---
title: Install Polyflo
description: Download Polyflo for Windows or macOS, add a Sarvam API key, and complete your first dictation.
url: https://pr-1-2b0a782aae90.thally.app/quickstart
---

# Install Polyflo

Download Polyflo for Windows or macOS, add a Sarvam API key, and complete your first dictation.

The shortest path is a GitHub release installer. After install, Polyflo lives in the system tray — there is no always-on window.

## Before you begin

- **Windows:** Windows 10 or 11 with WebView2 (pre-installed on current Windows)
- **macOS:** macOS 10.15 or later
- A [Sarvam API key](https://dashboard.sarvam.ai/). Sarvam offers [trial credits](https://www.sarvam.ai/voice-to-text); speech-to-text is billed per second.

#### Download the installer

    Open the latest [GitHub release](https://github.com/Crisiswastaken/PolyFlo/releases) and choose your platform:

    - **Windows:** `Polyflo_*_x64-setup.exe` (NSIS installer)
    - **macOS (Apple Silicon):** `Polyflo_*_aarch64.dmg`
    - **macOS (Intel):** `Polyflo_*_x64.dmg`

#### Install and launch

#### Windows

        Run the `.exe` installer. Launch Polyflo from the Start menu. It appears in the **system tray**.

#### macOS

        Open the `.dmg` and drag Polyflo into Applications. Launch it from Applications or Spotlight. It appears in the **menu bar**.

        Grant **Accessibility** when macOS asks, so Polyflo can paste into other apps. You can also enable it later in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.

#### Add your Sarvam API key

    If no key is saved, Settings opens automatically. Paste the key into **API Key** and leave the field — Polyflo saves it to the OS credential manager.

    The helper text should read **Saved locally — verified**. Details are in [API key](/api-key).

#### Dictate once

    Click into any text field. Hold the default hotkey, speak a short sentence, then release:

    - Windows: `Ctrl+Shift+Space`
    - macOS: `Cmd+Shift+Space`

    A small overlay shows listening, then processing. The transcript should paste into the focused field.

## If paste does not happen

Polyflo always writes the transcript to the clipboard first. If auto-paste is blocked, it shows a notification so you can paste with `Ctrl+V` / `Cmd+V`. See [Troubleshooting](/troubleshooting).

## Next

#### [How dictation works](/dictation)

    Modes, overlay states, and what happens on release.

#### [Change the hotkey](/settings)

    Capture a new shortcut, switch Transcribe/Translate, and reopen history.