Recording

Starting a Recording

There are two ways to start recording:

Using the Global Hotkey

Press your configured hotkey (default: Right Option ⌥) from any application. You’ll see:

• A visual overlay indicating recording is active
• An audio cue (if enabled)

Using the App Interface

1. Open the Yap window
2. Click the Start Recording button

Stopping a Recording

Press the hotkey again or click Stop in the overlay. The recording will be:

1. Saved temporarily
2. Sent for transcription
3. Auto-pasted to your active application (if enabled)

Canceling a Recording

If you want to discard a recording without transcribing:

• Press Esc during recording
• Or click Cancel in the recording overlay

Recording Overlay

When recording, you’ll see a floating overlay showing:

• Waveform visualization — Visual feedback of your audio
• Stop button — End recording and transcribe
• Cancel button — Discard recording

The overlay appears above all windows so you always know when you’re recording.

Audio Feedback

Yap can play sounds when:

• Recording starts
• Recording stops

Enable or disable this in Settings → Sound Feedback.

Tips for Better Recordings

Environment

• Quiet space — Background noise reduces accuracy
• Consistent distance — Stay about 6-12 inches from your microphone
• No echo — Avoid large, empty rooms

Speaking

• Natural pace — Don’t rush or speak too slowly
• Clear pronunciation — Enunciate clearly
• Complete thoughts — Pause at natural break points

Equipment

• External microphone — Built-in mics work but external mics are better
• Pop filter — Reduces plosives (p, b sounds)
• Headphones — Prevent echo from speakers

Choosing Your Microphone

If you have multiple microphones:

1. Go to Settings
2. Under Audio Input Device, select your preferred microphone
3. Test with a short recording

Common microphone options: