Hotkey Configuration
StarWhisper's global hotkey allows you to control recording from anywhere on your computer without switching to the app. This guide explains how to configure and use keyboard shortcuts effectively.
Default Hotkey
The default hotkey to toggle recording is:
This hotkey works globally across all applications. Press it once to start recording, press it again to stop.
How to Change the Hotkey
Step 1: Open Settings
- Right-click the StarWhisper circle
- Select Settings from the menu
- Click the Hotkeys tab on the left
Step 2: Configure Your Hotkey
- Find the Custom Hotkey field
- Click on the input field
- Press your desired key combination (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+D)
- The field will display your new hotkey immediately
- The setting is saved automatically
Live Preview
As you press keys, the input field shows exactly what combination will be registered. If you make a mistake, press Escape to cancel and try again.
Supported Modifier Keys
You can combine modifier keys with regular keys to create your hotkey:
| Modifier | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl | Control | Most common modifier |
| Alt | Alt | Works well with other modifiers |
| Shift | Shift | Can combine with Ctrl or Alt |
| Win/Meta | Windows / Command | Windows key or Command key on Mac |
Valid Key Combinations
- Ctrl + any letter (A-Z)
- Ctrl + any number (0-9)
- Ctrl + function keys (F1-F12)
- Ctrl + special keys (Space, Tab, Enter, etc.)
- Multiple modifiers: Ctrl+Shift+D
- Any combination of modifiers: Ctrl+Alt+R
Modifier Keys Alone
You cannot use modifier keys by themselves (just Ctrl or just Alt). You must combine them with at least one regular key.
Global Hotkey Behavior
Works Everywhere
The hotkey is registered system-wide, meaning it works in any application:
- Text Editors: Word, Notepad, VS Code, etc.
- Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.
- Email Clients: Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird, etc.
- Chat Apps: Teams, Slack, Discord, etc.
- Any Windows Application
Window Management
When you press the hotkey:
- If StarWhisper is hidden, it becomes visible
- If already visible, it starts/stops recording
- The circle remains always-on-top (configurable in settings)
- Your cursor stays in the active application
Tips for Choosing a Good Hotkey
Avoid Common Shortcuts
Choose a combination that doesn't conflict with existing application shortcuts:
| Avoid | Reason | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl+C | Universal Copy | Ctrl+Shift+R |
| Ctrl+V | Universal Paste | Ctrl+Alt+V |
| Ctrl+S | Universal Save | Ctrl+` |
| Ctrl+F | Find/Search | Ctrl+Space |
| Ctrl+Tab | Switch Tabs | Alt+Space |
Easy to Press
Choose combinations that are comfortable to press with one hand:
- Good: Ctrl+Space (default) - thumb + pinky
- Good: Ctrl+` (backtick) - next to number row
- Good: Alt+Space - easy left-hand press
- Awkward: Ctrl+Shift+9 - requires stretching
Application-Specific Considerations
VS Code Users: Avoid Ctrl+Space (autocomplete). Try Ctrl+Shift+M instead.
Slack Users: Avoid Ctrl+K (quick switcher). Try Alt+R instead.
Chrome Users: Avoid Ctrl+T (new tab). Try Ctrl+Shift+Space instead.
Troubleshooting Hotkeys
Hotkey Not Working
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hotkey doesn't respond | Check if another application is using the same combination. Try a different hotkey. |
| Only works in some apps | Some apps may intercept hotkeys. Try using a less common combination. |
| Hotkey changed but still using old one | Close and restart StarWhisper to re-register the hotkey. |
| Can't press the combination | Some keyboards don't support certain key combinations. Try a different combination. |
Conflict Detection
If StarWhisper cannot register your hotkey, it means another application has already claimed it. Common culprits:
- Other voice dictation software (Dragon, Windows Speech Recognition)
- Gaming software (Discord, Steam overlay)
- Productivity tools (clipboard managers, screenshot tools)
- System utilities (display managers, sound control)
Finding Conflicts
Check the startup programs in Task Manager to see what apps might be registering global hotkeys. Close them temporarily to test if the conflict goes away.
Recommended Hotkey Examples
Here are some popular hotkey combinations that work well and rarely conflict:
| Hotkey | Use Case | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl+Space | Default, general use | Easy to press, intuitive |
| Ctrl+` | Programmers | Near number row, one-handed |
| Alt+Space | Writers | Easy left-hand press |
| Ctrl+Shift+R | Heavy keyboard users | Unlikely to conflict |
| Ctrl+Alt+M | Multi-app users | M for microphone, memorable |