Setup
Get started in under a minute
Orbit walks you through everything: permissions, connecting your ChatGPT account, choosing a voice mode, and a quick tour. No terminal commands, no config files.
1.Grant macOS permissions
Orbit needs three permissions to work. All are requested at first launch and tied to specific, visible behavior.
Screen Recording
Captures your active display when you activate Orbit. No background recording — ever.
Accessibility
Powers the global shortcut and allows Orbit to type or interact on your behalf during tasks.
Microphone
Enables voice input. Orbit only listens when you press the shortcut or enter voice mode.
Dismissed a prompt? Enable it manually in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
2.Connect your ChatGPT account
Orbit uses your existing ChatGPT subscription to power the AI. Under the hood, it launches a bundled Codex runtime and checks for your auth.
- Already logged into ChatGPT? Orbit detects it and skips straight to voice setup.
- First time? Orbit opens a quick ChatGPT login flow and brings you back once connected.
3.Choose your voice mode
Orbit supports two voice engines. You can switch between them anytime from the panel.
Local Voice
Apple's built-in speech recognition and text-to-speech. Runs entirely on your Mac — no audio leaves your device. No API key required. Best for privacy-first usage.
Cloud Voice
OpenAI transcription for input, GPT TTS for natural speech. Higher quality, more natural sound. Requires your own OpenAI API key, which Orbit stores securely in macOS Keychain.
4.Take the tour
Orbit finishes setup with a short intro: the wake shortcut, how screen context works, and how the cursor can fly to what matters on screen. Takes about 30 seconds, then Orbit disappears into your menu bar until you need it.
5.What Orbit can do once connected
Orbit starts as a simple assistant, but the underlying engine supports much more:
- See your screen and explain any software interface in real time
- Point directly to buttons, controls, and UI elements
- Control your browser for research, forms, and multi-step workflows
- Create documents, presentations, and polished outputs
- Connect to additional tools and skills when available