VoiceInk backup and restore: what the export includes, what it leaves out, and how import behaves
By Ryleigh Newman · Published
VoiceInk can export your setup to a JSON file from Settings, Backup, and import it on another Mac. It carries your Modes, custom prompts, Dictionary and general settings. It does not carry API keys, your license activation, your History or the model files, and importing some categories replaces what is there. Knowing those two things before you start saves a second trip.
I built YapToText, a dictation app for the Mac, so read what I say about VoiceInk with that in mind. Every fact about VoiceInk here comes from its own docs, read on October 11, 2026.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
What the backup includes
From VoiceInk's docs, Backup and Restore, read October 11, 2026.
| Category | On import |
|---|---|
| General Settings | Supported preferences such as appearance, shortcuts, clipboard behavior, Auto Send, retention and Auto Learn. Not every internal setting |
| Custom Prompts | Replaces your existing custom prompts |
| Modes | Replaces your existing Modes, with their shortcuts, and repairs prompt references |
| Dictionary | Vocabulary and Word Replacements. Merges with what you have |
| Custom Model Definitions | Custom transcription definitions, without API keys |
What it leaves out
- API keys. Provider keys and other Keychain credentials.
- Your license. Activate the Mac license again on the new Mac.
- History. Transcripts, recordings and Dashboard statistics.
- Model files. Downloaded transcription and Refine models. Download them again.
- Custom enhancement providers. Their definitions are not exported. Recreate them.
The license key page covers moving a license, and the History page covers exporting transcripts separately as CSV.
Back up and restore, step by step
- On the old Mac, open Settings, Backup and export the JSON file.
- On the new Mac, install VoiceInk and activate your license.
- If the new Mac already has settings you care about, export those first, so you can undo.
- Click Import Settings and choose the backup file.
- Select the categories to import, and finish.
- Reconnect your providers, download the models you use, and recreate any custom enhancement connection.
Importing Modes or prompts replaces the existing ones. Importing the Dictionary merges. For dictionary data alone, the docs point to a separate Dictionary import and export.
Backing up YapToText, for comparison
VoiceInk from its docs, read October 11, 2026. YapToText from its own settings.
| VoiceInk | YapToText | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Settings, Backup | Settings, Advanced, Backup and sharing: Export Preset and Import Preset |
| Includes | Settings, prompts, Modes, Dictionary, custom transcription definitions | Modes, dictionaries, commands, AI actions and settings |
| History | Not included | Never included |
| Keys and license | Not included | There are none: no account, no license, no API keys |
| Models | Download again | The App Store build has its models inside |
The VoiceInk guide links every other part of the app.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
The short version
- Export. Settings, Backup, a JSON file.
- Carries. Settings, prompts, Modes, Dictionary.
- Does not carry. Keys, license, History, models.
- Import. Modes and prompts replace. Dictionary merges.
- After. Reconnect providers and download models.
If VoiceInk changes what its backup holds, open an issue on GitHub and I will update this page. Every one gets read.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Related
Sources
- https://tryvoiceink.com/docs/backup-and-restore (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://github.com/ryleighnewman/YapToText (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yaptotext/id6786382289 (checked 2026-10-11)
Questions
How do I back up VoiceInk?
Open Settings, Backup and export a JSON backup. It holds your settings, custom prompts, Modes and Dictionary.
How do I move VoiceInk to a new Mac?
Export the backup, install and activate VoiceInk on the new Mac, click Import Settings, then reconnect providers and download models again.
Does the VoiceInk backup include my history?
No. History, recordings and Dashboard statistics are not in the backup.
Does the VoiceInk backup include API keys?
No. Provider API keys and other Keychain credentials are left out.
Will importing a VoiceInk backup overwrite my Modes?
Yes. Importing Modes or custom prompts replaces the existing ones. The Dictionary merges.