Getting Started with Vokara

1. After purchasing, click the download link provided on-screen or in your confirmation email. This will take you to your download page where you can copy your activation license key and download the application for your operating system.
2. Mac: Open your Downloads folder and drag the Vokara application into your Applications folder, then double-click to launch it.
3. Windows: Run the downloaded installer, accept the license agreement, and click Finish. Vokara will run automatically.

Note: Vokara runs quietly in the background. You will now see the Vokara icon active in your system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac). For Mac users, macOS will prompt you to grant Vokara "Accessibility" and "Microphone" permissions on its first run. Simply follow the system prompts to allow access.

Because Vokara runs 100% locally on your machine for maximum privacy, it needs to download the AI transcription model.

1. The Vokara Settings window will open automatically on your first run. If you don't see it, you can open it manually:
   • Windows: Right-click the Vokara icon in your system tray (lower right) and choose Settings.
   • macOS: Click the Vokara icon in your menu bar (upper right) and choose Settings.
2. Under the "Parakeet Model" section, click the Download button. You will see a progress bar, and once completed, the status will change to Installed.
3. The Engine Status will then sequence from Starting to Warming up, and finally default to 🟢 Running.

The final step is to activate Vokara using the license key provided on-screen or in your confirmation email.

1. In the same Settings window, scroll to the License Key section at the bottom, paste your license key directly into the input field, and click Activate.
2. Vokara will momentarily say "Activating..." while it verifies your key. Once successful, the input will be replaced with a 🟢 Active indicator.
3. Recommended: While you are here, toggle Start with Windows (or Start with macOS on Mac) to Enabled so Vokara is always ready when you need it.

Vokara's local engine produces incredibly fast, pre-punctuated dictation out of the box. By connecting an OpenRouter account, you unlock an optional AI enhancement layer. This intelligent pass edits out hesitations and restructures your thoughts for maximum clarity before pasting them. A single toggle drops you back to fully local mode anytime.

1. In the Settings window, find the AI Enhancement via OpenRouter section and click Connect to OpenRouter. Your browser will open the OpenRouter authentication page — sign in and you'll be returned to Vokara automatically.
2. The status will update to Connected and the feature will be Enabled by default. Use the toggle at any time to switch between AI-enhanced and fully local transcription.
3. Power users: Our default model is well balanced for everyday use. However, by expanding the Advanced section, you can enter a custom model override (e.g., provider/model-name). Swap to a lightning-fast model for rapid drafting, a more capable model for demanding transcription, and access new models on release day—without waiting for a Vokara app update.