superwhisper modes and prompts: the built-in set, custom instructions, context, and switching
By Ryleigh Newman · Published
A superwhisper mode pairs a voice model with optional AI processing. The built-in presets are Voice to Text, Message, Mail, Note, Meeting and Super, and a Custom mode takes instructions you write. Super and Custom modes can also read context from your screen: the active app, selected text, and what you just copied.
I make YapToText, a different dictation app for the Mac, so read what I say about superwhisper with that in mind. Every fact about superwhisper here is from its own docs, read on October 10, 2026. The pages are Intro to Modes, Built-in Modes, Creating a Custom Mode, Switching Modes and Context awareness.
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.
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On this page: 8 sections
The built-in modes
From superwhisper's docs page Built-in Modes, read October 10, 2026. Message, Mail and Note have a Tone slider from Casual to Formal.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Voice to Text | Transcription only, with no AI processing |
| Message | Removes filler words, fixes grammar and punctuation, and keeps your tone |
| Formats an email with a salutation, paragraphs and a sign-off | |
| Note | Structures a note, with lists and key points |
| Meeting | Meeting minutes: attendees, action items, key points and decisions |
| Super | Adapts the text to the app in front, using context from the screen |
The superwhisper pricing page covers which modes the free plan allows.
Write a custom prompt
- In Settings, Modes, click Create mode and choose Custom.
- Fill in the Custom instructions field. Describe the change you want in plain language.
- Tick the context it should read: Application, Copied text, Selected text.
- Add two or three examples, each with an input and the output you expect.
The instructions field is empty by default, and the docs warn that a blank one gives unexpected results. Their advice: start with a clear role, list the requirements, keep it simple, and say outright that the input is dictated speech.
Inside a prompt you can point at four named pieces of content: User Message, which is your dictated text, Application Context, Selected Text and Clipboard Context. The docs give examples such as Translate the User Message to Spanish.
What context it reads, and when
From the docs page Context awareness.
| Context | What it is | When it is captured |
|---|---|---|
| Selected text | Text highlighted in the active window | The moment you start recording |
| Clipboard | Text you copied | Within three seconds before recording starts, or while you speak |
| Application | The active app, and text from its input fields | After transcription, before AI processing |
With Application Context on, superwhisper also includes the date and time, your full name and your computer name. The context checkboxes need Pro. The docs suggest turning on only what a mode needs, since extra context is extra information sent to the AI. To see exactly what was sent, open the dictation in History. The superwhisper privacy page covers where it goes.
Four ways to switch modes
- A shortcut. With the recording window open, press your Change Mode shortcut and tap to cycle. The default the docs show is Option-Shift-K, and Option-Space starts dictation.
- The menu bar. The superwhisper icon, then Select Mode.
- By app or site. In a mode's editor, Activate for apps switches to it when you dictate in the apps and websites you add.
- Deep links. Addresses that automation tools can open, shown below.
superwhisper://mode?key=YOUR_MODE_KEY
superwhisper://record
superwhisper://record/start
superwhisper://record/stopWhat happens: The first switches mode, and the others toggle, start and stop recording. A mode's key is in its JSON file in the modes folder inside ~/superwhisper.
The superwhisper CLI does the same from Terminal, and the docs link to community integrations for Raycast and Alfred.
When Super mode misbehaves
- Commands. Super mode handles formatting commands on selected text, such as title case or bullet points. The docs say it is not built to summarize, expand or rewrite. Use a Custom mode for those.
- The model. The local S1-mini model cannot run Super mode. It works only in Message and Mail. The docs say Super may need a more capable cloud language model.
- Timing. Keep the right window in front until processing finishes, and copy text no more than three seconds before you start.
The same idea in YapToText
superwhisper from its docs, read October 10, 2026. YapToText from its own settings.
| superwhisper | YapToText | |
|---|---|---|
| Built in | Voice to Text, Message, Mail, Note, Meeting, Super | Raw Transcription, Clean Up, Note, Email, Message, Code Comment |
| Chosen by | A shortcut, the menu bar, app and site rules, or deep links | Auto mode, a default mode per app, a mode's own shortcut, or number keys 1 to 9 while dictating |
| AI step runs | On the model you pick per mode, cloud or local | On the Mac, with the cleanup model that ships in the app |
| Custom modes | Yes, with your own instructions and examples | Yes, with your own instructions |
| Price of AI modes | Pro | Free |
superwhisper gives you more to tune. YapToText's Auto mode picks the formatting for you from what you are saying and where you are typing. The modes help page and the Auto mode page explain mine, and the VoiceInk Modes page covers a third app's take.
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
- Built in. Voice to Text, Message, Mail, Note, Meeting and Super.
- Custom. Your own instructions, with examples.
- Context. The app, selected text and the clipboard, with Pro.
- Switch. A shortcut, the menu bar, per-app rules or deep links.
- Check. History shows what was sent to the AI.
If superwhisper changes its modes, 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://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/modes (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/built-in (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/custom (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/switching-modes (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/common-issues/context (checked 2026-10-10)
- https://superwhisper.com/docs/get-started/choose-your-model (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 are superwhisper modes?
A mode pairs a voice model with optional AI processing for one purpose, such as a message, an email, a note or plain transcription.
How do I write a superwhisper prompt?
Create a Custom mode and fill in Custom instructions. Start with a clear role, list requirements, and add two or three input and output examples.
What is Super mode in superwhisper?
A built-in mode that adapts your dictation to the active app, using the app, selected text and clipboard as context.
How do I switch modes in superwhisper?
Use the Change Mode shortcut while the recording window is open, the menu bar, per-app activation rules, or a deep link.
Does superwhisper read my screen?
Only in modes with context turned on. Application context reads the active app and text in its input fields, and History shows what was sent.