Hands-free dictation

Start and stop dictation without holding a key, using a double-tap or your own hands-free hotkey.

What is hands-free mode?

Hands-free mode lets you dictate without holding a key down. By default Epilude uses push-to-talk: you hold your hotkey while speaking and release when done. Hands-free flips that, so you can speak for as long as you need with your hands off the keyboard.

This is ideal for longer dictations like emails, messages, or notes where holding a key gets uncomfortable.

How to start and stop

Hands-free works with your push-to-talk hotkey (the default is Left ⌘ + E). You can also set a separate key or extra mouse button under Settings → Hotkeys → Hands-free.

  • Start: double-tap push-to-talk, or press your separate hands-free hotkey once. The dictation indicator appears when Epilude starts listening.
  • Stop: tap push-to-talk once, or press your separate hands-free hotkey again. Epilude processes and inserts your text.
  • Maximum duration: Epilude stops a hands-free session after 35 minutes by default. You can change this under Settings → AI Models → Dictation behavior.

A normal press-and-hold still works for push-to-talk.

Push-to-talk vs. hands-free

Push-to-talkHands-free
How it worksHold to speak, release to stopDouble-tap push-to-talk, or press a separate hotkey to toggle
Best forQuick phrases, short repliesEmails, long messages, notes
Hands busy?Hold the assigned key or mouse buttonTwo quick taps or one press of a separate hotkey, then hands off

Use both

You don't have to choose. Hold the hotkey for a quick reply, or double-tap it for longer dictation.

Cancelling

To cancel a hands-free session without keeping the text, tap your hotkey to stop, then undo the insertion with ⌘Z in most apps.

Tips

  • Use it for emails and messages where you need several sentences without interruption.
  • Pair it with Cleanup. A Medium or High Cleanup level polishes longer dictations into something inbox-ready.
  • Speak naturally. There's no need to rush, since Epilude keeps listening until you tap to stop.
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