appear at the cursor.

That’s it. Next, try Voice Transform to rewrite text by voice, or tune things in Settings.