Getting started
Install, permissions and the Globe key.
Help
SwitchDesk Help
Step-by-step answers for dictation, meeting notes, screen videos and your to-do list, with every setting named the way the app shows it.
Popular:Set up the Globe keyRecord a meetingFix dictation and microphone problemsCreate a video and share the link
Getting started
Three steps to your first dictation.
- Step 1Install SwitchDesk and grant permissionsDrag the app to Applications, then allow the macOS permissions each tool asks for, and why.Read the steps
- Step 2Set up the Globe key and the ⌘⇧Space fallbackSet macOS’s “Press 🌐 Key To” to “Do Nothing” so holding Globe dictates, and use ⌘⇧Space when Globe isn’t free.Read the steps
- Step 3Dictate into any app: hold or hands-freeHold Globe while you talk, or double-tap it to talk hands-free; the text lands where your cursor is.Read the steps
Quick fixes
Three messages you might see, and what to do.
The emoji picker opens when you hold 🌐
Set “Press 🌐 Key To” to “Do Nothing” in System Settings → Keyboard.
Set up the Globe keyDictation hears nothing with the lid closed
Choose your USB or external mic under “Input device” in Settings → Dictation.
Fix dictation and microphone problemsCreate Video shows no screens
Couldn't list screens — is Screen Recording allowed in System Settings?
Switch SwitchDesk on in Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording.
Fix Create Video problems
Browse
All 16 articles, by topic.
Voice Dictation
Hold Globe, talk, let go.
Meeting Notes
Record calls, captions, search and Ask.
Create Video
Screen, Window or Area, and the link.
To-Do List
Today’s Todo, This Week, categories.
Also built in
AI Chat, Recap, Teams, iPhone, Timers.
Integrations & API
Send to-dos in, hear back when they’re done.
Account & billing
Plans, trial, sign-in and sync.
Privacy & permissions
What stays on your Mac, and why macOS asks.
Troubleshooting
Mic, Globe key and screen-recording fixes.
Still stuck?
Email support with a diagnostics report.
In SwitchDesk, open Settings then Dictation, scroll to the bottom and press “Copy Diagnostics”. It copies your build, your macOS version and one line per recent dictation session, never what you said. Then email support@abstrakt.group and paste it in.