What is the Accessibility permission, and do I need it?
Short answer
Accessibility lets VybeScript paste your words into the app you were using. Without it, your words are copied and you press ⌘V yourself. The default shortcuts (tap Option, hold Control) also need it. You can use VybeScript without it, but only with limits.
Details
To turn it on:
- Open Settings in VybeScript (the gear icon at the top right of the window) and find Delivery.
- Next to Automatic paste, choose Enable Paste. macOS opens Privacy & Security.
- In System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility, switch on VybeScript.
- Go back to VybeScript. Automatic paste should now say Enabled. If it does not, choose Recheck Permissions.
If it already says Enabled and you want to look, choose Open Settings in the same row.
macOS may also ask whether VybeScript can control another app so that it can send the paste keystroke for you. If you decline, VybeScript uses another way to paste.
What the status means
- Enabled: words appear right where your cursor is.
- Clipboard fallback: words are copied. Press ⌘V to paste.
Shortcuts
The default shortcuts use a modifier key on its own (tap Option to start and stop, hold Control to talk). Those need Accessibility. A shortcut that uses a regular key, such as F6, does not need it for listening, though pasting still does. Until Accessibility is on, you can use the Start Recording button in the VybeScript window.
If it gets turned off later
If Accessibility is switched off while VybeScript is installed, VybeScript shows Accessibility permission is off and keeps showing it until you turn the permission back on. Until then it cannot hear your shortcut or paste into other apps, and your dictation is copied to the clipboard.
Still not working?
- If the switch is on but VybeScript still shows Clipboard fallback, press Recheck Permissions. If that does not help, choose Quit from the "Vybe" menu in your menu bar and open VybeScript again. If it still looks the same, choose Report a Problem… from the same menu and tell us what you see.
- Nothing is pasted into password fields. VybeScript copies the text instead, and you paste it yourself.
- For paste problems after the permission is on, see Text doesn't paste after I dictate.
Common questions
Can I use VybeScript without Accessibility?
Yes, with limits. Your words are copied to the clipboard and you press Command-V to paste them. The default shortcuts (tap Option, hold Control) also need Accessibility.