Installation
Install the Extension
Install from the VS Code Marketplace:
Or search for "Verba" in the VS Code Extensions sidebar.
Prerequisites
Before installing, make sure you have ffmpeg, a Deepgram API key, and an Anthropic API key set up — see Prerequisites for install snippets and where to get keys.
On first use, Verba prompts for your Deepgram and Anthropic API keys. They are stored securely in VS Code's SecretStorage — never in plaintext.
Managing API Keys
Use the command Verba: Manage API Keys (dictation.manageApiKeys) at any time to view your stored keys (masked), update them, or delete them — no need to reinstall or wait for the first-use prompt.
Platform-Specific Notes
| Platform | Audio Backend | Microphone Selection |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | AVFoundation | Configurable via verba.audioDevice or Quick Pick |
| Linux | PulseAudio | Configurable via verba.audioDevice or Quick Pick |
| Windows | DirectShow | Configurable via verba.audioDevice or Quick Pick |
Linux
PulseAudio must be running (default on Ubuntu, Fedora, and most desktop distributions).
Windows
On first use, a Quick Pick dialog lets you select the microphone. Verba detects devices via ffmpeg (v7 and v8+ formats) with a PowerShell fallback.
You can select the microphone anytime with the command Verba: Select Audio Device or by setting verba.audioDevice in Settings. Without configuration, the system default microphone is used.