> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Recording Window

> Learn how to identify and utilize the key features of the Superwhisper recording window, the central hub for your AI-powered dictation.

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem' }} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-001.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=33cab1b60f8e7b377958e6cd45cc6a58" alt="Superwhisper Recording Window" width="1412" height="464" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-001.png" />

## Overview

Superwhisper's recording window is carefully designed to provide intuitive control and real-time feedback during your dictation.

**Let's explore the key components of the main recording interface:**

***

## Main Recording Window

### 1. Resize Toggle

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-002.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=502b1606f97e63089b5222ec3e642155" alt="Superwhisper Resize Toggle" width="1482" height="488" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-002.png" />

When you hover over the recording window, you can click here to switch between the main and mini view.

### 2. Audio Waveform

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-004.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=8a94d1a1d19845de656593f1b3ac7a43" alt="Superwhisper Audio Waveform" width="1478" height="486" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-004.png" />

The waveform visually represents the audio captured by your microphone, giving you real-time feedback during dictation sessions. A moving waveform indicates your microphone captures audio correctly.

If the waveform stays static, check these elements:

* Verify your selected audio input device in [Superwhisper's Sound tab](settings-sound)
* Confirm microphone permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone

<Note>Exception: When using [system audio capture in a Custom mode](../modes/custom#audio-options), the waveform remains static. Your audio still records properly - you can verify this in the [History tab](interface-history), which displays detailed information about each dictation session.</Note>

### 3. Status Indicator

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-005.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=0313a911f6e26ce90c040e97f1d4df59" alt="Superwhisper Status Indicator" width="1478" height="486" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-005.png" />

The color-coded dot reflects the current recording status, similar to the one in [the menu bar](interface-menu-bar#status-indicator-dot):

* Yellow: Model loading in progress
* Blue: Dictation processing
* Green: Processing completed

### 4. Mode Display

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-006.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=0fdc5d0f9f53205595a3d3b20f040330" alt="Superwhisper Mode Display" width="1476" height="480" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-006.png" />

This area of the recording window shows your currently active mode in Superwhisper and displays the keyboard shortcut for quick mode switching. You can click here to switch modes manually.

<Info>
  In Super Mode, this area displays your current application or website context.
</Info>

### 5. Context Capture

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-007.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=00f6120ad4f00c49566a5e0cf6eea8cc" alt="Superwhisper Context Capture Indicator" width="1474" height="482" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-007.png" />

This indicator can appear in Super Mode or Custom modes with [context awareness features](../common-issues/context) enabled. It lights up to confirm Superwhisper has captured clipboard context - when you copy text within 3 seconds before dictation starts or during an active dictation session. Additionally, it signals when selected text context is captured at the exact moment recording begins.

### 6. Stop Recording

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-008.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=3453717ab7a5fc51d1ae673847bbe2c6" alt="Stop Superwhisper's dictation" width="1480" height="482" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-008.png" />

If you're ready to wrap up your dictation, click here to stop recording - or use the same keyboard shortcut you used to start.

### 7. Cancel Dictation

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-009.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=a78f97d34160a99a0b83bb8b99a8b079" alt="Cancel Superwhisper's dictation" width="1476" height="480" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-009.png" />

Click here to cancel your current dictation session or use your assigned keyboard shortcut. For recordings longer than 30 seconds, Superwhisper displays a confirmation message to prevent accidental cancellations. Recordings under 30 seconds cancel immediately.

***

## Mini Recording Window

The mini recording window provides a compact yet feature-rich interface for controlling Superwhisper.

### Always-Active Mini Window

[In Advanced Settings](settings-advanced#recording-window), you can configure the mini window to remain active even when idle. This creates a small visual indicator that's always accessible.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Hover Over the Indicator">
    When you hover over the mini window indicator, a control panel appears with three options:

    1. Change Mode
    2. Start Recording
    3. Expand to Regular Window

    <img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-010.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=d0592f59f3b9d5d1084344416925ff9c" alt="Superwhisper Mini Window on Hover" width="770" height="434" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-010.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Post-Request Controls">
    These same controls (Change Mode, Start Recording, Expand) also appear after a dictation request completes, particularly when results aren't automatically pasted to the front application.

    <img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-011.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=12ef5747c95cdeaccb04e3b7dbb80539" alt="Superwhisper Mini Window with Resuls" width="1036" height="582" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-011.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Recording with the Mini Window

You can start recording either by:

* Clicking the recording button in the mini window
* Using your standard keyboard shortcut

During recording, the mini window displays audio waveforms similar to the main window (1). When you hover over the mini window while recording (2), a stop button appears to end the recording and begin processing.

<img style={{ borderRadius: '0.5rem'}} src="https://mintcdn.com/superwhisper-docs-cloud-model-rate-limits/pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL/images/get-started/interface-rec-window-012.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=pbQcuJvzOhF7n2dL&q=85&s=d1ab0c2fad9c62d59ba99beec0b0f5c6" alt="Superwhisper Mini Window During Recording" width="1169" height="658" data-path="images/get-started/interface-rec-window-012.png" />

### Additional Mini Window Features

<Tip>
  Right-click on the mini window to access a context menu with options to:

  * Expand Window
  * Open Settings
  * Open History

  These options are also available during active recording sessions.
</Tip>

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Advanced Settings" icon="sliders" href="settings-advanced">
    Learn how to customize the mini window behavior and other Superwhisper settings.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Context Awareness" icon="brain-circuit" href="../common-issues/context">
    Discover how Superwhisper's context awareness features superpower your dictation. These features help AI understand your needs and deliver smarter, more accurate results.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>