Super Whisper Setup

Every student receives a 4-month Super Whisper license (~$20 value).

Super Whisper is an advanced speech-to-text tool for macOS.

Use cases:

• Convert spoken thoughts to text (thinking out loud → written notes)
• Transcribe lectures and conversations
• Capture ideas quickly without typing
• Accessibility support for writing

Important

macOS only - Requires macOS 12.0 or later

Windows/Linux users: Unfortunately, Super Whisper doesn’t support your platform. Email the instructor for alternative options.

Note

License activation details will be sent via email by January 24.

Check your Penn email for the subject line: “CIS 5020: Super Whisper Access”

• Visit superwhisper.com
• Download the macOS app

• Follow the installation prompts
• Apply the license code from the activation email
• Grant necessary permissions (microphone access)

• Keyboard shortcut: Trigger recording without switching apps
• Dictation modes: Instant transcription vs. longer recordings
• Language support: Multiple languages and accents

Super Whisper runs locally on your Mac.

• Your audio doesn’t leave your device
• Transcription happens on-device (privacy-preserving)

Exploring with Claude:

• Speak your thoughts about algorithmic topics
• Transcribe to text → paste into Claude conversation
• Helps if you “think out loud” better than you write

Portfolio development:

• Record yourself explaining a concept
• Transcribe → refine → publish

Accessibility:

• If typing is challenging
• If you process better through speech

Didn’t receive the activation email?

• Check spam folder
• Email the instructor: lumbroso@seas.upenn.edu

Don’t have a Mac?

• Email the instructor for alternative tools/options

App won’t install?

• Check macOS version (needs 12.0+)
• See superwhisper.com/support for help