Core settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|
| Enable AI Formatting | On | Apply AI to format your dictation |
| Smart Punctuation | On | Automatically add periods, commas, etc. |
| Auto-Detect App | On | Detect which app you’re in for context |
Vision
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|
| Enable Vision | Off | Let Hermes see your screen for better context |
What Vision does
When enabled, Hermes takes a screenshot when you start dictating. This helps it understand:
- Which app you’re really in (not just the frontmost window)
- What content is on screen (for better context)
- The type of text field you’re typing in
Privacy
Vision is opt-in and disabled by default. Screenshots are analyzed instantly and immediately discarded. They are never stored or transmitted.
Local AI
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|
| Use Local AI | Off | Process text on your Mac instead of the cloud |
| Local Model | qwen-2.5-vl-7b | The AI model to use locally |
When to use Local AI
Local AI is for users who want:
- Maximum privacy (no data leaves your Mac)
- Offline functionality
- Independence from cloud services
Trade-offs
| Local AI | Cloud AI |
|---|
| More private | Faster |
| Works offline | Better quality |
| Uses more battery | Requires internet |
| Vision not available | Vision available |
Instructions
Add global formatting rules that apply to all your dictation. Instructions is its own section in Hermes—open the app and go to Instructions to add your rules.
Example instructions
Always expand contractions.
Use British spelling.
Never use exclamation marks.
Always use the Oxford comma.
Usage limits
| Metric | Free Plan | Paid Plans |
|---|
| AI Formatting | Limited daily words | Unlimited |
| Vision | Not available | Available |
