> ## 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.

# Global Shortcut

> Start dictating instantly from anywhere with a keyboard shortcut

Use the global shortcut to start and stop dictation from any app on macOS.

## Default Shortcut

The default shortcut is **fn**.

You can use it in two easy ways:

* Tap **fn** once to start recording, then tap again to stop.
* Hold **fn** while you speak, then release to stop.

**What to expect:** Utter inserts transcribed text at your current cursor position.

## Changing the Shortcut

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Click the Utter menu bar icon and choose **Settings**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Shortcut Section">
    Open the **Shortcut** section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Shortcut Field">
    Click the shortcut field.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set New Shortcut">
    Press your preferred key combination.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Some shortcuts conflict with macOS or app shortcuts. If the shortcut does not trigger, choose a different combination.
</Warning>

**If that did not work:** Restart Utter after changing the shortcut, then test again in a text field.

<Tip>
  You can also set custom shortcuts for specific modes to start dictating with a mode already selected. See [Mode Shortcuts](/features/ai-prompts#mode-shortcuts) for details.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Shortcut not working">
    1. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility** and confirm **Utter** is enabled.
    2. Change the shortcut to a combination you do not use elsewhere.
    3. Quit and reopen Utter.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text doesn't insert">
    Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility** and ensure **Utter** is enabled.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>