Skip to main content

​
Default Hotkeys

Stenox comes with four configurable hotkeys for different actions:
ActionDefault HotkeyDescription
Hold-to-Recordfn (Globe key)Hold to record, release to process
Toggle RecordingOption + SpacePress to start, press again to stop
Cancel RecordingEscapeCancel the current recording
FeedbackRight ⌘ + Right ⌥Send feedback directly to the team
All hotkeys can be customized in Settings → Hotkeys.

​
Recording Modes

Stenox supports two recording modes:

​
Push-to-Talk (Default)

Hold the hotkey while speaking, release when done. How it works:
  1. Press and hold the hotkey (default: fn)
  2. Speak your message while holding
  3. Release the hotkey to stop recording
  4. Stenox processes and inserts the text
Best for:
  • Quick dictations
  • Precise control over recording duration
  • Preventing accidental recordings

​
Toggle Mode

Press once to start recording, press again to stop. How it works:
  1. Press the hotkey once to start recording
  2. Speak your message (hands-free)
  3. Press the hotkey again to stop
  4. Stenox processes and inserts the text
Best for:
  • Longer dictations
  • Hands-free operation
  • When you can’t hold a key continuously
Enable Toggle Mode in Settings → Hotkeys by toggling “Toggle Mode” on.

​
Hotkey Details

​
Hold-to-Record Hotkey

The primary hotkey for starting recordings. Default: fn (Globe key on Apple keyboards) Behavior:
  • Push-to-Talk mode: Hold to record, release to process
  • Toggle mode: Press to start/stop recording
Customization options:
  • Single modifier key (fn, Control, Option, Command)
  • Modifier + key combination (e.g., Control + R)
The fn key only works on Apple keyboards. If you’re using a non-Apple keyboard, configure a different hotkey in Settings.

​
Toggle Recording Hotkey

An alternative hotkey that always uses toggle behavior. Default: Option + Space Behavior:
  • Press once to start recording
  • Press again to stop recording
  • Works regardless of your main recording mode setting
Use case: Quick toggle access even when Push-to-Talk is your primary mode.

​
Cancel Recording Hotkey

Immediately cancel the current recording without processing. Default: Escape Behavior:
  • Stops recording immediately
  • Discards the audio (no transcription)
  • Returns to idle state
Use case: Made a mistake or changed your mind mid-recording.

​
Feedback Hotkey

Send feedback directly to the Stenox team using voice. Default: Right ⌘ + Right ⌥ (Right Command + Right Option) Behavior:
  • Opens the feedback interface
  • Record your feedback with voice
  • Automatically transcribed and sent
Use the feedback hotkey to report bugs, suggest features, or share your experience. Your voice feedback is transcribed and sent directly to the team.

​
Customizing Hotkeys

1

Open Stenox Settings

Click the Stenox menu bar icon → Settings
2

Navigate to Hotkeys

Select the Hotkeys tab
3

Click on a hotkey to change it

Click the hotkey field you want to customize
4

Press your new key combination

Press the key or combination you want to use
5

Save

The hotkey is saved automatically

​
Hotkey Tips

Avoid conflicts

Check that your hotkey doesn’t conflict with other apps or system shortcuts.

Use modifiers

Modifier combinations (like Control + R) are less likely to conflict.

Left vs Right modifiers

Stenox can distinguish between left and right modifier keys for more options.

Test in different apps

Make sure your hotkey works in all the apps you use for dictation.

​
Troubleshooting

Possible causes:
  • Another app is using the same hotkey
  • Accessibility permission not granted
  • Stenox not running in background
  • Using fn with a non-Apple keyboard
Solutions:
  • Try a different hotkey combination
  • Check System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility for Stenox
  • Ensure Stenox icon appears in menu bar
  • Use Option + Space instead of fn for non-Apple keyboards
The fn (Globe) key is specific to Apple keyboards and may not work with:
  • Third-party keyboards
  • Some external Apple keyboards
  • Keyboards with fn mapped to other functions
Solution: Use Option + Space or another key combination instead.
Some apps capture hotkeys before Stenox can receive them.Solutions:
  • Try a different hotkey combination
  • Check the app’s keyboard shortcuts settings
  • Use a more unique combination (e.g., Control + Shift + R)
Ensure you’re pressing the cancel hotkey during an active recording.Note: The cancel hotkey only works while recording is in progress. If you’re in idle state, there’s nothing to cancel.
Hotkey: fn (default) Mode: Push-to-TalkHold fn, speak briefly, release. Perfect for short messages and quick notes.
Hotkey: Option + Space Mode: TogglePress to start, speak at length, press to stop. Ideal for paragraphs and longer content.
Hotkey: Control + Shift + R Mode: Push-to-TalkAvoids conflicts with common IDE shortcuts. Hold while dictating comments or documentation.
Hotkey: Option + Space or Control + Space Mode: EitherWorks reliably across all keyboard types.

​
Next Steps

Your First Dictation

Practice using your hotkeys with step-by-step guidance.

Create Profiles

Set up different hotkeys for different apps.

Add Vocabulary

Improve transcription accuracy with custom terms.

Troubleshooting

Solve common issues with hotkeys and recording.