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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.
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In this category

Hotkey
Default hotkey per platform
Cmd + Option on macOS, Win + Alt on Windows and Linux. Two-key combos chosen to never clash with system shortcuts.
Hotkey
Change your hotkey
Settings → Shortcut. Press the new combo. Dimmy validates it against system shortcuts and saves.
Hotkey
Dictionary and Command Mode shortcuts
Two optional shortcuts beside the dictation hotkey: add selected text to your dictionary (Ctrl + Shift + D) and run a one-shot AI command.
Hotkey
Switch style or tone with the scroll wheel
Scroll on the pill to cycle AI styles. Ctrl + scroll to cycle tones. No need to open Settings.
Last updated: 2026-05-22