Get help with Contextli
Find answers to common questions, learn how features work, and get the most out of context-aware voice dictation.
Getting started
Installation
- Download Contextli for Mac or Windows from the download page.
- Run the installer and follow the setup steps.
- Grant microphone permissions when prompted.
- Sign in or create an account to get started.
Initial setup
- Keep the default hotkey, ⌥ Space on Mac or Ctrl Space on Windows, or pick your own.
- Test your microphone to make sure it's working.
- Choose a processing mode: Cloud (default), Bring your own key, or Local on-device (Pro and Pro Plus).
- Start with a built-in context, such as Email or Slack, or create your own.
Basic usage
- Open any application where you want to write, such as Gmail, Slack or Notion.
- Select the context that fits what you are writing, for example Email or Slack.
- Click into the text field where you want the text to land.
- Press your hotkey, speak naturally, then press it again to stop.
- Contextli formats your speech and, with auto-paste on by default, pastes it into the active field.
Features
How contexts work
Contexts are formatting profiles that shape your speech for where you are writing. Contextli ships with 18 built-in contexts, and each one sets:
- Tone. Professional for Email, casual for Slack, technical for a bug report.
- Formatting. Structure, lists and headings suited to the destination.
- Stored context. Details you add about your projects and workflows.
Creating custom contexts
- Go to Settings, then Contexts, then Create New Context.
- Give your context a name and description.
- Write a prompt describing how you want the output formatted.
- Add stored context about your projects, team or workflows.
- Test the context and refine the prompt as needed.
Hotkeys
Your hotkey starts and stops recording, and it's customizable in Settings. You can also give an individual context its own hotkey for instant access, and switch contexts from the floating Context Bar.
Integrations
Works with any text field
Contextli works at the system level, so it pastes into any application that accepts text input: email clients, Slack, project tools, docs and note apps. Click into a text field and dictate.
Setting up for each application
Pick the context that matches what you are writing before you dictate, for example Email in Gmail or Slack in a Slack channel. See the use cases page for setup guides by workflow.
Troubleshooting
Microphone not working
Check that:
- Microphone permissions are granted in system settings
- The correct microphone is selected in Contextli settings
- Your microphone isn't being used by another application
- Your microphone is properly connected
Text not pasting correctly
Try:
- Making sure your cursor is in a text field when you start recording
- Checking that the target application accepts text input
- Restarting Contextli if the issue persists
Hotkey conflicts
If your hotkey doesn't work:
- Change the hotkey combination in Settings, then Hotkeys
- Make sure the combination isn't used by another application
- Choose one that's easy to reach but unique
Output quality
Improve accuracy by:
- Speaking clearly and at a moderate pace
- Adding stored context about your projects and workflows
- Refining your context prompt with specific instructions
- Using the context that matches the situation
Billing
Change or cancel your plan
Open Contextli on your Mac, Windows PC or phone, go to Settings, then Billing. From there you can:
- Cancel your plan (it stays active until the end of the period you have paid for)
- Switch between monthly and annual billing
- Update your card and download invoices
If you subscribed through the App Store, manage it under Subscriptions in your Apple ID settings. If you paid with a different email than the one you sign in with, contact support and we will sort it out.
Still need help?
Can't find what you're looking for? Check the FAQ or contact support.