> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://superwhisper.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Recording window

> A tour of the Superwhisper recording window. Learn the waveform, mode display, stop and cancel controls, and the mini window.

The recording window gives you control and real-time feedback during dictation.

![Superwhisper recording window with numbered callouts for each control](https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper/5xbIlyHuHvVAPaBi/images/screens/mac/recording-window-main.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=5xbIlyHuHvVAPaBi\&q=85\&s=6d1e6c54349f9a2bcec483f214763675)

1. **Resize toggle**: switch between the main and mini view
2. **Waveform**: shows the audio your microphone captures in real time
3. **Mode display**: your active mode. Click it to switch modes, or hold **⌥ ⇧ K** (Option + Shift + K). In Super Mode, this area shows your current application or website context
4. **Stop**: ends the recording and starts processing. Click it or press the same keyboard shortcut you used to start
5. **Cancel**: discards the dictation. Click it or press **esc**. Recordings under 30 seconds cancel immediately; longer ones ask for confirmation

## While recording

A moving waveform means your microphone is working:

![Superwhisper recording window showing an active waveform while dictating](https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper/5xbIlyHuHvVAPaBi/images/screens/mac/recording-window-recording.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=5xbIlyHuHvVAPaBi\&q=85\&s=3c8be44c70c7698abfafb7fd27ee5036)

If the waveform stays still:

* Verify your selected input device in [Superwhisper's Sound tab](https://superwhisper.com/docs/get-started/essential-settings.md#sound-and-microphone)
* Confirm microphone permission in **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone**

> [!NOTE]
>
> Exception: with [system audio capture](https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/modes.md#advanced-settings), the waveform stays still by design. Your audio still records. Verify it in [History](https://superwhisper.com/docs/get-started/history.md).

In Super Mode and Custom modes with [context awareness](https://superwhisper.com/docs/common-issues/context.md) enabled, an indicator lights up when Superwhisper captures clipboard context (text copied within 3 seconds before dictation or during it) or selected text at the moment recording begins.

## Realtime transcription

With a [realtime-capable voice model](https://superwhisper.com/docs/common-issues/realtime.md), the window shows your words as you speak:

![Superwhisper recording window showing live realtime transcription](https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper/5xbIlyHuHvVAPaBi/images/screens/mac/recording-window-realtime.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=5xbIlyHuHvVAPaBi\&q=85\&s=4c71b44027f59a8272f32eeedf46e78b)

## Switch modes from the window

Hold your **Change Mode** shortcut to open the mode list, then tap the key to cycle through modes:

![Recording window mode switcher listing available modes](https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper/nuTetdsD4WaOh6uF/images/screens/mac/mode-switcher.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=nuTetdsD4WaOh6uF\&q=85\&s=20736ef202f034db34641407485bc740)

See [Switching Modes](https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/switching-modes.md) for every switching method.

## Mini recording window

The mini window is a compact version with the same core controls. Click the resize toggle to switch to it.

* **Keep it on screen**: Superwhisper can keep the mini window visible as a small indicator. Hover over it to change mode, start recording, or expand to the regular window
* **While recording**: the mini window shows the waveform; hover to reveal a stop button
* **Right-click** the mini window for a context menu with Expand Window, Open Settings, and Open History

## Related

> [card] [Advanced settings](https://superwhisper.com/docs/get-started/settings-advanced.md)
>
> Customize the recording window and mini window behavior.

> [card] [Context awareness](https://superwhisper.com/docs/common-issues/context.md)
>
> How Superwhisper uses your app, selection, and clipboard as context.


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