Choose Your Surface
Verba ships as two separate surfaces that share the same transcription and post-processing pipeline (Deepgram Nova-3 + Claude). Pick the one that matches how you work — you can always add the other later.
VS Code Extension
Use the VS Code extension if you:
- live in the editor and want dictation tied to cursor position, active file, and selection
- want code-aware templates (JavaDoc, code comments, commit messages, Claude Code prompts) that pick themselves based on file type
- need dictation inside the integrated terminal
- want offline transcription via whisper.cpp, with no audio ever leaving your machine
→ Install the VS Code extension
macOS App — Public Beta
Use the macOS app (Public Beta) if you:
- want dictation system-wide, in any app — email, chat, browser, notes, not just VS Code
- prefer a lightweight menu-bar companion over an editor extension
The macOS app is currently a Public Beta, built from source (no packaged .dmg yet). It shares the same bring-your-own-key model and post-processing pipeline as the extension.
Not sure yet?
Both surfaces are free to use with your own API keys — there's no cost to trying either one first. Continue with Prerequisites to set up the shared requirements (ffmpeg, Deepgram key, Anthropic key) before installing either surface.