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Recording window showing list of modes

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Overview

There are four ways to switch modes. Pick the one that fits how you work: a shortcut for switching mid-dictation, the menu bar for occasional changes, auto-activation for hands-off switching per app, and deep links for automation tools.

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Keyboard shortcut

A quick way to switch modes just before dictating, while the recording window is open.
  1. Trigger dictation to open the recording window
  2. Press your configured “Change Mode” keyboard shortcut
  3. Hold the modifier key(s) and tap the other key repeatedly to cycle through modes
  4. Release when you reach your desired mode
The active mode is visible only in the large recording window view.
Change modes anytime from the menu bar.
  1. Click the Superwhisper menu bar icon
  2. Select a new mode from the “Select Mode” submenu

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Auto-activation rules

Superwhisper can switch modes automatically based on your active apps and websites. Set up rules in each mode’s settings. Learn more in auto-activation rules.
Deep links let automation tools switch modes and start recording. Superwhisper supports two:
To find a mode’s key:
  1. Open ~/superwhisper/modes (or ~/Documents/superwhisper/modes on older installs)
  2. Quick Look the JSON files and match your mode by its name value
  3. Copy the key value into your deep link
Combine both deep links in an automation tool to switch modes and start recording in one action. Here’s a sample shortcut to start from.
For more switching options, see the Raycast and Alfred integrations.