> ## 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.
# Creating a Custom Mode
> Custom Mode runs your own AI instructions on your dictation. Add context awareness to build specialized workflows.
## Key features
Custom Mode gives you:
* Full control over the AI processing instructions
* Context awareness
* Flexible processing for any workflow
***
## Additional settings
### Custom instructions
The mode editor has a **Custom instructions** field. Describe the transformation you want in natural language; the AI applies it to every dictation in this mode.
> [!NOTE]
>
> Instructions are empty by default. If left blank, the AI doesn't know what task to perform and may give unexpected results.
### Context awareness
The **Context** row in the editor has three checkboxes:
* Application
* Copied text
* Selected text
> [!NOTE]
>
> Context awareness checkboxes need a Pro license. They work identically to [Super Mode context awareness features](https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/built-in.md#context-awareness).
***
## Prompting tips
> [accordion] Referencing Content
>
> **When writing AI instructions for use in Superwhisper, you can direct AI's attention to specific content using these naming conventions:**
>
> * `User Message`
> * Contains your dictated text
> * `Application Context`
> * Includes the data from your active application window
> * `Selected Text`
> * Text you have selected when triggering your dictation
> * `Clipboard Context`
> * Contains the text you've copied
>
> ***
>
> **These titles let you create targeted instructions for AI**. For example:
>
> * "Translate the User Message to Spanish"
>
> * "Based on the Application Context, suggest relevant code comments"
>
> * "Format the User Message accordingly based on the content found in Clipboard Context"
>
> > [!TIP]
> >
> > If you want AI to know your input is dictated speech, include it explicitly. For example: *"The User Message contains dictated text. Please format it into proper paragraphs."*
>
> ***
>
> **Instruct AI exactly which content to focus on and what to do with it.** You can combine them in your instructions to create powerful workflows:
>
> ```
> If Application Context shows a code editor:
> - Format the User Message as code comments
> - Use coding style from Clipboard Context as reference
> ```
> [accordion] Writing Effective Instructions
>
> **1. Clear Purpose**
>
> Define your AI instructions by starting with a clear role or purpose statement. This sets the foundation for how the AI will process your content.
>
> **2. Requirements**
>
> Create a detailed list of specific requirements and expectations. Being explicit helps ensure the AI understands exactly what you need.
>
> **3. Structure**
>
> Organize your instructions using separate sections for different components. This modular approach makes your instructions easier to understand and modify.
>
> **4. Keep Simple**
>
> Write direct, straightforward instructions without unnecessary complexity. Clear communication leads to better results.
> [accordion] Using XML Tags
>
> For complex, multi-step instructions, structuring your prompt with XML tags can help communicate clearly with the AI:
>
> > [!NOTE]
> >
> > XML tags are optional in Superwhisper prompts. In many cases, using XML tags improves clarity and output quality, especially with advanced models. However, some less capable or local AI models may misinterpret or be confused by XML tags. Use them thoughtfully and test your results for best compatibility.
>
> **Basic Tag Structure**
>
> * Set a role and instructions:
>
> ```xml theme={null}
> You are a text editor
> Format the content of User Message into clear paragraphs
> ```
>
> * Define specific requirements:
>
> ```xml theme={null}
>
> - Use simple, clear language
> - Keep the casual tone
> - Break into short paragraphs
>
> ```
>
> * Provide context and style:
>
> ```xml theme={null}
>
> - This content is for a cooking blog post
> - Target audience is home cooks
> - Should use casual, approachable language
> - Include cooking-specific terminology where relevant
>
>
>
>
>
> - Title and introduction
> - Ingredient list
> - Step-by-step instructions
> - Cook's notes and tips
>
> ```
>
> > [!NOTE]
> >
> > Adjust and expand your XML tags to fit your needs. More detailed instructions usually give better results.
> [accordion] Add Examples
>
> **Examples help you teach AI exactly how to process your input and what kind of output you expect.** Examples sit under **Custom instructions** in the mode editor.
>
> **Each example consists of two parts:**
>
> * **Spoken input**: how you'll phrase your requests
> * **AI Output**: the response you expect
>
> **How to set:**
>
> * Fill in both the **Spoken input** and **AI Output** fields
>
> * Click **Add example** to add another pair
>
> > [!NOTE]
> >
> > Adding 2-3 examples significantly improves AI's understanding of your needs and leads to more accurate responses.
***
> [!TIP]
>
> Unlike other modes, Custom Mode isn't limited to text formatting. Combine context awareness with your instructions to build specialized workflows.
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