Handy vs Rough.js
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
Free, open source desktop app that turns your speech into text on your own computer, offline.
Open source · MIT
A small JavaScript library that draws shapes in a sketchy, hand-drawn style on Canvas or SVG.
The short answer
Choose Handy if you need…
- People who want dictation without sending their voice to a cloud service
- Anyone who wants a free, open source alternative to paid dictation tools
- People who prefer a simple hold-to-talk or toggle shortcut workflow
- Users on Windows, macOS, or Linux looking for offline transcription
Choose Rough.js if you need…
- Web developers who want a casual, hand-drawn look for diagrams or illustrations
- Developers building whiteboard-style or sketch-style interfaces
- People creating maps or charts that should look informal
- Projects that need a lightweight drawing library with no heavy dependencies noted in the README
Side-by-side
| Handy | Rough.js | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | App | Library |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 37k | 21.3k |
| Setup difficulty | Beginner | Intermediate |
| How you get it | Download the app | Install with a package manager |
| Main language | Rust | HTML |
| Last code update | 4 days ago | 2 years ago |
What each one is
Handy
Handy is a cross-platform desktop app for speech-to-text. You press a keyboard shortcut, speak, and your words are typed or pasted into whatever text field is active. According to the README, transcription runs locally using Whisper or Parakeet V3 models, so audio is not sent to the cloud.
Rough.js
Rough.js is a small JavaScript graphics library that makes lines, shapes, and paths look hand-drawn instead of perfectly computer-drawn. It works with both HTML Canvas and SVG, so it can be added to a web page to produce diagrams or illustrations with a sketchy look. The README describes it as under 9 kB in size.
Best for
Handy
- People who want dictation without sending their voice to a cloud service
- Anyone who wants a free, open source alternative to paid dictation tools
- People who prefer a simple hold-to-talk or toggle shortcut workflow
- Users on Windows, macOS, or Linux looking for offline transcription
- Accessibility-minded users who type by voice
Rough.js
- Web developers who want a casual, hand-drawn look for diagrams or illustrations
- Developers building whiteboard-style or sketch-style interfaces
- People creating maps or charts that should look informal
- Projects that need a lightweight drawing library with no heavy dependencies noted in the README
Strengths
Handy
- Runs locally, so the README says audio stays on your computer
- Free and MIT licensed, with source code available to extend
- Lets you choose between several Whisper model sizes and Parakeet V3
Rough.js
- Small library size, described as under 9 kB in the README
- Works with both Canvas and SVG output
- Simple API with examples for shapes, fills, and paths
Not ideal for
Handy
- Users on Wayland Linux who cannot install extra text input tools, since the README says Wayland support is limited and needs wtype or dotool
- Mac users who want the fn/Globe key as a shortcut on a third-party keyboard, because the README says it only works on Apple keyboards
- Anyone expecting a polished, fully stable product, since the README calls CLI flags a beta feature and the project is actively developed
Rough.js
- People who need precise, technical, or CAD-style drawings, since the output is intentionally rough
- Users who want a ready-made drawing app rather than a code library, since the README covers only the library API
- Non-programmers looking for a point-and-click tool
Trade-offs
Handy
- Linux text input needs extra tools such as xdotool, wtype, or dotool, and Wayland support is described as limited
- Some features are beta or have known issues, such as Bluetooth headset audio quality on macOS
- Model choice and GPU use affect speed, and the README does not give performance numbers
Rough.js
- The README is brief and points to an external wiki for full API documentation
- Output is deliberately imprecise, so it is unsuited to exact measurements
- The README shows no information on browser support or the maintenance pace beyond the last push date
Getting started
Handy
Install the downloaded .deb on Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install ./Handy_*.debInstall on macOS via Homebrew cask (not maintained by Handy developers)
brew install --cask handyFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Handy and Rough.js?
Handy: Free, open source desktop app that turns your speech into text on your own computer, offline. Rough.js: A small JavaScript library that draws shapes in a sketchy, hand-drawn style on Canvas or SVG. Handy suits people who want dictation without sending their voice to a cloud service, while Rough.js suits web developers who want a casual, hand-drawn look for diagrams or illustrations.
Are Handy and Rough.js free?
Handy: Free and open source. Rough.js: Free and open source.
Which is easier to set up, Handy or Rough.js?
Handy is easier to get started with (rated beginner); Rough.js is rated intermediate and usually needs more setup.
Is Handy or Rough.js more popular?
Handy has more GitHub stars (37k) than Rough.js (21.3k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to Handy and Rough.js?
Other options people compare them with include whisper.cpp, Buzz, OpenWhispr, Excalidraw, G2.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.