---
title: "What is the difference between Dictation and Agent mode?"
description: "Use Dictation to write in a text field, or ask the Agent to answer questions and carry out tasks."
---

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

# What is the difference between Dictation and Agent mode?

Use **Dictation** when you want your speech turned into text. Use **Agent mode** when you want Viora to respond to a request or help you do something.

## Write with Dictation

1. Click the text field where you want to write.
2. Hold **right Command (⌘)** on your Mac and speak.
3. Release the key when you finish.
4. Review the text Viora inserts.

Viora transcribes your speech into text. For example, dictate a reply in your email composer or explain an idea in your notes app.

**Dictation refinement** is an optional switch under **Settings → Output**. It is off by default. Its setting describes improved formatting and fluency with a slight delay; review the result after turning it on.

Dictation is for the words you want to write. If you want an answer to a question, use Agent mode.

## Ask the Agent

Hold **Fn** on your Mac, say your request, then release the key. Review the response in the Agent Card.

Try a clear request such as “Explain the difference between revenue and profit” or “Draft a short follow-up email asking for a meeting next week.”

For tasks that need an external service, first [connect the relevant app](/en/articles/10000006-connect-apps). Include the recipient, date, document, or other details the task needs. Review any request for confirmation before approving an action.

## Change the shortcuts

The keys above are the Mac defaults. If you have customized them, use the shortcuts shown in Viora's settings and on-screen hints.

Open **Settings → Keyboard Shortcuts** to change the Dictation and Agent bindings. Each action has one shortcut field; clearing it disables that global shortcut. Choose different bindings for the two actions.

<figure>
  <img src="https://help-images.viora.io/2026-09-07/d4453f5f2d12-dictation-shortcuts.webp" alt="Viora Output and Keyboard Shortcuts settings showing Dictation refinement off, Dictation right Command, and Agent Fn" width="1600" height="1300" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
  <figcaption>Default shortcuts in the example settings view. Dictation refinement is optional and starts off.</figcaption>
</figure>

## Nothing happens when I speak

Check that a microphone is connected and Viora has microphone permission. On macOS, also complete the system-permission steps shown by Viora so it can respond to global shortcuts and insert text.

For Dictation, place the cursor in an editable text field before recording. If a shortcut was cleared or changed, use its current binding. If an error appears, keep its wording when [contacting support](https://viora.io/contact).

Source: https://help.viora.io/en/articles/10000005-dictation-and-agent/index.mdx