> ## 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.

# Switching Modes

> Switch modes with a keyboard shortcut, the menu bar, auto-activation rules, or deep links. Pick the method that fits your workflow.

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

## Overview

There are four ways to switch modes. Pick the one that fits how you work: a shortcut for switching mid-dictation, the menu bar for occasional changes, auto-activation for hands-off switching per app, and deep links for automation tools.

***

## Keyboard shortcut

A quick way to switch modes just before dictating, while the recording window is open.

1. Trigger dictation to open the recording window
2. Press your configured "Change Mode" keyboard shortcut
3. Hold the modifier key(s) and tap the other key repeatedly to cycle through modes
4. Release when you reach your desired mode

> [!NOTE]
>
> The active mode is visible only in the large recording window view.

***

## Menu bar

Change modes anytime from the menu bar.

1. Click the Superwhisper menu bar icon
2. Hover over the item with your active mode's name
3. Select a new mode from the submenu. A checkmark marks the active mode

The mode item shows only when you have more than one mode.

***

## Auto-activation rules

Superwhisper can switch modes automatically based on your active apps and websites. Set up rules in each mode's settings. Learn more in [auto-activation rules](https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/modes.md#auto-activation-rules).

***

## Deep links

Deep links let automation tools control Superwhisper. Superwhisper supports these:

```
superwhisper://mode?key=YOUR_MODE_KEY
superwhisper://record
superwhisper://record/start
superwhisper://record/stop
superwhisper://settings
```

* `record` toggles recording: it starts if idle and stops if recording.
* `record/start` starts recording only if none is active.
* `record/stop` stops recording only if one is active.
* `settings` opens the Superwhisper settings window.

**To find a mode's key:**

1. Open `~/superwhisper/modes` (or `~/Documents/superwhisper/modes` on older installs)
2. Quick Look the JSON files and match your mode by its `name` value
3. Copy the `key` value into your deep link

> [!TIP]
>
> Combine the mode and record deep links in an automation tool to switch modes and start recording in one action. Here's a [sample shortcut](https://www.icloud.com/shortcuts/a925e259d5e84806a700c2a58d4853a4) to start from.

***

> [!TIP]
>
> For more switching options, see the [Raycast](https://www.raycast.com/nchudleigh/superwhisper) and [Alfred](https://github.com/ognistik/alfred-superwhisper) integrations.


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