# Dictionary and Command Mode shortcuts. Dimmy Help.

> Dictionary and Command Mode shortcuts. Step-by-step help for Dimmy, the native voice dictation app for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Source: https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-dictionary-command/

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Hotkey

# Dictionary and Command Mode shortcuts

Two optional shortcuts beside the dictation hotkey: add selected text to your dictionary (Ctrl + Shift + D) and run a one-shot AI command.

The dictation hotkey starts and stops recording ([the defaults](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-default/)). Settings → Shortcut also holds two optional shortcuts for specific actions.

## Add-to-dictionary shortcut

Ctrl + Shift + D Windows default

Select a word in any app (a name, a brand, a technical term) and press the combo. Dimmy adds it to your custom dictionary, so future transcriptions get it right. Entries can be up to 100 characters; you review and remove them in Settings.

On macOS the same action also lives in the Services menu: select text → right-click → Services → Add to Dimmy Dictionary.

## Command Mode shortcut

Unset by default. Once set, press it instead of the dictation hotkey to run a single AI command: transform the selected text, or generate and insert when nothing is selected. After the paste it auto-clears and the next recording is normal dictation again. It follows the same Hold or Toggle mode as your dictation shortcut. Full guide: [Command Mode](https://dimmy.app/help/command-mode/).

## Conflicts

Dimmy refuses combos that overlap each other. Ctrl + Space clashes with Ctrl + Shift + Space because one is contained in the other. If a new combo conflicts with your dictation or dictionary shortcut you get a toast and the change is not saved.

tip

You can skip the Command Mode shortcut entirely and use the sticky toggle in the pill menu instead: turn it on, fire several commands in a row, turn it off.

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## In this category

[ HotkeyDefault hotkey per platformCmd + Option on macOS, Win + Alt on Windows and Linux. Two-key combos chosen to never clash with system shortcuts.](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-default/) [ HotkeyChange your hotkeySettings → Shortcut. Press the new combo. Dimmy validates it against system shortcuts and saves.](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-change/) [ HotkeyToggle vs hold-to-recordHold-to-record: hold the hotkey while talking. Toggle: press once to start, again to stop. Both work, pick what feels right.](https://dimmy.app/help/hotkey-modes/) [ HotkeySwitch style or tone with the scroll wheelScroll on the pill to cycle AI styles. Ctrl + scroll to cycle tones. No need to open Settings.](https://dimmy.app/help/scroll-shortcuts/)

Last updated: 2026-05-22

On this page

1. [01 Add-to-dictionary shortcut](#add-to-dictionary-shortcut)
2. [02 Command Mode shortcut](#command-mode-shortcut)
3. [03 Conflicts](#conflicts)