Koemoji

TWO EDITIONS

Direct download and Mac App Store.

Koemoji comes in two editions: the direct download from this site, and the Mac App Store edition. Both are built from the same source, but the App Store edition runs inside the macOS sandbox, so a few features work differently. Both are free, and neither sends your audio or text to an external server.

Short version.

Choose the direct download if you want dictated text inserted straight into the app you are using, if you want translation mode, or if you are not on macOS 26 yet. Choose the Mac App Store edition if you prefer to install and update through the App Store, or if you would rather not grant Accessibility access.

The differences you will notice.

Five points that affect day-to-day use.

How you get the text
Direct download (DMG)Inserted at the cursor in the app you are using (requires Accessibility access).
Mac App StoreCopied to the clipboard. Press ⌘V where you want it.
Translation mode
Direct download (DMG)Included. Speak Japanese and insert the chosen language.
Mac App StoreNot included. Dictation and formatting only.
Speech recognition
Direct download (DMG)Apple speech recognition or whisper.cpp, your choice.
Mac App StoreApple speech recognition only.
macOS required
Direct download (DMG)macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon Mac.
Mac App StoremacOS 26 or later.
Updates
Direct download (DMG)Checked and installed in the app (automatic checks can be turned off).
Mac App StoreDelivered by the App Store.

A few smaller things are direct-download only as well: the double-tap gestures that start recording, the control socket that lets other tools drive Koemoji, and read-back after insertion. The app interface is available in 12 languages in the direct download, and in English and Japanese in the Mac App Store edition.

More capability, or fewer permissions.

Both editions are free, so you can try one and switch.

Direct download (DMG)

Every feature is included. Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple.

  • Text goes straight into the app you are using
  • Translation mode and whisper.cpp available
  • Runs on macOS 14 and later

Mac App Store

Runs inside the App Store sandbox. It does less, and it also asks your Mac for less.

  • No network entitlement, so it has no path to the outside at all
  • Microphone is the only permission; Accessibility is never requested
  • Installed and updated through the App Store
Download Koemoji.dmg Get it on the Mac App Store

Direct download: macOS 14 or later, Apple silicon Mac. Mac App Store: macOS 26 or later. Both are free today.