Skip to main content

Using Hotkeys

SpokenCode uses a single global hotkey that works system-wide — even when SpokenCode is minimized or running in the background. The same hotkey works for both Transcription Mode and Snippet Mode. Which mode is active depends on what you have selected in Settings → Keyboard → Mode.

ActionDefault Hotkey (Windows)
Start / stop recordingCtrl + Win

Transcription Mode​

In Transcription Mode, SpokenCode listens to your voice and types the plain transcribed text into whichever application currently has keyboard focus.

How to use it:

  1. Switch focus to the app where you want the text to appear (your editor, browser, chat, etc.)
  2. Hold Ctrl + Win and speak
  3. Release the keys to stop recording
  4. SpokenCode transcribes the audio and types the result at your cursor

Best for: writing messages, emails, documentation, comments, commit messages, or any plain text.

Snippet Mode​

In Snippet Mode, SpokenCode does everything Transcription Mode does — but additionally passes your transcribed text through an AI interpreter before typing the output.

How to use it:

  1. Switch focus to the app where you want the output to appear
  2. Hold Ctrl + Win and speak — start your sentence with a voice command keyword
  3. Release the keys to stop recording
  4. SpokenCode transcribes, interprets, and types only the clean output (no extra words)

Best for: generating code snippets, shell commands, translations, hotkey presses, and AI answers.

No keyword detected

If no recognized keyword is found at the start of your sentence, SpokenCode defaults to generating JavaScript code.

See Voice Commands for the full list of keywords and examples.

Recording Modes​

You can change how the hotkey behaves in Settings → Keyboard → Recording Mode:

Recording ModeHow it worksBest for
Push-to-Talk (default)Hold the hotkey while speaking; release to stop and transcribeShort, quick recordings
TogglePress once to start; press again to stopLonger dictation sessions

Tips​

  • The hotkey works from any app — you never need to switch to the SpokenCode window
  • SpokenCode must be running (check the system tray) for the hotkey to respond
  • If the hotkey stops responding, go to Settings, change the recording mode, and click Save Settings to re-register the hotkey