Choose how speech is transcribed: Cloud or Local
Choose Cloud (OpenAI Whisper with your own key) or Local (on your computer, no key) to turn speech into text for hold to talk and voice notes.
Whenever PlexiDesk turns your speech into text, it uses one of two transcription options. Cloud sends the recording to OpenAI's Whisper service using your own OpenAI key. Local transcribes on your own computer, with no key and nothing sent anywhere. You choose once, in Settings > AI, and the choice applies to hold to talk, voice notes and the Transcribe widget.
Before you start
- Every plan includes both options.
- Cloud needs your own OpenAI key. Add it in Settings > AI, under AI · API keys. OpenAI charges your OpenAI account for transcription by the minute. See Add your own API keys.
- Local needs a one-time download. The first time you choose it, PlexiDesk downloads the speech model, so you need to be online. After that it works offline.
- The choice belongs to this computer. Set it on each computer you use.
Which one to choose
| Cloud | Local | |
|---|---|---|
| Shown as | OpenAI Whisper · fastest · paid per minute | Whisper tiny · offline · free |
| Needs | Your own OpenAI key | A one-time download |
| Where your audio goes | To OpenAI, with your key | Stays on your computer |
| Works offline | No | Yes, once downloaded |
| Cost | Charged by OpenAI to your OpenAI account | Free |
New installs start on Cloud. If you have no OpenAI key, or you would rather your recordings stay on your computer, choose Local.
Change how speech is transcribed
- Click the gear at the right-hand end of the header to open Settings, then click the AI tab.
- Scroll to Voice · transcription provider, below AI · API keys.
- Click Cloud or Local. The one in use is highlighted.
When you switch to Local, a line under the buttons reads Loading local Whisper model (one-time download, ~80MB)… while PlexiDesk gets it ready, then Switched to Local Whisper. Future recordings transcribe on this Mac. Stay online until it finishes.
When you switch to Cloud, the line reads Switched to Cloud Whisper (OpenAI).
The change applies to your next recording.
What the choice affects
- Hold to talk: holding the Plexii button, or ⌘ ⇧ Space on a Mac. See Talk to Plexii: hold to talk.
- Voice notes: the Voice note widget on a desk. See Voice note widget.
- The Transcribe widget on your Home dashboard.
Recorded meetings are always transcribed on your computer, whichever option you choose here.
What you will see
Nothing changes in how you record. Transcription takes a moment after you stop, then the text appears. Local can take a little longer on a slower computer.
If Cloud is chosen and there is no OpenAI key, the message reads No OpenAI key set. Add one in Settings → AI · API keys, or switch to Local in Voice settings.
Tips
- Try Local first if you have no OpenAI key. It needs nothing but the download.
- Choose Cloud for the quickest results if you already have an OpenAI key.
- Test your key. In AI · API keys, testing an OpenAI key confirms whether it can transcribe. See Add your own API keys.
Common questions
Local did not switch. The first switch needs an internet connection to download the speech model. Check that you are online and click Local again. If the line says the preference is unavailable, quit PlexiDesk and open it again.
Do I need an OpenAI key to talk to Plexii? Only for Cloud. Local needs no key. Plexii's reply then runs on your credits or your Anthropic key, as if you had typed.
Does Local send anything to the internet? Only the one-time download of the model. Your recordings are transcribed on your computer.
Why do meetings ignore my choice? Recorded meetings are always transcribed on your computer, so the people in the meeting are never recorded to an outside service.
Related tasks
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