Features
Keyboard Shortcuts
Default keyboard shortcuts and how to customize them.
Dial8 is designed to be keyboard-driven. Three global hotkeys give you instant access to voice features from any app.
Default Hotkeys
| Action | Default Key | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Speech to Text | Option | Hold to record, release to transcribe. Press Space while holding to lock recording hands-free. |
| Text to Speech | Control | With text selected, press to read aloud. Press again to pause/resume. |
| AI Chat | Fn | Hold to record a voice message for the AI assistant. Release to send. |
Customization
All hotkeys can be reassigned in Settings > Hotkeys. You can use:
- Single modifier keys — Option, Control, Fn, Command, or Shift
- Modifier combinations — e.g., Command + Shift
- Key + modifier — e.g., Command + Shift + R
To reassign a hotkey:
- Open Settings > Hotkeys
- Click the Record button next to the hotkey you want to change
- Press your desired key combination
- The new hotkey is saved automatically
Dial8 detects conflicts if you try to assign the same key to multiple actions. Avoid keys that overlap with system-wide macOS shortcuts.
Additional Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Universal Search | Cmd + K |
| Open Settings | Cmd + , |
| Dismiss active HUD | Escape |
Push-to-Talk Details
When using the Speech to Text hotkey:
- Hold and release — Standard push-to-talk. Audio transcribes on release.
- Hold + Space — Locks recording mode. Continue speaking hands-free. Press the hotkey again to stop.
- Blocked during meeting capture — STT hotkey is disabled while a voice note recording is active to prevent conflicts.
AI Chat Details
The AI Chat hotkey has a 200ms minimum hold to prevent accidental triggers. A quick tap is ignored. While held, the app captures your screen context alongside your voice for richer AI responses.