Skip to main content

​
Settings architecture

Hermes settings are organized into four main categories. Understanding how they connect helps you configure the app effectively. 
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                          SETTINGS                                │
├────────────────┬────────────────┬────────────────┬───────────────┤
│   Dictation    │  AI Formatting │   Interface    │    Privacy    │
├────────────────┼────────────────┼────────────────┼───────────────┤
│ • Language     │ • Modes        │ • Theme        │ • Cloud Sync  │
│ • Microphone   │ • Instructions │ • Menu Bar     │ • Analytics   │
│ • Audio        │ • Vision       │ • Animations   │ • History     │
│ • Processing   │ • Local AI     │               │ • Crash Data  │
└────────────────┴────────────────┴────────────────┴───────────────┘

​
How settings affect each other

Some settings have dependencies or affect other features. Here are the key relationships:

​
Privacy Mode → Everything

When Privacy Mode is enabled:
  • Cloud Sync is disabled
  • Analytics is disabled
  • Crash reports are disabled
Privacy Mode is a master switch that blocks all data from leaving your Mac.

​
Vision → AI Formatting

When Vision is enabled:
  • AI Formatting gets screen context
  • Better app and content detection
  • More accurate formatting modes
Vision makes AI Formatting smarter, but it’s optional for privacy reasons.

​
Local AI → Cloud Features

When Local AI is enabled:
  • Text processing happens on your Mac
  • Cloud AI is not used for formatting
  • Vision context is not available
Local AI prioritizes privacy over features.

​
Settings categories

Dictation

Language, microphone selection, audio processing, and text cleanup options.

AI Formatting

Formatting modes, talking habits, Vision, and Local AI options.

Interface

Theme, menu bar, and animation settings.

Privacy

Cloud sync, analytics, history retention, and Privacy Mode.

​
Quick reference: Defaults

CategorySettingDefault
DictationLanguageEnglish
DictationRemove filler wordsOff
AI FormattingEnabledOn
AI FormattingSmart PunctuationOn
AI FormattingVisionOff
AI FormattingLocal AIOff
InterfaceThemeAuto (system)
InterfaceMenu Bar IconVisible
InterfaceAnimationsOn
PrivacyPrivacy ModeOff
PrivacyCloud SyncOn
PrivacyAnalyticsOn
DictationHotkeyFn

​
Syncing settings

Your settings sync across devices automatically when:
  • Cloud Sync is enabled (Settings → Privacy)
  • You’re signed in to your Hermes account
  • Privacy Mode is off
If any of these conditions aren’t met, settings stay local to your Mac.

​
Resetting settings

To reset all settings to defaults:
  1. Open Hermes
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Scroll to the bottom
  4. Click Reset to Defaults
This resets all settings. Your dictionary, triggers, and notes are not affected.