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Promptly Modes

Learn about the different interaction modes available in Promptly

Promptly offers different interaction modes to suit various workflows and preferences. Understanding these modes will help you make the most of the application's capabilities.

Standard Mode

The standard mode is Promptly's default interaction method:

  • Access: Press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + Space
  • Functionality: Transform any text instantly - rewrite, polish, summarize, or create content from scratch right where you need it
  • Text Replacement: If you have text selected, Promptly can replace it with the AI's response.
  • Best for:
    • Rewriting Slack messages on the fly
    • Making paragraphs sound more professional
    • Crafting punchier tweets
    • Generating emails from brief thoughts
    • Translating text
    • Fixing grammar without switching contexts

In standard mode, the floating window disappears after you receive a response, making it ideal for quick interactions without breaking your workflow.

Voice Input Mode

Voice input mode lets you speak your prompts instead of typing them:

  • Access: Press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + V
  • Functionality: Turn your spoken thoughts directly into polished text - just speak naturally and watch your ideas transform into written content
  • Best for:
    • Drafting emails while multitasking
    • Capturing complex ideas when typing would slow you down
    • Creating content while walking around
    • Generating meeting notes from verbal summaries

Voice input mode automatically detects when you've stopped speaking and submits your prompt, streamlining the interaction process.

Chat Mode

Chat mode enables ongoing conversations with the AI:

  • Access: Press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + C
  • Functionality: Have a continuous dialogue with AI about any content on your screen - ask follow-up questions, request clarification, or dive deeper into topics
  • Best for:
    • Analyzing highlighted articles you don't understand
    • Debugging selected code through conversation
    • Brainstorming ideas iteratively
    • Planning projects step-by-step
    • Learning complex topics through guided questioning

Unlike standard mode, the chat window remains open after receiving responses, allowing for continued conversation. The window can be manually closed when you're done.

Chat with Voice Mode

This mode combines chat functionality with voice input:

  • Access: Press Command (⌘) + Shift (⇧) + B
  • Functionality: Conduct natural spoken conversations with AI while maintaining context - speak, listen to responses, and continue developing ideas through dialogue
  • Best for:
    • Working through complex problems hands-free
    • Dictating and refining creative writing
    • Conducting verbal research sessions
    • Preparing for presentations by talking through concepts
    • Getting immediate feedback during thought processes

Context-Aware Features

Across all modes, Promptly offers context-aware functionality:

Selected Text Context

When you have text selected in any application:

  • Promptly detects the selected text automatically
  • The AI can use this text as context for your prompt
  • You can choose to have the AI replace the selected text with its response
  • This works in code editors, document editors, browsers, and most applications

Multi-Application Support

Promptly works across all your applications:

  • Invoke Promptly from any app using keyboard shortcuts
  • Text selection and replacement works across different applications
  • After text replacement, focus returns to your original application

Mode Switching

You can switch between modes during an interaction:

  • Toggle chat mode by clicking the chat icon in the floating window
  • Start voice input by clicking the microphone button
  • Return to standard mode from chat mode by toggling the chat icon off

Persistent Window Mode

In chat mode, once you start a conversation, the window becomes persistent:

  • The window stays open until manually closed
  • You can move and position the window as needed
  • A close button appears at the top right to dismiss the window when done
  • Escape key will always close the window regardless of mode

Tips for Choosing the Right Mode

  • Standard Mode: Best for quick edits, brief questions, or generating short content
  • Voice Mode: Ideal when you're multitasking or need to explain something complex
  • Chat Mode: Use when your task requires back-and-forth refinement
  • Selection Context: Always select relevant text before invoking Promptly to provide context