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Using profiles and dictation sources

In this topic, learn how to:

  • Switch between profiles and dictation sources (microphones)
  • Create a new profile
  • Create a new dictation source
  • Change the default dictation source for a profile
  • Delete a profile or dictation source

About profiles and dictation sources

A profile is a set of data on how you speak. Each user of Dragon must create his or her own profile, with a name that uniquely identifies it.

A dictation source is a microphone you use to dictate with Dragon. For example, you can use:

  • Your Mac's internal microphone
  • A USB headset
  • A Bluetooth microphone

In order to use Dragon, you must have at least one profile and one available dictation source.

Switching profiles and dictation sources

When you start up Dragon, it activates the profile you used most recently. The name of the active profile is shown with a check mark in the Dragon menu.

  1. Click the Dragon menu icon in the menu bar and select a profile from the Recent Profiles list.

    2. Dragon loads the profile with its default dictation source.

  2. If you have configured more than one dictation source for your profile, you can select a different microphone from the sub-menu.

If there is only one dictation source, your profile does not include a dictation source sub-menu.

If you do not see your profile in the Recent Profiles list:

  1. Click the Dragon menu icon in the menu bar and select Manage Profiles…
  2. Select your profile from the list on the left.
  3. Click the Load button.

Missing dictation sources

If the selected dictation source is missing (for example, your USB microphone is unplugged), Dragon displays a warning message. To use Dragon, you must do one of the following:

  • Connect the missing microphone
  • Select a different microphone
  • Set up a new microphone for your profile

Working with profiles and dictation sources

You can create, edit and delete profiles and dictation sources in the Profiles pane in the Preferences window.

To open the Profiles pane, do one of the following:

  • Say Access Profiles window.
  • Click the Dragon menu icon in the menu bar and select Manage Profiles…
  • Open the Preferences window and click the Profiles icon.

To add a profile

  1. Click the Add Profile button at the bottom of the Profiles (Voices) list in the Profiles pane.
    The Profile Enrollment process begins.
  2. Give the profile a name and click Continue.
    The Audio Source screen appears.
  3. Select the Microphone you plan to use from the dropdown menu.
  4. Optional: Enter a Name for your microphone.

    5. The name will appear in the Dictation Source (Microphones) list.

  5. Click Continue.
    The Region screen appears.
  6. Select your Region from the dropdown menu and click Continue.
    The Region setting helps Dragon determine appropriate spelling and vocabulary.
  7. Select the Accent from the dropdown menu that most accurately describes how you speak, then click Continue.

    8. Dragon saves your new profile. This process may take several minutes. When the profile has been saved, the Microphone Setup window appears.

  8. Complete the Microphone Setup to dictate with the new profile.

You must complete Microphone Setup or Dragon will not be able to adequately recognize your speech. Complete the Microphone Setup process for each microphone you use with your profile.

To add a dictation source to an existing profile

  1. Click the Add Dictation Audio Source button under the Dictation Sources (Microphones) field in the Profiles pane.
    The dictation source pop-over dialog appears.
  2. In the Microphone dropdown menu, select the microphone you wish to add.
  3. Optional: Enter a Name for your microphone.
  4. Click Continue.

    5. The Microphone Setup window appears.

  5. Complete Microphone Setup before using your new Dictation Source.

To change the default dictation source

  • In the Default dropdown menu under Dictation Sources (Microphones), select your preferred microphone.

To change the Auto Formatting settings for a profile

  1. Click the Auto Formatting… button.
    The Auto Formatting dialog box opens.
  2. Change the settings as needed.
  3. Click Apply to save changes and close the Auto Formatting dialog box.

To delete a profile and dictation sources

Do one of the following:

  • Select the profile and click the Delete Profile button at the bottom of the Profiles (Voices) list.
  • Select the dictation source and click the Delete Profile button at the bottom of the Dictation Sources (Microphones) list.

You cannot delete a profile or dictation source if it is currently in use. You must always have at least one profile and one audio source.

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