Keyboard Shortcuts
In-App Shortcuts
These work when the AI Transcription Notepad window is focused.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+R | Start recording |
| Ctrl+Space | Pause/resume recording |
| Ctrl+Return | Stop and transcribe |
| Ctrl+S | Save to file |
| Ctrl+Shift+C | Copy to clipboard |
| Ctrl+N | Clear editor |
Global Hotkeys
Global hotkeys work system-wide, even when AI Transcription Notepad is minimized or unfocused. All hotkeys are configurable via Settings → Hotkeys, using F13-F24 keys.
Default Hotkey Mapping
| Key | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| F15 | Toggle | Start recording, or stop and transcribe immediately |
| F16 | Tap Toggle | Start recording, or stop and cache audio (for append mode) |
| F17 | Transcribe | Transcribe cached audio without starting a new recording |
| F18 | Clear | Delete current recording and clear all cached audio |
| F19 | Append | Start a new recording that appends to cached audio |
| F20 | Pause | Pause/resume current recording |
Simple Workflow (Toggle only)
- Press F15 (Toggle) to start recording
- Press F15 again to stop and transcribe immediately
Append Workflow
- Press F16 (Tap Toggle) to start recording
- Press F16 again to stop and cache (audio is held in memory)
- Press F19 (Append) to record another segment (appends to cache)
- Press F17 (Transcribe) to transcribe all cached segments together
- Press F18 (Clear) to clear cache and start over
Why F13-F24?
These extended function keys are ideal because:
- They don't conflict with other applications or desktop shortcuts
- They work reliably across Linux, including Wayland
- They're available on keyboards with macro/programmable keys
Most standard keyboards only have F1-F12. If your keyboard doesn't have F13+ keys, you can remap other keys or buttons to emit these keycodes.
Customizing Hotkeys
Go to Settings → Hotkeys to configure key mappings:
- Each function can be assigned any key from F13-F24
- Set to "Disabled" to turn off a hotkey
- Duplicate detection: assigning a key already in use will clear the previous assignment
- "Reset to Defaults" button restores F15-F20 mappings
Setting Up Hotkeys with Input Remapper
If you have a USB foot pedal, macro keypad, or want to remap standard keys like Pause/Break, see the Hotkey Setup Guide for step-by-step instructions using Input Remapper.
Common remapping options:
- Pause/Break key to F15 for toggle recording
- USB foot pedal buttons to F15/F17/F18 for hands-free operation
- Extra mouse buttons to F15 for quick dictation
Technical Notes
- On Linux/Wayland: Hotkeys work via evdev (reads directly from input devices)
- Requires user to be in the 'input' group for evdev access
- Falls back to pynput/X11 on non-Linux systems
- Configure hotkeys in Settings → Hotkeys (F13-F24 keys supported)