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General Settings

This page covers the general configuration options available in Knowii Voice AI. These core settings control how you interact with the application and trigger voice recordings.

Recording Controls​

Configure how you start and stop voice recordings.

Shortcut​

Location: Settings > General

Set a custom keyboard shortcut to start and stop voice recording:

  • Default shortcut varies by operating system
  • Works system-wide (even when the app is minimized or in the background)
  • Shortcut behavior depends on the Push To Talk setting:
    • Push To Talk disabled: Press once to start recording, press again to stop
    • Push To Talk enabled: Hold the shortcut to record, release to stop

How to Set a Shortcut:

  1. Click on the shortcut input field
  2. Press the key combination you want to use (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+Space)
  3. The shortcut is automatically saved
  4. Click the reset button to restore the default shortcut

Tips:

  • Choose a shortcut that doesn't conflict with other applications
  • Use modifier keys (Ctrl, Shift, Alt/Option, Command) for better reliability
  • Test the shortcut to ensure it works system-wide
  • Avoid shortcuts used by your operating system or frequently-used applications

Common Shortcut Examples:

  • Ctrl+Shift+Space - Popular choice, easy to reach
  • Ctrl+Alt+R - Simple and memorable (R for Record)
  • Command+Shift+Space - macOS-friendly alternative
  • Ctrl+Shift+V - Alternative using V for Voice

Push To Talk​

Location: Settings > General

Enable or disable Push To Talk mode:

  • Disabled (default): Toggle mode - press shortcut once to start, press again to stop
  • Enabled: Push To Talk mode - hold shortcut to record, release to stop

Toggle Mode (Push To Talk disabled):

  • Press the shortcut → recording starts
  • Press the shortcut again → recording stops and transcription begins
  • Useful for longer recordings or hands-free operation
  • You can do other tasks while recording continues
  • Recording duration limited only by your needs

Push To Talk Mode (Push To Talk enabled):

  • Hold down the shortcut → recording starts and continues
  • Release the shortcut → recording stops and transcription begins
  • Recording only happens while holding the key combination
  • Useful for quick, short recordings
  • Prevents accidentally leaving recording running
  • Similar to walkie-talkie or push-to-talk radio operation

Which Mode Should You Use?

Use Toggle Mode (Push To Talk disabled) when:

  • Recording longer passages or dictation
  • You need to use your keyboard while recording
  • Transcribing meetings or conversations
  • Recording hands-free while multitasking
  • Speaking for more than a few seconds

Use Push To Talk Mode when:

  • Making quick, short voice notes
  • You want precise control over recording start/stop
  • Concerned about accidentally recording unwanted audio
  • Recording in bursts with pauses between
  • Prefer physical confirmation that recording is active

Common Scenarios​

Quick Voice Notes​

Recommended settings:

  • Enable Push To Talk
  • Choose an easy-to-reach shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+Space)
  • Enable Audio Feedback for confirmation

Usage:

  1. Hold shortcut
  2. Speak your note
  3. Release shortcut
  4. Text is pasted automatically

Long-Form Dictation​

Recommended settings:

  • Disable Push To Talk (use Toggle mode)
  • Choose a memorable shortcut
  • Consider disabling audio feedback to avoid interruptions

Usage:

  1. Press shortcut to start
  2. Dictate your content
  3. Press shortcut again to stop
  4. Text is pasted automatically

Meeting Transcription​

Recommended settings:

  • Disable Push To Talk (use Toggle mode)
  • Use a less-common shortcut to avoid accidental triggers
  • Disable Audio Feedback to avoid disturbing the meeting

Usage:

  1. Press shortcut at meeting start
  2. Let it record the entire meeting
  3. Press shortcut at meeting end
  4. Text is pasted to your notes application

Hands-Free Operation​

Recommended settings:

  • Disable Push To Talk (use Toggle mode)
  • Map shortcut to a foot pedal or external device if available
  • Enable Audio Feedback for confirmation

Troubleshooting​

Shortcut Not Working​

  1. Verify the shortcut is correctly set in Settings > General
  2. Check if another application is using the same shortcut
  3. Try a different key combination
  4. Ensure Knowii Voice AI is running (check system tray)
  5. Restart the application
  6. Check system permissions for global keyboard shortcuts

Shortcut Conflicts​

If your shortcut conflicts with another application:

  1. Identify which application is conflicting
  2. Either change the Knowii Voice AI shortcut
  3. Or change the shortcut in the conflicting application
  4. Common conflicts:
    • System shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+Del on Windows)
    • Browser extensions
    • Other productivity tools
    • IDE shortcuts

Push To Talk Not Working Properly​

  1. Ensure Push To Talk is enabled in Settings > General
  2. Hold the shortcut longer - don't release immediately
  3. Check if your keyboard supports multiple key combinations
  4. Try a simpler shortcut combination
  5. Verify no other application is intercepting the shortcut

Recording Starts Unexpectedly​

  1. Check if Push To Talk is enabled (may want Toggle mode instead)
  2. Verify your shortcut isn't too easy to trigger accidentally
  3. Choose a more complex key combination
  4. Consider using modifier keys (Ctrl, Shift, Alt/Option)

Tips​

  • Start with Toggle mode and switch to Push To Talk if you prefer more control
  • Test your shortcut before important recordings
  • Choose shortcuts that feel natural and are easy to remember
  • Use Audio Feedback initially to confirm recording start/stop
  • Consider your typical use case when choosing between Toggle and Push To Talk
  • Document your shortcut somewhere if you use a custom one

Need Help?​

If you have questions about general settings, visit the Support page.