> ## 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

> The built-in commands, and how to write your own.

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.

## 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              |

## Creating your own

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Open Vox, go to **Settings**, and find the voice commands section.
  </Step>

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