Hotkey Setup

Configure keyboard shortcuts or supported mouse buttons to start and stop dictation instantly.

Default: Fn Key

Speakmac uses the fn key in Hold to Dictate mode by default.

fnHold to speak
→
Recording
→
fnRelease to stop

Two Modes

Hold to Dictate

Hold the key to record, release to stop.

Best for quick notes & commands

Hands-Free

Press once to start, press again to stop.

Best for long dictation

Hotkey Types

Single Modifier Keys

fn⌘ Cmd⌥ Opt⌃ Ctrl⇧ Shift

Works with both modes. Fn key recommended — it's rarely used by other apps.

Tip: Left and right modifier keys are treated separately — you can bind Left ⌥ for one action while keeping Right ⌥ free for another hotkey or system use.

Function Keys

F1F2...F12

Function keys (F1–F20) can be used as standalone hotkeys without any modifier. Always uses Hands-Free.

Chord Shortcuts

⌘+⇧+D⌃+⌥+Space

Combine one or more modifiers with another key. Chord shortcuts always use Hands-Free since holding multiple keys while speaking isn't practical.

Mouse Buttons

Middle ClickMouse 4Mouse 5Mouse 6+

Speakmac can capture standard extra mouse buttons when macOS exposes them as direct mouse events. Mouse button hotkeys always use Hands-Free.

How to Configure

  1. 1Open Speakmac Settings (click menu bar icon → ⚙️)
  2. 2Find "Dictation Hotkeys" section
  3. 3Click "Add Hotkey" and press your desired key(s) or a supported mouse button. Press Esc to cancel.
  4. 4For single modifier keys, toggle between Hold to Dictate and Hands-Free using the mode picker

Note: You can add multiple hotkeys. Chord shortcuts, Function keys, and mouse buttons are automatically set to Hands-Free mode.

Relay Keyboard Shortcuts for Extra Mouse Buttons

Some mouse utilities intercept side buttons before Speakmac can see them as standard macOS mouse events. If a button does not register directly in Speakmac, relay it through a keyboard shortcut instead.

  1. 1Open your mouse utility, such as Logi Options+, BetterMouse, SteerMouse, or your gaming mouse software.
  2. 2Choose the extra mouse button you want to use and assign it to a keystroke or keyboard shortcut.
  3. 3Pick a shortcut that is unlikely to conflict with apps, such as ⌃+⌥+Space or F5.
  4. 4Return to Speakmac, click "Add Hotkey", and press that shortcut. Speakmac will treat it like any other keyboard hotkey.

This is the most reliable setup for vendor-managed thumb buttons, wheel-tilt actions, DPI buttons, gesture buttons, and other controls that your mouse utility remaps.

Recommended Setups

Quick Commands

Hold to Dictate
fn

Long-Form Writing

Hands-Free
fn

Dedicated Key

Hands-Free
F5

Power User

Hands-Free
⌃+⌥+Space

Side Mouse Button

Hands-Free
Mouse 4

Hotkey not working? Make sure Speakmac has Accessibility permissions in System Settings.

If a mouse button does not register directly, map it to a keyboard shortcut in your mouse utility and bind that shortcut in Speakmac.

Need help? [email protected]

Ready to dictate?

Download Speakmac

Get the app and start using voice dictation with your new hotkey setup.

Requires macOS 14+ and Apple Silicon.