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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.

The dictation hotkey starts and stops recording (the defaults). Settings → Shortcut also holds two optional shortcuts for specific actions.

Add-to-dictionary shortcut

Ctrl+Shift+DWindows default

Select a word in any app (a name, a brand, a technical term) and press the combo. Dimmy adds it to your custom dictionary, so future transcriptions get it right. Entries can be up to 100 characters; you review and remove them in Settings.

On macOS the same action also lives in the Services menu: select text → right-click → Services → Add to Dimmy Dictionary.

Command Mode shortcut

Unset by default. Once set, press it instead of the dictation hotkey to run a single AI command: transform the selected text, or generate and insert when nothing is selected. After the paste it auto-clears and the next recording is normal dictation again. It follows the same Hold or Toggle mode as your dictation shortcut. Full guide: Command Mode.

Conflicts

Dimmy refuses combos that overlap each other. Ctrl + Space clashes with Ctrl + Shift + Space because one is contained in the other. If a new combo conflicts with your dictation or dictionary shortcut you get a toast and the change is not saved.

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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
Change your hotkey
Settings → Shortcut. Press the new combo. Dimmy validates it against system shortcuts and saves.
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
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