Mini Recorder
A compact floating panel that can be positioned anywhere on screen.
Recording Interface
When you start recording, FloWords displays a visual interface showing your recording status. Choose from different recorder styles to fit your preferences.
Recorder Styles
Section titled “Recorder Styles”FloWords offers two recorder interface styles:
Notch Recorder
Elegantly integrates with MacBook Pro’s notch display area.
Mini Recorder
Section titled “Mini Recorder”The Mini Recorder is a compact, floating panel that shows recording status.
Features
Section titled “Features”- Audio Visualizer: Animated waveform responding to your voice
- Recording Timer: How long you’ve been recording
- Model Indicator: Current transcription model name
- Status Badge: Recording, processing, or ready state
Position Options
Section titled “Position Options”The Mini Recorder can be placed in 6 positions:
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Top Left | Upper left corner |
| Top Center | Upper center |
| Top Right | Upper right corner |
| Bottom Left | Lower left corner |
| Bottom Center | Lower center |
| Bottom Right | Lower right corner |
Setting Position
Section titled “Setting Position”- Open Settings > Appearance
- Find Recorder Position
- Select your preferred position
- Close Settings to apply
Notch Recorder
Section titled “Notch Recorder”For MacBook Pro users with a notch display, the Notch Recorder integrates seamlessly with your screen’s notch area.
Features
Section titled “Features”- Notch Integration: Flows around the MacBook notch
- Minimal Footprint: Uses otherwise dead space
- Elegant Design: Native macOS aesthetic
- Same Information: Timer, visualizer, status
Enabling Notch Recorder
Section titled “Enabling Notch Recorder”- Open Settings > Appearance
- Find Recorder Style
- Select Notch Recorder
- Enabled automatically on supported Macs
Recorder Elements
Section titled “Recorder Elements”Audio Visualizer
Section titled “Audio Visualizer”The waveform animation provides visual feedback:
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Flat line | Silence or very quiet |
| Small waves | Low volume speech |
| Active waves | Normal speaking volume |
| Large waves | Loud input |
Tips:
- Aim for consistent, active waves
- Too flat = speak louder or check microphone
- Too large = too close to mic or too loud
Recording Timer
Section titled “Recording Timer”Shows elapsed recording time in MM:SS format:
- Green: Recording in progress
- Yellow: Approaching time limit (if set)
- Red: Near maximum duration
Model Badge
Section titled “Model Badge”Displays the active transcription model:
- Quick reference for which model is running
- Helpful when switching between different models
Status Indicator
Section titled “Status Indicator”| Status | Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ready | ○ | Waiting for trigger |
| Recording | ● | Actively recording |
| Processing | ◐ | Transcribing audio |
| Complete | ✓ | Done, text pasted |
| Error | ✕ | Something went wrong |
Customization Options
Section titled “Customization Options”Appearance Settings
Section titled “Appearance Settings”| Option | Choices |
|---|---|
| Recorder Style | Mini, Notch |
| Position | 6 positions (Mini only) |
| Size | Small, Medium, Large |
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Theme | Match system, Light, Dark |
| Accent | Recording indicator color |
| Opacity | Transparency level |
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Waveform Style | Classic, Modern, Minimal |
| Animation Speed | Slow, Normal, Fast |
| Reduce Motion | Less animation |
Information Display
Section titled “Information Display”Choose what to show on the recorder:
| Element | Show/Hide |
|---|---|
| Timer | Yes/No |
| Model Name | Yes/No |
| Enhancement Status | Yes/No |
| Audio Level | Yes/No |
Recording Behavior
Section titled “Recording Behavior”Auto-Hide
Section titled “Auto-Hide”The recorder can auto-hide after recording completes:
| Setting | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Immediate | Hides as soon as text is pasted |
| 1 second | Brief pause before hiding |
| 3 seconds | Shows result briefly |
| Manual | Stays until dismissed |
Always on Top
Section titled “Always on Top”Keep recorder visible above other windows:
- Go to Settings > Appearance
- Enable Recorder Always on Top
- Recorder stays visible during recording
Show on All Desktops
Section titled “Show on All Desktops”Make recorder appear across all Spaces/Desktops:
- Go to Settings > Appearance
- Enable Show on All Desktops
- Recorder follows you across Spaces
Sound Feedback
Section titled “Sound Feedback”Configure audio feedback for recording actions:
| Event | Sound Options |
|---|---|
| Recording Started | Beep, Chime, None |
| Recording Stopped | Beep, Chime, None |
| Transcription Complete | Ding, None |
| Error | Alert, None |
Setting Sounds
Section titled “Setting Sounds”- Open Settings > Sounds
- Configure each event sound
- Adjust volume level
- Test with Play button
Accessibility
Section titled “Accessibility”Screen Reader Support
Section titled “Screen Reader Support”- VoiceOver compatible
- Status changes announced
- Full keyboard navigation
Reduce Motion
Section titled “Reduce Motion”If you’re sensitive to motion:
- Go to Settings > Appearance
- Enable Reduce Motion
- Animations become subtle or static
High Contrast
Section titled “High Contrast”Improve visibility:
- Go to Settings > Appearance
- Enable High Contrast Mode
- Clearer borders and indicators
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Recorder Not Appearing
Section titled “Recorder Not Appearing”- Check FloWords is running (menu bar icon)
- Verify trigger key is working
- Check Accessibility permission
- Restart FloWords
Recorder in Wrong Position
Section titled “Recorder in Wrong Position”- Go to Settings > Appearance
- Select correct position
- Check for multiple monitors
- Verify primary display setting
Visualizer Not Moving
Section titled “Visualizer Not Moving”- Check microphone permission
- Verify correct audio input selected
- Test microphone in another app
- Check audio input level in System Settings
Recorder Disappears Too Fast
Section titled “Recorder Disappears Too Fast”- Increase auto-hide delay
- Or set to manual dismiss
- Check settings haven’t reset
Lag or Stuttering
Section titled “Lag or Stuttering”- Close unnecessary applications
- Check Activity Monitor for CPU usage
- Reduce animation quality
- Restart FloWords
Tips for Better Recording
Section titled “Tips for Better Recording”Environment Setup
Section titled “Environment Setup”- Quiet space: Reduces transcription errors
- Consistent distance: 6-12 inches from microphone
- Good lighting: Not needed, but helps you feel professional
Speaking Tips
Section titled “Speaking Tips”- Natural pace: Speak normally, not too fast
- Clear enunciation: Don’t mumble
- Watch the visualizer: Ensure it responds to your voice
- Pause between thoughts: Helps with punctuation
Monitor Your Recording
Section titled “Monitor Your Recording”- Glance at timer for long recordings
- Watch visualizer for audio issues
- Note any errors for troubleshooting
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”- Configure Triggers for starting recordings
- View Transcription History to review past recordings