No backend transcript storage
Dictor-hosted processing is transient. Audio and text are sent only to return the requested result, and Dictor does not store transcripts on its backend.
Privacy and technical FAQ
Clear answers before you install Dictor
Dictor is built for fast voice workflows, but trust matters first. This FAQ explains what is processed, what is stored, where your OpenRouter key lives, and how global shortcuts work on macOS and Windows.
Keychain-backed BYOK
On desktop, your OpenRouter API key is stored in the operating system keychain, protected by macOS Keychain or Windows Credential Manager.
Shortcuts stay under your control
Dictor uses OS-level global shortcuts, with macOS and Windows defaults that can be changed from the desktop app settings.
Trust answers
Privacy, key storage, and setup questions
These answers are written for people who want the practical technical details before installing a desktop AI dictation app.
Cloud processing and transcript privacy
How Dictor handles audio, text, meeting notes, and local history.
Does Dictor store my transcripts on its servers?
No. Dictor-hosted transcription and correction are processed transiently so the app can return your result. Dictor does not store your transcripts on its backend.
Are recent dictations saved anywhere?
Recent dictations can be kept locally on your desktop as a recovery history so you can copy them again. This is local app state, it can be cleared, and privacy settings can disable retaining transcript text.
What happens with meeting recordings and meeting transcripts?
Meeting recordings, transcripts, and summaries are stored locally on your device. Hosted transcription or summarization may process audio or transcript text transiently to generate results, but Dictor does not keep meeting transcripts on its backend.
Does Dictor use my dictations to train its own AI models?
No. Dictor does not use your dictations or transcripts to train Dictor-owned models. If you use hosted AI or OpenRouter BYOK, the provider path is governed by the relevant provider terms.
OpenRouter BYOK and keychain storage
What happens when you bring your own OpenRouter API key on desktop.
Where is my OpenRouter API key stored?
On macOS and Windows, Dictor stores your OpenRouter API key in the operating system keychain. That means macOS Keychain or Windows Credential Manager protects the secret instead of saving it in ordinary localStorage.
Does my OpenRouter key go to Dictor servers?
No. In BYOK mode, Dictor desktop calls OpenRouter directly from your device. Authenticated OpenRouter requests run through the native desktop layer so the key does not pass through Dictor servers.
Does the key ever enter the webview?
The key is entered only when you save it and is then written to the system keychain. After that, authenticated OpenRouter calls run in the native layer so the saved key is not exposed to the desktop webview.
Does Dictor charge extra when I use my own OpenRouter key?
No. Dictor does not add a markup to BYOK usage. Your OpenRouter account is billed by OpenRouter according to its model prices and terms.
Can I remove my OpenRouter key?
Yes. You can clear the saved OpenRouter key from Dictor desktop settings. Removing it deletes the saved keychain credential used by Dictor.
Global shortcuts on macOS and Windows
How the desktop app listens for shortcuts without taking over your system.
What are the default Dictor shortcuts?
On macOS, the default dictation shortcut is Fn or Globe. On Windows, the default dictation shortcut is Ctrl plus Win. The command palette uses Alt plus 1 on both platforms, shown as Option plus 1 on Mac keyboards.
Can I change Dictor shortcuts?
Yes. Dictor desktop settings let you change or disable global shortcuts. If another app already owns a shortcut, Dictor treats it as a conflict and you can choose another binding.
Why does macOS ask for permissions?
macOS may require Microphone permission for recording and Accessibility or Input Monitoring permission for insertion and shortcut behavior. Dictor uses those permissions to let you dictate into the app you are already using.
What should I check on Windows if shortcuts do not respond?
Check that Dictor is running in the background, that the shortcut is enabled in settings, and that another app is not using the same key combination. Windows may also show SmartScreen during first install because the app is new.
Support and compatibility
What to do when an app, shortcut, or privacy setting needs attention.
Does Dictor work in every app?
Dictor is designed to work broadly across desktop apps and mobile keyboard contexts. If you find a place where it does not work well, write to info@dictor.io and the team will investigate quickly.
What information should I include in a support email?
Tell us your operating system, the app where the issue happened, what shortcut you used, and whether you were using hosted AI or your own OpenRouter key. Do not send private transcripts unless you intentionally want us to review that exact text.
Can Dictor export debug information without transcript content?
The desktop support flow is designed to collect app steps and success or failure states, not transcript content, personal data, tokens, or secrets.
Why put this FAQ before the download CTA?
Privacy, key storage, and setup questions are common trust barriers for AI dictation software. Answering them before download helps users make a confident decision.
Ready to set up Dictor?
Start with the guide for your operating system. The setup pages explain permissions, install notes, and the fastest way to begin dictating.