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

# Shortcut Problems

> Fixing keyboard shortcut issues.

## Shortcut Not Working At All

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check Permissions (macOS)">
    Accessibility permission is required for global shortcuts. Go to **System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility** and ensure Vowen is enabled.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restart Vowen">
    Fully quit (right-click tray icon > Quit) and relaunch. After granting Accessibility permission, a restart is required.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check for Conflicts">
    Close other voice-to-text apps (Wispr Flow, SuperWhisper, Spokenly) that might grab the same shortcut. Also check system shortcuts in System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Re-record the Shortcut">
    Go to **Settings > Shortcuts**, click the shortcut field, and press your desired key combination again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Platform-Specific Issues

### macOS: Fn Key Not Working After Install

The Fn key sometimes doesn't register immediately after first install or after granting permissions.

**Fix:** Fully quit and relaunch Vowen. If it still doesn't work, try restarting your Mac.

### Windows: "Option Key" Confusion

macOS documentation refers to the "Option" key. On Windows:

* **Option** = **Alt**
* **Command** = **Windows key**

So "Option + Shift" becomes "Alt + Shift" on Windows.

### Windows: Left Command Key Doesn't Work

There's a known issue where the left Command (Windows) key in shortcuts may not work properly.

**Fix:** Use the right-side modifier key, or choose a different shortcut combination that doesn't include the Windows key.

## Mouse Button Shortcuts

Vowen supports mouse buttons (Middle, Back/M4, Forward/M5) as shortcuts.

### Mouse Button Stuck / Won't Stop Recording

This has been fixed in recent versions. Update to the latest version via **Settings > General > Check for Updates**.

### Browser Navigation When Using Mouse Buttons

When using the Forward/Back mouse buttons for Vowen, they may also trigger browser navigation.

**Workaround:** Vowen suppresses the original key function in recent versions. Update to the latest version for this fix.

## Keyboard Layout Issues

### AZERTY / Non-QWERTY Keyboards

Shortcuts work with any keyboard layout since they use key codes, not characters.

If you're on a non-QWERTY layout and experiencing paste issues:

* Try switching text insertion method to "Direct typing" in Settings > General

## Specific Scenarios

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Shortcut works in some apps but not others">
    Some apps intercept certain key combinations:

    * **F7 in browsers** — triggers Caret Browsing mode (use a different key)
    * **Ctrl+Shift in terminals** — may be bound to copy/paste
    * **Remote desktop apps** — may consume shortcuts before Vowen sees them

    Try a different shortcut that doesn't conflict with the target app.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Shortcut activates but recording doesn't start">
    Check if:

    * Your microphone is connected and working
    * The correct audio device is selected in Settings > Audio
    * The audio device isn't being used exclusively by another app
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Multiple shortcuts triggering at once">
    Vowen has a 500ms grace period to detect overlapping shortcuts. If you have similar shortcuts (e.g., `Fn` and `Fn+Control`), the more specific one wins. Try making your shortcuts more distinct.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Want different shortcuts for with/without AI">
    Configure alternative shortcuts in Settings > Shortcuts. Each shortcut can independently toggle AI Enhancement on or off, regardless of the global setting.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>