Context Actions

Transform selected text

Context Actions use the same shortcut and request flow as Ask Dictāta. Select editable text and give an editing instruction such as:

• “Make this more formal.”
• “Turn this into bullet points.”
• “Translate this to German.”
• “Fix the grammar.”
• “Summarize this.”
• “Make it shorter.”

A direct editing request can replace the selected text. To review a draft first, explicitly ask to show it in the Ask window, then use Copy to paste it yourself.

macOS workflow

1. Select the text to work with.
2. Press Control+Option together, then release the keys to start Ask.
3. Wait for the recording cue and speak your instruction.
4. Press Option+Space, or double-tap Option, to finish.
5. Check the edited selection or the answer in the Ask window.

You do not need to hold Control+Option throughout your instruction.

Windows workflow

1. Select the text to work with.
2. Double-tap Ctrl, or press Ctrl+Alt+C, to start Ask.
3. Wait for the recording cue and speak your instruction.
4. Press Ctrl+Space, or double-tap Alt, to finish.
5. Check the edited selection or the answer in the Ask window.

If double-tap Ctrl is disabled, use the context shortcut configured in Settings → Interface.

Web pages and PDFs

A read-only page cannot accept a replacement. You can still select text for an explanation, summary, translation, or reply, then copy the answer into an editable app.

Selecting no text is also valid: Ask treats your request as a standalone question or a follow-up to an active conversation. See Ask Dictāta for follow-ups and Memory for saved personal background.