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

# Voice commands

A voice command is a phrase Vox acts on instead of typing out. Say it mid-dictation
and Vox does the thing rather than writing the words.

<Info>
  Voice commands are available in Vox on Mac. The iPhone and iPad app does not include
  voice commands.
</Info>

## Built-in commands

| Say                                                                                                                                         | Vox does                                    |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| "new line"                                                                                                                                  | Inserts a line break                        |
| "new paragraph"                                                                                                                             | Inserts a blank line                        |
| "comma", "period", "question mark"                                                                                                          | Inserts that punctuation                    |
| "copy", "paste", "paste without formatting", "cut", "undo", "redo", "select all", "delete", "forward delete"                                | Performs the matching editing action        |
| "save", "save as", "open", "new window", "new tab", "close", "reopen tab", "quit", "print", "minimize", "hide", "hide others", "fullscreen" | Performs the matching file or window action |
| "next tab", "previous tab", "switch app", "next window", "previous window", "go back", "go forward", "reload"                               | Performs the matching navigation action     |
| "find", "find next", "find previous", "zoom in", "zoom out", "actual size"                                                                  | Performs the matching search or zoom action |
| "bold", "italic", "underline"                                                                                                               | Applies the matching text format            |
| "spotlight", "mission control", "lock screen", "emoji", "screenshot", "screenshot area", "developer tools"                                  | Performs the matching system action         |
| "escape", "enter", "tab", "space", "page up", "page down", "home", "end", "top", "bottom"                                                   | Sends the matching key or scroll action     |
| "play", "next track", "previous track", "volume up", "volume down", "mute"                                                                  | Performs the matching media action          |
| "start dictating", "stop dictating", "cancel"                                                                                               | Controls the current dictation              |

To browse these commands in Vox, open **Buttons** in the Mac app's left sidebar, choose
the relevant profile, open the **Voice commands** card, and click the command count.
The sheet has a **Built-in commands** button.

## Creating your own

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Buttons">
    Open Vox and select **Buttons** in the left sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a profile and open Voice commands">
    At the top of the Buttons view, choose the profile that should own the command. In
    the **Voice commands** card, click the command count to open the editor.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a command">
    In the **Voice Commands** sheet, click **Add**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write the trigger phrase">
    This is what you will say. Pick something you would not say by accident in normal
    dictation. "Insert my address" is safer than "address".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose what it does">
    Choose a Vox capture action, a keyboard shortcut, or a media action. The available
    capture actions include dictation, notes, adding to the last note, and cancellation.
    To use the command from the device, set one of that profile's button gestures to
    **Voice Command** in the Buttons view.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Writing trigger phrases that work

* **Three or more syllables.** Short triggers fire by accident.
* **Unnatural word order helps.** A phrase you would never say in passing is a phrase that will never fire in passing.
* **Avoid homophones.** "Right" and "write" will collide.
* **Test it inside a real sentence**, not on its own. That is where false triggers show up.

<Warning>
  If a command fires when you did not mean it to, make the trigger longer rather than
  turning the command off. One extra word usually solves it.
</Warning>

## Commands and app profiles

Custom commands belong to the selected button profile. Assign that profile to an app
to make its commands active only while that app is in front. See [App-specific
profiles](/using-vox/app-profiles).