← Back to Home
FewType FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The short version: FewType is free, open source (MIT), no subscription — you bring your own AI key. Everything below answers the rest, from setup to privacy.

FewType at a glance

The key facts, in one table.

PriceFree, open source (MIT). No subscription, no in-app purchases.
PlatformWindows 10 / 11 (x64). Installer or portable ZIP.
AI servicesBring your own key. Built-in providers: Groq (global), Volcengine and SiliconFlow (mainland China). Custom endpoint supported.
ScenariosVoice typing (with AI styles & translation) · Ebook read-aloud (browser extension) · Long-text TTS.
Ebook platformsGoogle Play Books · Koodo Reader · WeChat Reading (weread.qq.com).
LanguagesMultilingual voice input & translation; neural TTS voices across many languages. UI in English, Simplified & Traditional Chinese.
PrivacyKeys and data stay local. No account, no tracking, no raw audio recorded.
LicenseMIT — code, builds and roadmap are public on GitHub.

General

What is FewType?
FewType is a free, open-source Windows app for voice typing, AI translation and writing styles, ebook read-aloud in the browser, and long-text TTS. You speak — your words get typed, rewritten, translated, or read back in a natural voice.
Is FewType really free?
Yes. Free and open source under the MIT license. No subscription and no bundled AI key — you connect your own AI services, which is exactly what keeps the app free.
What do I need to use it?
A Windows 10/11 x64 PC and an API key from one of the built-in providers. The built-in step-by-step guides take about two minutes from download to first dictation.
Is it really open source?
Yes — the entire project is public on GitHub under MIT, including releases and the roadmap.

Voice typing

How does voice typing work?
Press a global hotkey (Ctrl+Win, or double-tap Ctrl) in any app, speak, and your words land exactly where your cursor is — no window to switch to, no tab to focus.
Which AI providers are supported?
Groq — fast with a free tier, works globally. Volcengine and SiliconFlow — popular choices for users in mainland China. A custom API endpoint is also supported. Free tiers are typically enough for personal use.
Can it translate while I speak?
Yes. Speak in one language and the text lands in another — translation happens before it is pasted into your text box.
Can I define my own writing style?
Fully. Tell FewType the tone you want, or let it help you generate a prompt. Karwai Wong (film-noir monologue) and Formal (numbered professional notes) are built-in examples — the real control is yours.

Ebook reading

Which books and sites are supported?
The browser extension reads Google Play Books, Koodo Reader, and WeChat Reading (weread.qq.com) in natural neural voices.
How does the reader work?
Two parts: the app is the AI voice engine, and the browser extension grabs the page text and sends it to the app for reading. Install both, open a supported book, press start.
Does it sound robotic?
No — the app uses neural voices and optimizes segmentation so reading stays continuous and natural, not word-by-word.

Long-text TTS

Can I export audio files?
Yes. Paste a long script, pick a voice, adjust speed and volume, preview, then export a speech audio file — built for voice-over creators, digital presenters, podcast drafts and listening practice.
Does it translate before reading?
Optionally. If input and output languages differ, FewType translates first, then reads — paste English, get a Spanish voice-over without manual translation.

Privacy & security

Where do my API keys and data live?
Locally, on your machine. Keys are stored in your own config and never uploaded anywhere. The app never records your raw dictation audio or transcripts.
Why does Windows show a warning on first install?
FewType is a free personal project without paid enterprise code signing, so SmartScreen may warn on first run. It's safe: click More info → Run anyway. Everything stays on your machine.
Download FewType Back to Home