# Toggle vs hold-to-record. Dimmy Help.

> Toggle vs hold-to-record. Step-by-step help for Dimmy, the native voice dictation app for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Source: https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-modes/

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Hotkey

# Toggle vs hold-to-record

Hold-to-record: hold the hotkey while talking. Toggle: press once to start, again to stop. Both work, pick what feels right.

## Hold-to-record (default)

Press the hotkey, speak, release. Same model as a walkie-talkie. Best for short bursts, dictating into chat boxes, quick voice prompts.

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Hold-to-record: press → speak → release timeline

## Toggle

Press the hotkey once to start, press again to stop. Best for long-form dictation where you want hands free, like writing an email body or recording a meeting recap.

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Toggle: press → speak as long as you want → press again

## Switching modes

1. Open Settings → Shortcut.
2. Pick Mode: Hold or Mode: Toggle.
3. Save. The change applies to the next recording.

tip

You can keep both modes available if you set two different hotkeys, one for Hold and one for Toggle, in advanced settings. (Roadmap.)

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## In this category

[ HotkeyDefault hotkey per platformCmd + Option on macOS, Win + Alt on Windows and Linux. Two-key combos chosen to never clash with system shortcuts.](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-default/) [ HotkeyChange your hotkeySettings → Shortcut. Press the new combo. Dimmy validates it against system shortcuts and saves.](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-change/) [ HotkeyDictionary and Command Mode shortcutsTwo optional shortcuts beside the dictation hotkey: add selected text to your dictionary (Ctrl + Shift + D) and run a one-shot AI command.](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-dictionary-command/) [ HotkeySwitch style or tone with the scroll wheelScroll on the pill to cycle AI styles. Ctrl + scroll to cycle tones. No need to open Settings.](https://dimmy.app/help/scroll-shortcuts/)

Last updated: 2026-05-22

On this page

1. [01 Hold-to-record (default)](#hold-to-record-default)
2. [02 Toggle](#toggle)
3. [03 Switching modes](#switching-modes)