Keyboard Shortcuts
TalkWriter is designed to keep your hands on the keyboard. Every core action has a shortcut, so you never need to reach for your mouse to dictate, cancel, or adjust settings.
Why Shortcuts Matter
The whole point of voice dictation is speed. If you have to click buttons to start and stop recording, you lose the time advantage. TalkWriter's shortcut system means you can be typing code in VS Code, hold Fn to dictate a comment, release Fn, and keep typing -- all without your hands leaving the keyboard.
Dictation Shortcuts
These are the shortcuts you will use most often:
| Shortcut | Action | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Hold Fn | Start dictating (hold to talk, release to stop) | Push-to-Talk |
| Press Fn | Toggle dictation on/off | Live Mode |
| Cmd + T | Toggle dictation from the TalkWriter window | Both |
| Esc | Cancel current dictation without pasting | Both |
In Push-to-Talk mode, hold Fn while speaking and release when done. In Live mode, press Fn once to start and press again to stop. The Fn key works globally -- you do not need TalkWriter to be the active window.
App Navigation
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd + , | Open Settings |
| Cmd + Q | Quit TalkWriter |
| Cmd + W | Close current window |
| Cmd + M | Minimize window |
| Cmd + H | Hide TalkWriter |
Text Editing (Scratchpad)
When using the built-in Scratchpad, standard macOS text shortcuts apply:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd + Z | Undo (also undoes the last dictation paste) |
| Cmd + Shift + Z | Redo |
| Cmd + A | Select all text |
| Cmd + C | Copy selected text |
| Cmd + V | Paste from clipboard |
| Cmd + X | Cut selected text |
Practical Example: Keyboard-Only Workflow
Scenario: You are writing code in VS Code and need to add a documentation comment above a function.
- Position your cursor on the line above the function.
- Hold Fn and say: "This function validates the user's email address and returns true if the format is correct, false otherwise."
- Release Fn. The polished comment appears at your cursor.
- If you do not like the result, press Cmd + Z to undo.
- Hold Fn again and rephrase.
Total mouse usage: zero. Your hands stayed on the keyboard the entire time.
Quick Reference Card
| Category | Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Dictate (PTT) | Hold Fn | Start/stop voice dictation |
| Dictate (Live) | Press Fn | Toggle dictation on/off |
| Dictate (Window) | Cmd + T | Toggle from TalkWriter window |
| Cancel | Esc | Cancel dictation in progress |
| Settings | Cmd + , | Open Settings window |
| Undo | Cmd + Z | Undo last pasted text |
| Quit | Cmd + Q | Quit TalkWriter |
The most powerful shortcut combination is Fn + Esc. Start dictating, realize you said something wrong, press Esc to cancel -- no text gets pasted. Then try again. This makes dictation feel as forgiving as typing with a backspace key.
Tips for Keyboard-Driven Workflow
- Dictate into any app -- Click into the app where you want text, then press Fn. No need to switch to TalkWriter first.
- Undo instantly -- If TalkWriter pastes text you do not want, press Cmd + Z immediately to undo.
- Cancel mid-dictation -- If you start speaking and change your mind, press Esc before releasing Fn to cancel without pasting.
- Quick settings access -- Press Cmd + , from any TalkWriter window to jump straight to Settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the dictation shortcut from Fn to something else? The Fn key is the default and recommended trigger. Check Settings for available customization options.
Does the Fn key conflict with macOS system shortcuts? TalkWriter intercepts the Fn key specifically for dictation. If you use Fn for emoji input or other macOS features, you may need to adjust your macOS keyboard settings under System Settings > Keyboard. See Fn Key Not Working for details.
Can I use TalkWriter shortcuts while other apps are in the foreground? Yes. The Fn key works globally across all apps. The Cmd + T shortcut only works when the TalkWriter window is focused.
Was this helpful? Let us know at support@talkwriter.ai