Voice Dictation for Xcode: Code Comments, Documentation & Swift/SwiftUI Notes
Write code documentation and comments in Xcode by voice. Contextli helps iOS and macOS developers document faster.
Xcode is the gateway to Apple's platforms—and good documentation makes your code maintainable across iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Contextli lets you write Swift documentation, code comments, and technical notes by voice, following Apple's conventions for DocC and standard comments.
Contextli Modes for Xcode
Each mode transforms your voice into Xcode-ready content with specific formatting.
Swift Doc
Swift documentation comments
Best for: Function and method documentation
You say:
"Documentation for a function fetch user that takes a user ID string and returns a user object asynchronously, throws network error if the request fails or not found error if the user doesn't exist"
Contextli outputs:
/// Fetches a user from the server.
///
/// Use this method to retrieve user details by their unique identifier.
///
/// - Parameter userID: The unique identifier for the user.
/// - Returns: The `User` object containing user details.
/// - Throws: `NetworkError` if the request fails,
/// `NotFoundError` if no user exists with the given ID.
///
/// ```swift
/// let user = try await fetchUser("user_123")
/// print(user.name)
/// ```MARK Comment
Xcode section markers and organization
Best for: Code organization and navigation
You say:
"Mark for the section containing all the table view delegate methods"
Contextli outputs:
// MARK: - UITableViewDelegate
Code Comment
Explanatory inline comments
Best for: Explaining complex code decisions
You say:
"Comment explaining we're using weak self in this closure to avoid a retain cycle since the view controller owns the timer and the timer's closure captures the view controller"
Contextli outputs:
// Using [weak self] to break retain cycle: // ViewController → Timer → Closure → ViewController // Without weak, the view controller would never deallocate.
How to Use Contextli in Xcode
Step-by-step workflows for common Xcode tasks.
Document a SwiftUI View
You've created a reusable SwiftUI component and need to document its parameters and usage.
- 1
Position above the struct
Where documentation belongs
- 2
Activate Swift Doc mode
DocC-compatible format
⌘+Shift+V - 3
Describe the view's purpose
Parameters and usage
- 4
Add code example
Show how to use the view
Example Output:
/// A customizable button with loading state. /// /// - Parameters: /// - title: The button's label text...
Voice to Xcode: Real Examples
What you say versus what Contextli produces for Xcode.
"Documentation for a custom view modifier called shimmer that adds a shimmering loading effect to any view, takes a boolean for whether it's active and an optional color for the shimmer, when active it animates a gradient across the view"
/// Adds a shimmering loading effect to a view.
///
/// Use this modifier to indicate loading state with an animated gradient overlay.
///
/// - Parameters:
/// - isActive: When `true`, the shimmer animation plays.
/// - color: The shimmer gradient color. Defaults to `.gray`.
///
/// ```swift
/// Text("Loading...")
/// .shimmer(isActive: isLoading)
/// ```
///
/// - Note: For best results, apply to views with solid backgrounds.Contextli vs Other Xcode Voice Solutions
Contextli vs Xcode's Built-in Dictation
| Feature | Contextli | Xcode's Built-in Dictation |
|---|---|---|
| Swift conventions | ✅ Doc comment format | ❌ Plain text |
| MARK comments | ✅ Proper format | ❌ No formatting |
| Code examples | ✅ In documentation | ❌ No structure |
| DocC support | ✅ DocC markup | ❌ None |
System dictation gives raw text. Contextli gives Swift-ready documentation with proper comment syntax and DocC compatibility.
Why Use Contextli for Xcode?
Apple development moves fast—new APIs, new SwiftUI features, new platform capabilities. Keeping your code documented shouldn't slow you down. Contextli helps you add clear, Apple-convention documentation by voice, so your code stays understandable as it evolves.
Xcode + Contextli: Common Questions
Does Contextli support DocC documentation?
Yes! Swift Doc mode creates documentation compatible with DocC, Apple's documentation compiler. The output includes proper /// syntax, parameter/returns/throws sections, and supports DocC markup for richer documentation.
Can I use Contextli with Xcode Previews?
Contextli works in any text area in Xcode, including documentation for PreviewProvider structs. Document your preview configurations to explain different states and scenarios.
Xcode Integration Details
descriptionSupported Formats
- checkSwift doc comments (///)
- checkBlock comments (/* */)
- checkMARK comments
- checkDocC markup
- checkCode examples in docs
lightbulbPro Tips
- Use Swift Doc mode for public APIs—DocC can generate documentation sites
- MARK Comment mode quickly organizes files for Xcode's jump bar
- Include usage examples in documentation for better code completion hints
infoGood to Know
- arrow_rightCannot generate Swift code via voice
- arrow_rightCannot run builds or tests via voice
- arrow_rightInterface Builder edits through Xcode UI
- arrow_rightCannot configure project settings via voice
devicesPlatform Support
Works in Xcode on macOS.
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Create issues, write PR descriptions, and leave detailed code review comments—all by voice. Contextli formats for GitHub's markdown conventions.
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Create issues, write merge request descriptions, and document in GitLab wiki—all by voice. Contextli understands GitLab's conventions.