Continue dictation when switching apps

Thanks Luis

Yes, I understand this is how the default dictation service works and I completely understand your concerns about a dictation tool permanently listening in.

Nevertheless I would still be interested to learn if anyone has found a way to continue transcribing when switching from one app to another.

It would just be handy in some situations, like having my very own secretary typing up my thoughts as I flit from one job to another.

That's a brilliantly simple solution!

Here's how I modified it so that whichever app I'm using, I can start dictating into the bottom of an open TextEdit document.

Thank you very much indeed for taking the trouble to help.

I'm sure I'll find this very useful

on run {input, parameters}
	(* Your script goes here *)
	tell application "TextEdit" to activate
	delay 0.3
	tell application "System Events"
		key code 125 using command down
		key code 36
		key code {63, 63}
	end tell
	return input
end run

This script may complain "com.automator.runner.xpc is not allowed to send keystrokes".

This can be overcome by allowing the app (from which the dictation script is being launched), to control your computer.

(System Preferences -> Security and Privacy -> Accessibility)

e.g. If I want to launch the 'dictate to TextEdit' script using a keystroke while I'm in Safari, I need to let Safari control my computer.

This workaround doesn't seem very secure but it'll do for me, for now!