Trace: Mac app that records and transcribes meetings offline on-device.

What it does

Trace is a macOS menu-bar app that records meetings and transcribes them locally on a user's device. It captures microphone input, system audio, and optional screenshots, then converts the recording into a markdown transcript with an optional summary. All processing happens on-device using a local speech model that supports dozens of languages. The app also allows users to flag key moments during a call with a keyboard shortcut, which get timestamped and highlighted in the final transcript.

Who it is for

Trace targets Mac users who attend frequent video calls across platforms like Zoom, Teams, Meet, and Slack. The app suits people who want meeting records without friction—it's designed to be activated with a single keystroke and remain invisible until needed. Users who prefer their data to stay local rather than sent to cloud services are a natural fit. The app requires macOS 14.4 or later and Apple silicon.

Pricing

The site does not show prices. It mentions a free trial and references the Mac App Store, but no pricing details are visible.

How it stands out

Trace emphasizes speed of activation and minimal friction. Unlike some competitors, the app uses a keyboard shortcut to start recording rather than requiring users to open a window or navigate menus. The in-call flagging feature lets users mark important moments without leaving the meeting or opening another app. All transcription and summarization runs on-device, avoiding cloud transmission of meeting audio. The app exports markdown that integrates with note-taking tools like Obsidian, Bear, and Notion. Transcripts are stored as files on the user's machine rather than in a proprietary database.

What a founder should check

A competitor should verify the size of the installed base for existing on-device transcription tools on macOS, particularly MacWhisper and similar apps, to understand real switching costs. Second, check whether Apple's native transcription capabilities or improvements to Siri could reduce demand for third-party solutions. Third, evaluate pricing pressure by researching whether users expect this functionality to eventually be bundled free with macOS or built into video conferencing platforms themselves.

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