Set Up ExtraBrain For The First Time

Complete onboarding before relying on ExtraBrain in a live conversation.

1. Grant Capture Permissions

Follow the onboarding permission cards for microphone, screen recording, and computer audio. macOS can require a relaunch after screen access changes. Permission recovery steps explain where to check.

2. Choose Transcription

• Local (NVIDIA Parakeet) runs speech-to-text on the Mac without an API key. Allow its model setup to finish.
• On-device (Apple Speech) uses Apple Speech on compatible macOS 26+ systems. Choose a language and install its language asset if requested.
• Cloud (Deepgram) sends audio to Deepgram using your Deepgram API key.

See Choose a transcription provider.

3. Connect AI

Use built-in ExtraBrain AI or connect your preferred provider, then validate the connection. ExtraBrain AI uses credits included with eligible plans.

For advanced local processing, configure Gemma in Settings after onboarding on a supported Mac.

The direct-download app supports local Gemma and external subscription integrations. Those options are unavailable in the Mac App Store build.

4. Run A Short Test

1. Ask a typed question to test AI access.
2. Click Start Session and say a short sentence.
3. Confirm transcription appears and test the computer audio you intend to use.
4. Capture a screenshot, then click Ask.
5. End the session and open Settings → Session History.

You can change transcription in Settings → Audio, AI connections in AI Providers, and persistent guidance in Personalization. Check privacy controls and shortcuts before a real session.