Switching Dictation Modes
TalkWriter supports two dictation modes: Push-to-Talk (PTT) and Live. You can switch between them in two ways: through Settings (for your default), or by hovering over the pill overlay (for a quick switch mid-workflow).
Why You Might Switch Modes
You start your day replying to Slack messages -- short, punchy dictations where PTT is ideal. Then you sit down to write a long project update. Holding Fn for two minutes is uncomfortable, so you switch to Live mode. The ability to switch quickly means you never have to compromise between control and comfort.
Method 1: Quick Switch via the Pill
The fastest way to switch modes without leaving your current app:
- Start dictating (press Fn).
- Hover your mouse over the pill overlay.
- You will see the current mode (PTT or Live). Click to toggle.
- The new mode takes effect immediately.
This is the recommended approach when you are in the middle of working and do not want to open Settings.
Method 2: Change the Default in Settings
Step 1: Open Settings
Press Cmd + , or click the gear icon in the TalkWriter sidebar to open Settings.
Step 2: Go to Dictation Settings
Click the Dictation section in the Settings panel.
Step 3: Select Your Mode
Choose one of the two options:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Push-to-Talk | Hold Fn to record, release to stop. Best for short dictations. |
| Live | Press Fn once to start, press again to stop. Best for long dictations. |
Step 4: Close Settings
Close the Settings window. Your new mode is active immediately — no restart needed.
Quick Comparison
| PTT | Live | |
|---|---|---|
| Fn key behavior | Hold to talk | Toggle on/off |
| Good for | Short bursts, emails | Long-form, notes |
| Hands-free | No (must hold Fn) | Yes (after initial press) |
For a detailed comparison, see Live vs Push-to-Talk.
Practical Example
Scenario: You are in VS Code writing documentation. You dictate a quick one-line comment (PTT is fine). Then you need to dictate a full paragraph of explanation. Instead of opening Settings:
- Hold Fn and dictate your one-liner. Release Fn. Text appears.
- Before starting the paragraph, hover over the pill and switch to Live mode.
- Press Fn once to start. Dictate your paragraph with pauses. Press Fn again to stop.
- Switch back to PTT via the pill when you are done.
Total time switching: about 1 second per switch.
If you find yourself switching modes frequently, consider using Live mode as your default. You can always press Fn twice quickly (start then stop) to mimic PTT behavior within Live mode.
Tips for Choosing
- Start with PTT if you are new to voice dictation. It gives you the most control.
- Switch to Live when you find yourself holding Fn for more than 15-20 seconds at a time.
- Switch back to PTT if you notice TalkWriter recording when you do not intend it to (common in noisy environments).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to restart TalkWriter after switching modes? No. The change takes effect immediately.
Does switching modes affect my word count or history? No. Your word count, dictation history, and all other settings remain unchanged.
Can I assign different modes to different apps? No. The dictation mode is a global setting that applies across all applications.
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai