Smart Insert Guide

Automatically insert transcribed text at your cursor position

8 min read
Last updated: 1/12/2025
smart-insertautomationfeatures

The short answer: Smart Insert remembers where your cursor was and automatically inserts the transcribed text there, eliminating copy-paste.

How It Works

  1. Click in any text field (email, chat, document, code editor)
  2. Press Ctrl+Alt+R (Windows/Linux) or ⌃+⌥+R (Mac)
  3. Speak your text
  4. Press the hotkey again to stop
  5. Text appears exactly where your cursor was

AICHE remembers the window and cursor position. After processing, it returns to that exact spot and inserts the text automatically.

Setup Requirements

macOS: Grant Accessibility permission in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility

Windows: May need to run as Administrator for the first launch

Linux: Works best on X11. Wayland users may need XWayland.

Text Insertion Methods

Short text (under 50 words): Simulates typing character by character. Triggers auto-save in editors.

Long text (over 50 words): Uses clipboard for speed. Pastes entire block at once.

Auto-Enter option: Enable in settings to automatically press Enter after insertion. Useful for chat apps.

Compatible Applications

Works with any standard text field:

  • Text editors (Notepad, TextEdit, Sublime, Vim)
  • Office apps (Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice)
  • Email (Outlook, Gmail, Thunderbird)
  • Chat (Slack, Discord, Teams)
  • Code editors (VS Code, Cursor, IntelliJ)
  • Browsers (any text field on any website)

Doesn't work with: Password fields (security), system dialogs, games.

Common Issues

Text appears in wrong place: You switched windows after recording started. Keep the original window active while recording.

No text inserted: Missing permissions. Check Accessibility settings (Mac) or run as Administrator (Windows).

Slow insertion: System under load. AICHE automatically switches to faster clipboard method.

Heads-up: Some corporate security software blocks Smart Insert. Check with IT if it doesn't work in your environment.

The pro-tip: Smart Insert is enabled by default. If you prefer manual paste, toggle it off in Settings.

Result: Eliminate 8–12 seconds of window switching and pasting per recording.

Do this now: Open any text editor, click inside, press your hotkey, say "Smart Insert test," and watch it appear at your cursor.