Settings reference
Every settings tab, every toggle, its default, and whether it needs Pro.
Updated June 2026
THOHT's settings open from the menu‑bar icon. They're organized into tabs; this page documents every one, with each option's default and whether it needs Pro.
Defaults shown in this table
Where a default is listed, that's how THOHT ships out of the box. Pro marks options that need an active Pro subscription.
General
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Launch on Startup | Off | Open THOHT automatically when you log in. |
| Hide Dock Icon | Off | Run as a menu‑bar‑only app, with no Dock icon. |
| System Language | System Default | The app's interface language. Changing it needs a restart and does not affect what language you dictate in. |
| Audio Storage | 30 Days | How long recorded audio is kept for re‑transcription: Don't Store, 30 Days, 90 Days, 1 Year, or Forever. See History & sync. |
Hotkeys
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recording hotkey | ⌥D | Start/stop dictation. Click to record a new combination. |
| AI Polish hotkey Pro | ⌥C | Run the active AI prompt on selected or copied text. |
Audio
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Input Device | System Default | Choose which microphone to use; refresh to re‑scan devices. |
| Microphone test | — | Click Test and speak; the meter moves with your input level. Warns if you're too quiet. |
| Enable System Sounds | On | Play sounds when recording starts, stops, and completes — with a volume slider (default 50%). |
| Enable Haptic Feedback | On | Trackpad haptics on those same events. |
Transcription
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto‑Dismiss Transcription Result | Off | Automatically close the result after a delay (1–99s, default 2s). |
| Hands‑Free Text Insertion (auto‑paste) | — | Type transcribed text straight into the focused field. Requires Accessibility permission. |
| Live Preview Pro | Off | Show real‑time transcription while recording. Apple Silicon only. |
| Cloud Transcription Pro | Off | Use cloud transcription instead of on‑device. Required (and forced on) on Intel Macs; caps recordings at 9 minutes. |
Vocabulary
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Words | — | Names, brands and terms to recognize better. Free: 5 words. Pro: 20. See Custom vocabulary. |
AI Processing
The entire AI Processing tab is Pro. It shows your trial/subscription status at the top.
| Setting | Notes |
|---|---|
| Personal Context | A short profile (up to 500 characters) the AI personalizes with. |
| Translation | Target languages for Auto‑Translate (80+ supported). |
| AI Polish Text | Manage your prompts: toggle active ones, add custom (30 total), or restore defaults. |
| Auto‑Capture Selection | Highlight any text, then press ⌥C to polish it. Requires Accessibility. |
Advanced
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto‑unload model on memory pressure | Off | Free up memory under pressure; the engine reloads on your next recording. |
| Auto‑unload model after inactivity | Off | Unload after an idle period (1–60 min, default 5). |
| Reload Model | — | Unload and reload the transcription engine. Often fixes transient transcription errors — see Resetting the engine. |
Accessibility
These settings make THOHT usable hands‑free and are built for people with RSI, motor impairment, or injury.
| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility permission | — | A banner here grants the macOS Accessibility permission that auto‑paste and hands‑free rely on. |
| Hands‑Free Mode | Off | Control THOHT entirely by voice. Requests Speech Recognition permission. Includes a wake word picker and editable voice commands (start/stop/pause/cancel/polish). See Hands‑free mode. |
| Hands‑Free Text Insertion (auto‑paste) | On (when permitted) | Insert text into the focused field automatically. Active only once Accessibility is granted. |
| Auto‑Capture Selection Pro | On (when permitted) | Pair with ⌥C to polish highlighted text. Requires Accessibility. |
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