BlogGuides

Keyboard Shortcuts and Productivity Tips for Vox

·4 min read

Vox is voice-first, but it also supports a keyboard shortcut for users who prefer hybrid workflows. Here's the shortcut you need to know, plus tips for getting the most out of Vox with minimal friction.

The global shortcut

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + Alt + VToggle voice activation (same as saying “Computer”)

On macOS, use Cmd + Option + V. This shortcut works globally — even when Vox is minimized or in the background. It's the fastest way to activate Vox without the wake word.

Tip

If the default shortcut conflicts with another app on your system, Vox automatically falls back to Ctrl + Shift + Space (Cmd + Shift + Space on macOS).

Inside the app

Once the Vox window is focused, standard keyboard interactions work as you'd expect:

  • Enter sends your message in the chat input
  • Shift + Enter adds a new line without sending

Vox is designed so that voice is the primary input — most people rarely need to touch the keyboard at all. But when you do, it stays out of your way.

Voice + keyboard hybrid tips

The best Vox workflows combine voice and keyboard:

  • Use voice for commands while your hands are busy
  • Type detailed prompts when you need precision (code, specific formatting)
  • Speak for natural language tasks (email, summaries, file management)
  • Use Ctrl + Alt + V (Cmd + Option + V on macOS) to toggle voice when you can't say the wake word

Workflow tips

1. Use implicit references

Vox remembers context, so you don't need to repeat yourself:

Computer, send that to David too.

“That” refers to whatever you just created or discussed.

2. Chain commands naturally

Computer, find the report, update the dates to this month, and email it to the team.

Three operations in one sentence — Vox breaks them into sequential tool calls.

3. Set preferences up front

Computer, when I say 'the team' I mean Sarah, Marcus, Alex, and Jordan.

Now every future reference to “the team” resolves to those four people.

4. Use the Activity tab

The Activity tab shows all tool executions, background tasks, and system events. Check it when you want to see exactly what Vox did in response to a command.


Vox is designed to be used however feels natural — entirely by voice, entirely by typing, or a mix of both. There's no “right way” to use it.

Put Vox to work on your computer.

Download Vox for Mac and start with the local setup flow.

Download for Mac

macOS · Apple Silicon & Intel