Dictation Modes
Voibe gives you two ways to dictate: Push-to-Talk for quick, controlled bursts and Hands-Free for longer, uninterrupted dictation. Both modes transcribe your speech and type the text directly into whatever app you're using.
Both dictation modes can be configured from the Voibe main screen.
Push-to-Talk Mode
How it works
- 1. Hold your configured hotkey (default: Fn).
- 2. Speak while continuing to hold the key. Voibe listens the entire time the key is pressed.
- 3. Release the key. Voibe transcribes your speech and types the text into your active editor or text field.
Supported hotkeys
Push-to-Talk uses a single key as the trigger. We recommend using one of the modifier keys so it doesn't interfere with your normal typing:
Left & right key distinction
Voibe recognizes left-side and right-side modifier keys separately. For example, you can assign Right ⌥ Option as your dictation hotkey and keep Left ⌥ Option free for its regular use in other apps and keyboard shortcuts. This way, your dictation trigger never conflicts with your existing workflow.
Changing the hotkey
Click "Change" next to Push-to-Talk Mode in the Voibe main screen, then press the key you want to use. Voibe will ask you to confirm the change.
Voibe confirms your hotkey selection, showing the exact key (including left or right side).
Hands-Free Mode
How it works
- 1. Press your configured hotkey to start — then let go. You don't need to hold anything.
- 2. Speak freely for as long as you need. Voibe keeps listening in the background.
- 3. Press the hotkey again to stop. Voibe transcribes everything and types it into your active editor.
The key difference from Push-to-Talk: you don't hold the key while speaking. This makes Hands-Free ideal for longer dictation — writing emails, drafting documents, or narrating thoughts without keeping your hand on the keyboard.
Trigger options
Hands-Free mode supports two types of hotkey triggers:
Option A: Double-tap a key
Quickly tap any key twice to start listening, then double-tap it again to stop. The default is double-tap Fn.
Setting double-tap Fn as the Hands-Free trigger.
Option B: Key combination
Use a modifier + letter combination like ⌘ + H, Ctrl + D, or Shift + G. Press the combination once to start and again to stop.
Setting ⌘ + H as the Hands-Free trigger.
Which mode should I use?
| Push-to-Talk | Hands-Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Activation | Hold a key | Press once to start, press again to stop |
| While speaking | Key must stay held down | Completely hands-free |
| Hotkey type | Single key (e.g. Fn, Right Option) | Double-tap or key combination |
| Default hotkey | Fn | Double-tap Fn |
| Best for | Quick, short dictation bursts | Longer dictation without holding keys |
Tips
- Use both modes together. Set Push-to-Talk for quick corrections and Hands-Free for longer writing sessions. You can configure different hotkeys for each.
- Pick a side. Assign a right-side modifier key (like Right Option) for dictation so your left hand stays free for regular shortcuts.
- Try double-tap Fn first. The default Hands-Free trigger is intuitive and unlikely to clash with other shortcuts.
- Avoid common shortcuts. When picking a key combination for Hands-Free, make sure it doesn't overlap with shortcuts in your most-used apps.