Route dictation directly to Slack, Email, or Calendar with keyboard shortcuts

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Available on: Mac, Windows

Customize how you start, stop, and control dictation in Flow by assigning your own keyboard shortcuts — or mouse buttons — to actions like push-to-talk, hands-free mode, and pasting your last transcript.

What it is

Keyboard shortcuts let you trigger Flow's core dictation actions without taking your hands off the keyboard. You can assign up to four shortcuts per action, and mouse buttons are supported alongside keys. Shortcuts are managed in the Shortcuts dialog under Settings → General → Shortcuts.

When to use it

Customize your shortcuts when you want to:

  • Replace the default push-to-talk key with one that's easier to reach on your keyboard

  • Bind a mouse button to dictation so you can talk without using a key at all

  • Resolve a conflict with another app that already uses Flow's default shortcut

  • Assign multiple shortcuts to the same action for different setups (laptop vs. external keyboard)

How it works in Flow

Overview

Open Settings → General → Shortcuts and click Change to open the Shortcuts dialog. Each action has its own row, and you can assign up to four bindings per row.

Configurable actions

  • Push to talk: Hold to dictate, release to stop.

  • Hands-free mode: Toggle dictation on and off without holding a key.

  • Enter rebind: Remap the Enter key during dictation.

  • Command Mode: Trigger Flow's command interpreter instead of plain dictation.

  • Paste last transcript: Re-paste your most recent dictation result.

  • Cancel: Stop the current dictation without inserting text.

Depending on your setup and enabled features, additional rows may appear for Open Scratchpad, Transform, View Diff, and Focus Mode.

Default shortcuts

  • Push to talk: Fn (Mac) / Ctrl+Win (Windows)

  • Hands-free mode: Fn+Space (Mac) / Ctrl+Win+Space (Windows)

  • Paste last transcript: Cmd+Ctrl+V (Mac) / Shift+Alt+Z (Windows)

  • Cancel: Esc

Key behaviors

  • Multiple bindings: Assign up to four shortcuts per action, useful when switching between keyboards or input devices.

  • Mouse button support: Bind extra mouse buttons (such as side buttons on a gaming mouse) to any dictation action.

Best practices

  • Start with the defaults and only change shortcuts that conflict with apps you use daily.

  • Use a mouse button for push-to-talk if you dictate while reading or scrolling.

  • Keep Cancel bound to Esc so it's easy to bail out of a dictation that's going sideways.

FAQs

Can I use a mouse button instead of a key?

Yes. In the Shortcuts dialog, click into a row and press the mouse button you want to bind. It will be saved alongside any keyboard shortcuts for that action.

How many shortcuts can I assign to one action?

Up to four shortcuts per action. Any of them will trigger that action.

Why don't I see Open Scratchpad or Focus Mode in my shortcuts list?

Those rows only appear when the related features are enabled or available in your setup. If you don't see them, they're not active for your account.

Can I restore the original defaults?

Yes. Clear your custom bindings in the Shortcuts dialog and Flow will fall back to the defaults listed above.

Limitations and notes

  • Keyboard shortcut customization is available on Mac and Windows.

  • A maximum of four shortcuts can be assigned per action.

  • Conditional rows (Open Scratchpad, Transform, View Diff, Focus Mode) only appear when those features are enabled.