Hotkeys & recording
Default hotkeys
Section titled “Default hotkeys”Defaults from first launch (AppConfig; rebind under Settings → Hotkeys):
| Mode | Default | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Voice typing | ⌃⌥Space (Control + Option + Space) |
Primary dictation |
| Voice command | ⌥Space (Option + Space) |
Dictionary / LLM intent |
| Voice translation | ⌃⌥⇧Space (Control + Option + Shift + Space) |
Transcribe → translate → insert |
Each mode also supports an optional secondary chord (unbound by default).
Tap vs hold
Section titled “Tap vs hold”Default trigger mode is hold-or-toggle:
- Tap: start recording; tap again to finish.
- Hold: record while held; release to finish.
Long-press threshold defaults to about 350ms. Follow the mode shown on the Hotkeys page.
Only one mode records at a time:
- If a toggle session is already live, holding the same mode’s hold-only secondary chord ends that session on release (no nested PTT).
- Pressing a different mode’s binding while busy is ignored and shows a busy hint (finish or press Esc) so typing / command / translation don’t collide.
Quick Send
Section titled “Quick Send”Press Return while recording to finish, insert, and simulate Return (chat / agent boxes).
Toggle under Settings → General. This is separate from the Insert & send output action (always send after every insert).
Recording overlay
Section titled “Recording overlay”A status HUD (levels / phase) appears while recording. Newer macOS may use Liquid Glass styling.
Cancel
Section titled “Cancel”While the HUD is up (recording, recognizing, polish, or result), Escape cancels (toggle under Settings → General → Cancel recording with Escape), or use voicehotkey://cancel. The HUD close control always works. See Deeplinks.
Menu bar icon
Section titled “Menu bar icon”Under Settings → General you can show/hide the menu bar icon and set Menu bar icon style: Color (brand mark) or Black & white (template that matches the menu bar). The app keeps at least Dock or menu bar so Settings stays reachable.