Hotkey
Change your hotkey
Settings → Shortcut. Press the new combo. Dimmy validates it against system shortcuts and saves.
- Right-click the pill (or open the tray menu) → Settings.
- Go to the Shortcut tab.
- Click the current combo. The box turns red and says Press a key combination.
- Press the new combo. Dimmy listens for modifier-only or modifier + key combos.
- Click Save. The change takes effect immediately.
Combos that work
- Two modifier keys (Cmd + Option, Ctrl + Alt, Win + Shift, ...). Recommended.
- Three modifier keys (Cmd + Option + Shift). For when two clash with an app.
- Modifier + letter or number (Cmd + Shift + V). Works but may clash with apps.
Combos that don't work
- Just a letter or number on its own. Would fire on every keystroke.
- Combos already taken by the OS (Cmd + Tab, Win + L, ...). Dimmy refuses with a tooltip.
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In this category
Hotkey
Default hotkey per platform
Cmd + Option on macOS, Win + Alt on Windows and Linux. Two-key combos chosen to never clash with system shortcuts.
Hotkey
Toggle vs hold-to-record
Hold-to-record: hold the hotkey while talking. Toggle: press once to start, again to stop. Both work, pick what feels right.
Hotkey
Dictionary and Command Mode shortcuts
Two optional shortcuts beside the dictation hotkey: add selected text to your dictionary (Ctrl + Shift + D) and run a one-shot AI command.
Hotkey
Switch style or tone with the scroll wheel
Scroll on the pill to cycle AI styles. Ctrl + scroll to cycle tones. No need to open Settings.
Last updated: 2026-05-22