Mode Settings
Every setting available inside VoiceInk Modes.
Triggers
The top of the Mode editor controls when the Mode activates. For matching behavior, see Mode Triggers.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Triggers | Adds apps, websites, suggested trigger groups, or spoken word triggers. |
| Keyboard Shortcut | Starts recording directly with this Mode. |
Transcription
For transcription, you can manage all the available local and cloud models from the AI Models catalog.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Model | Chooses the transcription model for this Mode. |
| Real-time | Shows partial transcript while recording when the model supports streaming. |
| Language | Chooses a supported language. Some models use Autodetected automatically. |
| Paragraph breaks | Applies intelligent paragraph formatting to longer transcripts. |
AI Enhancement
When AI Enhancement is enabled, the Mode can clean up text, rewrite selected text, draft emails, or answer questions. The result depends on the selected prompt.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| AI Provider | Chooses a connected enhancement provider. |
| AI Model | Chooses the provider model. Local CLI uses its default model setting. |
| Prompt | Chooses a prompt. You can edit the selected prompt or add a new one from the Mode editor. |
| Context Awareness | Lets the prompt use selected text, clipboard text, and/or visible screen text. See Context Awareness. |
Turning AI Enhancement on automatically selects an available provider, model, and prompt when the Mode does not already have them.
Advanced
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Output | Chooses where the final text goes after transcription and optional AI enhancement. |
| Set as default | Uses this Mode when no app or website trigger matches. Respond Modes cannot be default. |
| Auto Send | Presses Return, Shift+Return, or Command+Return after pasted text. |
| Custom Command | Runs a local shell command with the final text. See Custom Commands. |
Output Modes
Output controls delivery. The Mode still uses its transcription, formatting, prompt, and context settings first. Then VoiceInk delivers the final text using the selected output mode.
| Mode | Best for | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Paste | Normal dictation, chat, email, notes, forms | VoiceInk pastes the final text into the active app. Auto Send can press Return, Shift+Return, or Command+Return after pasting. |
| Respond | Assistant-style questions and follow-ups | VoiceInk keeps the AI response inside the recorder instead of pasting it. See Assistant Mode. |
| Custom Command | Local workflows and automations | VoiceInk runs your shell command and gives it the final text. See Custom Commands. |
Respond is available only when AI Enhancement has a connected provider and selected prompt. A Respond Mode cannot be the default Mode. See Assistant Mode for the full workflow.
Custom Command runs locally with your user permissions. VoiceInk sends the final text on stdin and also exposes it as VOICEINK_TRANSCRIPT. This is useful for workflows like copying a modified transcript, appending to a journal, opening a search, or handing text to another script. See Custom Commands for examples and technical details.