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Using Voice Dictation to Type in Residex on a Laptop

Overview When using Residex on a mobile device, you can tap the microphone icon on the keyboard to verbally dictate text into any field. On a laptop, that keyboard mic button isn't available — but your computer's built-in dictation tools work the same way and can be used in any text field within Residex, including service notes, resident notes, care plans, and more.

Mac — Built-In Dictation

Press F5 to turn dictation on and off.

  1. Click inside any text field in Residex.
  2. Press F5 on your keyboard.
  3. Speak your text clearly — your words will type into the field in real time.
  4. Press F5 again when finished.

Note: If F5 doesn't work, go to System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation and confirm dictation is enabled. Some Mac models may use Fn + Fn (press Fn twice) as the shortcut.

Windows — Voice Typing

Press Win + H to open the Voice Typing toolbar.

  1. Click inside any text field in Residex.
  2. Press the Windows key + H simultaneously.
  3. A small microphone toolbar will appear — click the mic or it may start automatically.
  4. Speak your text, then close the toolbar when done.

Google Chrome — Browser Dictation

Chrome supports voice input natively on most devices when microphone access is enabled.

  1. Open Residex in Google Chrome.
  2. Click inside any text field.
  3. If prompted, allow Residex to access your microphone.
  4. Use your operating system's dictation shortcut (F5 on Mac or Win + H on Windows) to begin speaking — Chrome will capture input directly into the active field.

Note: If the microphone permission prompt does not appear, click the lock icon in the Chrome address bar, select Site Settings, and ensure Microphone is set to Allow.

For IT Administrators

If caregivers are unable to use voice dictation on facility-managed devices, the following may need to be reviewed:

  • Mac: Confirm Dictation is enabled under System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation. If greyed out, it may be restricted by an MDM (Mobile Device Management) policy.
  • Windows: Confirm Voice Typing is available under Settings → Accessibility → Speech. Group Policy may restrict this feature on managed devices.
  • Chrome: Microphone access for Residex may be blocked at the browser or network level. Verify permissions in Chrome's Site Settings or within your organization's browser management policy (e.g., Google Admin Console or Microsoft Intune).
  • General: Ensure the device's physical microphone is not disabled in BIOS/firmware settings and that the correct audio input device is selected in the operating system sound settings.

Tips for Best Results

  • Speak at a natural pace — not too fast, not too slow.
  • If punctuation does not appear automatically, say the punctuation out loud (e.g., "period," "comma," "question mark").
  • To create a new line, say out loud "new line".
  • Review your entry before saving to catch any misheard words.
  • Use a headset or external microphone in noisy environments for better accuracy