> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.augmental.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use another dictation tool instead

If you already have a dictation tool you like, you do not have to give it up to use
Vox. Turn off Vox transcription and Vox becomes two things your other tool can use: a
very good close-range microphone, and a physical button.

## What you keep and what you lose

|                                    | With Vox dictation | With external dictation |
| ---------------------------------- | ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| Transcription by                   | Vox                | Your other tool         |
| Vox as microphone                  | Yes                | Yes                     |
| Buttons trigger your tool's hotkey | n/a                | Yes                     |
| Vox voice commands                 | Yes                | No                      |
| Vox notes                          | Yes                | Yes                     |
| App-specific profiles              | Yes                | No                      |

## Turning off Vox dictation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Open **Settings**, then **Basic**, and find the **Dictation** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn off dictation">
    Turn off **Built-in dictation**. Vox stops transcribing from its built-in dictation
    controls, while the device stays connected and the microphone remains available.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Point your buttons at the other tool">
    Go to the **Buttons** tab and set the press gesture to send your tool's hotkey.
    See [Map shortcuts to your buttons](/using-vox/button-shortcuts).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Vox as the input in the other tool">
    See [Use Vox as a microphone anywhere on Mac](/other-apps/virtual-mic).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Tool-specific guides

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Superwhisper" href="/other-apps/superwhisper" icon="plug" />

  <Card title="Wispr Flow" href="/other-apps/wispr-flow" icon="plug" />

  <Card title="Apple Voice Control" href="/other-apps/apple-voice-control" icon="universal-access" />
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  You do not have to choose permanently. Leaving Vox dictation on and simply not using
  it costs nothing, so if you want both, keep both and use different buttons for each.
</Tip>