OpenFlow
OpenFlow is a local-first voice dictation app for macOS that turns spoken words into text across apps using on-device or configurable speech-to-text backends.
What is OpenFlow?
OpenFlow is a voice dictation app for macOS that helps users speak instead of type in everyday desktop workflows. It is designed for people who want hands-free text entry in any focused app, including writing, messaging, note-taking, and coding. The app uses a global shortcut or wake-based workflow so you can start dictation quickly and insert text where you are already working. Its documentation describes local-first operation, with on-device transcription available for privacy-conscious use, plus configurable backend modes for different setups. OpenFlow also supports app-aware behavior and meeting audio capture features, making it useful for users who want faster text input without switching between separate recording and transcription tools.
Key features
- Dictate text into almost any Mac app with a global shortcut
- Transcribe speech on-device for offline, local-first use
- Use different speech-to-text backend modes to match your workflow
- Capture your voice through the microphone for hands-free text entry
- Apply app-specific behavior for different writing or work contexts
- Support meeting audio capture features when you choose to enable them
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Safety overview
Status: Use with caution
OpenFlow’s core purpose is legitimate, but current macOS builds are distributed unsigned, so the first launch requires bypassing the usual unidentified developer warning. The app may request Microphone, Accessibility, and Input Monitoring access so it can listen for shortcuts and type text into other apps, which is normal for dictation software. If you use meeting audio features, additional recording permissions may be requested. Only install it from the publisher’s official site, grant permissions you actually plan to use, and review sensitive-access permissions in macOS Privacy & Security settings if your needs change.
Recommendation: Keep OpenFlow if you actively use voice dictation on your Mac or want a local-first alternative to cloud transcription tools. If you no longer use it, removing it is reasonable and may also let you revoke microphone and accessibility permissions you granted for dictation features.
Common paths
/Applications/OpenFlow.app
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