> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://utter.to/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Modes (AI Prompts)

> Transform your voice into emails, notes, summaries, and custom formats

Use a Mode to control how Utter formats your transcription. A Mode is an AI prompt plus output rules, such as "Email", "Summary", or your own custom format.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/thirdtech/JlHK0hFwT4s4tVIH/images/modes/mode-picker.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=JlHK0hFwT4s4tVIH&q=85&s=4292ee0ee6c40924a131d4eba214fabb" alt="Utter mode picker showing Dictation, Meeting, Coding, Ideas, Notes, and Sms modes" width="524" height="542" data-path="images/modes/mode-picker.png" />

## Built-in Modes

Utter includes built-in modes for common tasks:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Email" icon="envelope">
    Formats your dictation as a professional email with subject line, greeting, body, and signature
  </Card>

  <Card title="Note" icon="note-sticky">
    Creates clean, organized notes with bullet points and headers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Summary" icon="list-check">
    Condenses your speech into key points and takeaways
  </Card>

  <Card title="Message" icon="message">
    Formats as a casual message suitable for chat apps
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use a Mode

### Quick Selection

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start Recording">
    Press your global shortcut.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Speak Normally">
    Dictate your content.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a Mode">
    Before releasing, click a mode in the recording window, or use its shortcut.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** Your transcription is processed using the selected mode format.

### Keyboard Shortcuts

Assign keyboard shortcuts to your favorite modes for faster access:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Modes Settings">
    Go to **Settings > Modes**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a Shortcut Field">
    Click the shortcut field next to a mode.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign Shortcut">
    Press your desired key combination.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Example: Email Mode

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="What You Say">
    ```
    Send an email to Sarah about the quarterly report.
    Hey Sarah, I finished reviewing the Q3 numbers and
    everything looks good. Revenue is up 15% and we hit
    all our targets. Let's discuss in our meeting tomorrow.
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Output">
    ```
    Subject: Q3 Quarterly Report Review

    Hi Sarah,

    I finished reviewing the Q3 numbers and everything
    looks good. Revenue is up 15% and we hit all our
    targets.

    Let's discuss in our meeting tomorrow.

    Best,
    [Your name]
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Custom Modes

Create your own modes for specialized use cases.

### Create a Custom Mode

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Utter">
    Click Utter in the menu bar to open the main window
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create New Mode">
    Click the **+** button next to **Modes**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure">
    Enter a name, description, and mode instructions.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**What to expect:** The new mode appears in your mode list and can be selected before dictation.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/thirdtech/JlHK0hFwT4s4tVIH/images/modes/mode-editor.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=JlHK0hFwT4s4tVIH&q=85&s=ecdaf38143648dc565b0052fdeea876e" alt="Utter mode editor with output instructions, recording settings, speaker labels, system audio, AI model, and voice model options" width="2070" height="2518" data-path="images/modes/mode-editor.png" />

### Write Better Mode Instructions

Good mode instructions are:

| Do                                  | Don't                          |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Be specific about the output format | Be vague ("make it better")    |
| Include examples if helpful         | Write overly long instructions |
| Specify tone and style              | Assume context                 |

### Example Custom Mode Instructions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Tweet Thread">
    ```
    Convert this into a Twitter thread. Each tweet should be
    under 280 characters. Number each tweet (1/, 2/, etc).
    Make it engaging and add relevant line breaks.
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Meeting Notes">
    ```
    Format as meeting notes with:
    - Date and attendees at top
    - Key discussion points as bullets
    - Action items clearly marked with owners
    - Next steps at the bottom
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Slack Message">
    ```
    Format as a Slack message. Keep it casual but professional.
    Use emoji sparingly. Break into short paragraphs.
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Mode Shortcuts

Set a custom keyboard shortcut for any mode to start dictating immediately with that specific mode active.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Utter">
    Click Utter in the menu bar to open the main window
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit a Mode">
    Click on a mode to edit it
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign a Shortcut">
    Click the shortcut field and press your desired key combination
  </Step>
</Steps>

When you press the shortcut, Utter will start recording with that mode already selected, so your transcription is automatically processed through it.

## Tips

<Tip>
  Start with a built-in mode, duplicate it, then adjust the instructions to match your workflow.
</Tip>

<Note>
  Mode output is AI-generated, so results can vary. If you need strict formatting, use explicit instructions.
</Note>