SpeakLine HelpHow to Install New Voices
SpeakLine uses Apple’s system voices to read texts. To add new voices to SpeakLine, you first need to download them via the system settings on your device.
macOS
- Open System Settings, then click “Accessibility” in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
- Click “Spoken Content” on the right.
- Click the “System voice” pop-up menu, then choose “Manage Voices.”
- Choose a voice you want to add and click the download button (cloud with arrow).
- When you’re done adding voices, click OK and restart SpeakLine.
For more information check out the macOS User Guide.
iOS & iPadOS
- Open Settings, then search for “Accessibility.” (You may need to scroll down.)
- Go to “Spoken Content” and select “Voices”
- Now, each language provides a variety of voices to choose from. (Some voice names may even offer enhanced versions for download.)
- To install the selected voice on your device, tap the download button (cloud with arrow) on the right.
- When you’re done adding voices, you can close Settings and restart SpeakLine.
Where Are the Siri Voices?
Unfortunately, Apple restricts all developers from using the Siri voices in their apps.
Use Your Personal Voice
Starting with iOS 17, iPadOS 17, or macOS Sonoma, or later, you can use your device to create personal voices.
To create your own voice and allow apps to use them, go to: Settings > Accessibility > Personal Voice. If you don’t see this, your device probably doesn’t support this feature.
For more information on how to create your personal voice and the device requirements, check out this Apple support guide.
Unfortunately, Apple restricts developers from exporting audio files with personal voices.
Voice License Information
Are you wondering whether you can use the voices outside of the app or whether you can use them commercially?
SpeakLine exclusively utilizes the system voices of macOS/iOS/iPadOS/visionOS. These voices are all licensed under the Apple Software License Agreements.
I can’t provide legal advice, so please refer to the license agreements for the corresponding operating systems at apple.com/legal/sla.
Audio Export Formats
SpeakLine supports exporting audio files as CAF (Core Audio Format) files. This is an Apple proprietary format supported by many apps. CAF files can be converted to other common formats via various web tools.
The previous version of SpeakLine supported exporting to AIFF files. Due to technical reasons, this isn’t possible with the current version anymore.
Running SpeakLine on an Older macOS
SpeakLine 5 is a fundamental re-write of the app making use of the latest Apple frameworks. Due to that the latest version is only available for macOS Sonoma 14.0 or newer.
If you want to use SpeakLine on older Macs (running macOS 10.13 or newer) please download the previous version.