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What AI formatting does

When you dictate, Hermes doesn’t just transcribe your words—it formats them intelligently. AI formatting handles:
  • Punctuation — Adds periods, commas, and question marks where they belong
  • Capitalization — Capitalizes sentence starts, proper nouns, and acronyms
  • Filler word removal — Removes “um”, “uh”, “like”, and other verbal fillers
  • Number conversion — Turns “twenty three” into “23”
  • Context-aware styling — Adjusts formality based on which app you’re using

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The formatting pipeline

Here’s what happens to your words between speaking and the final text: 
1. Speech → Raw transcription
2. Cleanup → Remove fillers, format numbers
3. Context detection → Which app are you in?
4. AI formatting → Apply style based on context
5. Final text → Inserted at your cursor
Each step builds on the last. The AI considers everything—what you said, how you said it, and where you’re typing—to produce natural text.

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Context detection

Hermes detects which application you’re using and adjusts formatting accordingly.

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How it works

  1. App detection — Hermes identifies the frontmost application
  2. Mode matching — The app is matched to a formatting mode (Email, Messaging, Coding, etc.)
  3. Style application — Formatting rules for that mode are applied

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Example: Same words, different contexts

You say: “hey can you send me the report when you get a chance thanks” In Slack (Messaging mode):
hey, can you send me the report when you get a chance? thanks
In Mail (Email mode):
Hey, can you send me the report when you get a chance? Thanks.
In VS Code (Coding mode):
hey can you send me the report when you get a chance thanks
The words are the same, but the formatting matches where you’re typing.

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Formatting styles

Each formatting mode has a formatting style that controls how aggressively Hermes cleans up your speech:
StyleWhat it does
CasualMinimal corrections — slang preserved, no periods, contractions encouraged
Semi-CasualFix errors and spelling, keep contractions and natural tone
FormalFull grammar, expand contractions, professional polish
CustomYour own formatting rules via custom instructions
You can set a formatting style per mode in Settings -> AI Formatting -> Modes.

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Formatting modes

Hermes includes built-in modes for common apps. Each mode has its own formatting style.
ModeAppsStyle
MessagingSlack, Discord, Teams, iMessage, WhatsAppCasual — lowercase starts OK, relaxed punctuation
EmailMail, Gmail, OutlookSemi-Casual — clean but natural, contractions kept
CodingVS Code, Xcode, Terminal, GitHubMinimal — preserves technical syntax, light formatting
WritingNotes, Word, Notion, ObsidianSemi-casual — clear structure, proper formatting
AI AssistantsChatGPT, ClaudeCasual — conversational tone

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Web apps too

Formatting modes work with web apps. When you’re in Safari or Chrome, Hermes detects the website:
  • mail.google.com → Email mode
  • slack.com → Messaging mode
  • github.com → Coding mode
  • notion.so → Writing mode

Customize formatting modes

Create your own modes or modify the built-in ones.

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Vision context

For even smarter formatting, you can enable Vision. When enabled, Hermes takes a screenshot when you dictate to understand more about what you’re doing.

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What Vision enables

  • Better app detection — Works even when app names aren’t clear
  • Content awareness — Knows if you’re replying to an email or writing a new one
  • Page context — Understands what’s on screen for more relevant formatting

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Privacy

Vision is opt-in and disabled by default. Screenshots are processed instantly and never stored or transmitted.
Enable Vision in Settings → AI Formatting → Enable Vision.

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When formatting is skipped

AI formatting doesn’t always run. It may be skipped when:
  • Formatting is disabled for the current app (using the “Disabled” mode)
  • You’re in Code mode and the text looks like code
  • Privacy mode is enabled and all cloud features are off
You can also create a “Disabled” mode for apps where you want raw transcription without any formatting.

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Customizing AI formatting

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Instructions

Add specific rules that apply to all your dictations:
  • “Always expand contractions”
  • “Use British spelling”
  • “Never use exclamation marks”
Set these in the Instructions section of Hermes.

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Per-app rules

Add rules that only apply to specific apps:
  • For email: “Always start with a greeting”
  • For Slack: “Keep messages under 50 words”
  • For code: “Preserve all technical terms exactly”
Set these in the Instructions section for each mode.

Formatting Modes

Create and customize formatting modes for specific apps.

AI Formatting Settings

All AI formatting configuration options.

Dictation

The basics of voice dictation.

Privacy Settings

Control what data Hermes uses and stores.