> ## 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.

# Set up Vox with Willow Voice

Willow Voice handles the transcription, Vox provides the microphone and the button.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Turn off Vox dictation">
    Otherwise both tools transcribe at once and you get the text twice. In Vox, open
    **Settings → Basic → Dictation** and turn off **Built-in dictation**. See
    [Use another dictation tool instead](/other-apps/external-dictation).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Vox as Willow Voice's microphone">
    In Willow Voice, open **Settings → Microphone** and choose **Vox** from the list of
    input devices. Willow Voice keeps using that microphone whenever it is available.
    In Vox, make sure **Settings → Basic → Other apps → Use Vox in other apps** is
    enabled. See [Use Vox as a microphone anywhere on Mac](/other-apps/virtual-mic).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a hotkey a Vox button can send">
    Willow Voice's default hotkey is the **Function (fn)** key on its own. In Willow
    Voice, open **Settings → Hotkey Binding** and add a key combination that does
    not use **fn**, such as **Ctrl + Option + D**. Willow Voice allows up to four
    hotkeys, so **fn** keeps working from the keyboard. A combination must include at
    least one modifier key.

    For one-press dictation, assign a separate hotkey to **Hands-Free Mode** in the same
    section. Pressing it once starts dictation, and pressing it again stops and inserts
    the text.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Map a Vox button to it">
    In Vox, open **Buttons** in the left sidebar and select a button. Set its **Press**
    gesture to send the Hands-Free Mode hotkey. To talk only while the button is held,
    set its **Hold** gesture to send the dictation hotkey instead. See
    [Map shortcuts to your buttons](/using-vox/button-shortcuts).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Recommended settings

| Setting | Where | Value |
| - | - | - |
| Vox dictation | Vox → Settings → Basic → Other apps → Built-in dictation | Off |
| Vox button press | Vox → Buttons → button → Press | Willow Voice's Hands-Free Mode hotkey |
| Microphone | Willow Voice → Settings → Microphone | Vox |
| Hands-Free Mode hotkey | Willow Voice → Settings → Hotkey Binding | A key combination |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Willow Voice starts but stops immediately">
    The dictation hotkey only records while it is held, and a button **Press** sends a
    quick tap. Map the button's **Press** to the Hands-Free Mode hotkey, or map its
    **Hold** gesture to the dictation hotkey.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Willow Voice records silence">
    Check that Vox is connected and that Willow Voice has microphone permission in
    **System Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text appears twice">
    Vox dictation is still on. Turn it off.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


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