Hands-free dictation

Start dictation with a double-tap and stop with a single tap, so you don't have to hold a key. Ideal for longer text like emails and notes.

What is hands-free mode?

Hands-free mode lets you dictate without holding a key down. By default Epilude uses push-to-talk: you hold your hotkey while speaking and release when done. Hands-free flips that, so you can speak for as long as you need with your hands off the keyboard.

This is ideal for longer dictations like emails, messages, or notes where holding a key gets uncomfortable.

How to start and stop

Hands-free uses your push-to-talk hotkey (the default is Left ⌘ + E). There's no separate hotkey to set.

  • Start: double-tap the hotkey. The dictation indicator appears, confirming Epilude is listening.
  • Stop: tap the hotkey once. Epilude processes and inserts your text.
  • Auto-timeout: if you stop speaking for 10 minutes, Epilude ends the session on its own.

A normal press-and-hold still works for push-to-talk, so both modes share the same key without getting in each other's way.

Push-to-talk vs. hands-free

Push-to-talkHands-free
How it worksHold to speak, release to stopDouble-tap to start, single-tap to stop
Best forQuick phrases, short repliesEmails, long messages, notes
Hands busy?Requires one hand on the keyboardTwo quick taps, then hands off

Use both

You don't have to choose. Hold the hotkey for a quick reply, or double-tap it for longer dictation.

Cancelling

To cancel a hands-free session without keeping the text, tap your hotkey to stop, then undo the insertion with ⌘Z in most apps.

Tips

  • Use it for emails and messages where you need several sentences without interruption.
  • Pair it with Cleanup. A Medium or High Cleanup level polishes longer dictations into something inbox-ready.
  • Speak naturally. There's no need to rush, since Epilude keeps listening until you tap to stop.
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