MacWhisper keyboard shortcuts: the full list, and how to set the dictation key
By Ryleigh Newman · Published
MacWhisper has fixed shortcuts inside its window, for search, playback, the sidebar tabs and editing segments, and two shortcuts you choose yourself: one for Dictation, which types into any app, and one for Global, a floating recorder. The tables below are the full list from its help center.
I built YapToText, a different Mac app for dictation and file transcription, so read what I say about MacWhisper with that in mind. Every fact about MacWhisper here comes from its own help center, read on October 10, 2026. The articles are Keyboard Shortcuts, How to use the Dictation feature and How to use the Global feature.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
This guide in other languages: العربية, Čeština, Dansk, Deutsch, Ελληνικά, Español, Suomi, Français, עברית, हिन्दी, Magyar, Bahasa Indonesia, Italiano, 日本語, 한국어, Norsk, Nederlands, Polski, Português, Română, Русский, Slovenčina, Svenska, ไทย, Türkçe, Українська, Tiếng Việt, 简体中文, 繁體中文
In the transcript window
From MacWhisper's help article Keyboard Shortcuts, read October 10, 2026.
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Search or filter | Command-F |
| Find and Replace | Command-Shift-F |
| Increase font size | Command-Plus |
| Decrease font size | Command-Minus |
| Play or pause | Space bar |
| Increase playback speed | Shift and the greater-than key |
| Decrease playback speed | Shift and the less-than key |
Sidebar tabs
From the same article.
| Tab | Keys |
|---|---|
| Transcript | Command-1 |
| AI | Command-2 |
| Translations | Command-3 |
| Info | Command-4 |
| Export | Command-5 |
In the segments view
From the same article. The speaker recognition page covers naming speakers.
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Split a line while editing text | Shift-Return |
| Assign a speaker to the selected row | 1, 2, 3 and so on |
| Favorite the selected row | F |
| Copy the selected row | Command-C |
Set the dictation shortcut
- On MacWhisper's home screen, click Dictation. The article recommends this route because it walks you through setup. Settings, Dictation also works.
- Choose the keyboard shortcut you want.
- Press it in any app and speak. The text goes into the field you are in.
Dictation exists only in the version from macwhisper.com. The article says the App Store edition cannot have it because of Apple's restrictions on apps sold there. AI prompts that rewrite dictated text need a Pro license and your own key from an AI provider, and can be set per app.
Set the Global shortcut
- Open Settings, or click Global on the home screen.
- Click the shortcut field and press the combination you want.
- Press it anywhere. The Global overlay appears on top of your other apps, ready to record.
Global needs a Pro license. It has three options: Auto Start begins recording as the overlay opens, Auto copy puts the finished transcript on the clipboard, and Always on Top keeps the window above other apps.
If the dictation key does nothing
The MacWhisper troubleshooting page covers dictation that fails in specific apps, permissions and slow transcription.
YapToText's keys, for comparison
MacWhisper from its help center and pricing page. YapToText from its own settings.
| MacWhisper | YapToText | |
|---|---|---|
| Dictation key | A shortcut you choose | One key, Right Command by default. Tap to start and stop, or hold to talk |
| While dictating | Not described in its shortcut list | Space pauses, Esc cancels, 1 to 9 pick a mode |
| Edit selected text by voice | AI prompts, with Pro and your own key | Right Option, built in and free |
| Price of dictation | Free with Whisper, Pro for more | Free |
The keys and shortcuts help page lists every YapToText key, and the Mac dictation shortcut guide covers Apple's own.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
The short version
- Find. Command-F, and Command-Shift-F to replace.
- Play. Space bar, with Shift and the angle keys for speed.
- Tabs. Command-1 to Command-5.
- Dictation. A shortcut you set, in the macwhisper.com version only.
- Global. A second shortcut, with Pro.
If MacWhisper changes a shortcut, open an issue on GitHub and I will update this page. Every one gets read.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Related
Sources
- https://docs.macwhisper.com/article/28-keyboard-shortcuts (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://docs.macwhisper.com/article/14-how-to-use-the-dictation-feature (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://docs.macwhisper.com/article/16-global (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://docs.macwhisper.com/article/31-app-specific-dictation-prompts (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://github.com/ryleighnewman/YapToText (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yaptotext/id6786382289 (checked 2026-10-10)
Questions
What is the MacWhisper dictation shortcut?
There is no fixed one. You choose it when you turn on Dictation from the home screen or in Settings, Dictation.
How do I change the MacWhisper hotkey?
Open Settings, then Dictation or Global, click the shortcut field and press the new combination.
How do I speed up playback in MacWhisper?
Press Shift and the greater-than key to speed up, and Shift and the less-than key to slow down.
How do I assign a speaker with the keyboard in MacWhisper?
In the segments view, select a row and press 1, 2, 3 and so on.
Why is there no dictation shortcut in the App Store version?
Its help article says dictation is only in the version sold on macwhisper.com, because of restrictions Apple puts on Mac App Store apps.