Cleft for Mac: The ultimate desktop experience for capturing and organizing your thoughts with full keyboard control and professional workflows.

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Overview

Cleft for macOS brings desktop-class power to voice note-taking. With native Mac integration, extensive keyboard shortcuts, and seamless workflow with other Mac apps, it’s your command center for thought capture.
New in v1.10: Enhanced Apple Watch support, 2x faster performance with improved Whisper model, and streamlined workflows for professional users.
Cleft on macOS - Main Interface

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Quick Start

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Launch Methods

  • Spotlight: ⌘ + Space, type “Cleft”
  • Dock: Click Cleft icon
  • Launchpad: Find in applications
  • Menu Bar: Optional menu bar icon

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Essential Shortcuts

  • ⌘ + N - New voice note
  • ⌘ + Shift + N - New text note
  • ⌘ + R - Start/stop recording
  • ⌘ + S - Save note
  • ⌘ + F - Search
  • ⌘ + , - Preferences
  • ⌘ + 1/2/3 - Switch views
  • ⌘ + W - Close window

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Interface Layout

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Three-Panel Design

  1. Sidebar (collapsible with ⌘ + Option + S)
    • Notes list
    • Folders
    • Tags
    • Search
  2. Editor (main area)
    • Active note
    • Formatting toolbar
    • Recording controls
  3. Inspector (toggle with ⌘ + Option + I)
    • Note details
    • Metadata
    • Share options

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Recording on Mac

1

Start Recording

Three ways to begin:
  • Click + button in toolbar
  • Press ⌘ + N
  • Menu Bar → File → New Voice Note
Start recording on macOS
2

Monitor Recording

Desktop advantages:
  • Large waveform display
  • Real-time level meters
  • Time elapsed counter
  • Pause/resume controls
Recording interface on macOS
3

Process & Edit

After recording:
  • Instant transcription
  • AI processing
  • Full editing capabilities
  • Export options
Processed note on macOS

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Desktop Features

Menu Bar Access

Quick access without switching apps

Touch Bar Support

Recording controls on MacBook Pro Touch Bar

Multiple Windows

Open notes in separate windows

AppleScript

Automate with AppleScript and Shortcuts

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Advanced Keyboard Control

  • ⌘ + ↑/↓: Navigate notes list
  • ⌘ + [/]: Previous/next note
  • ⌘ + Shift + [/]: First/last note
  • Tab/Shift + Tab: Move between panels
  • Space: Quick Look preview

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Editing

  • ⌘ + B/I/U: Bold/Italic/Underline
  • ⌘ + K: Insert link
  • ⌘ + Shift + L: Create list
  • ⌘ + ]: Indent
  • ⌘ + [: Outdent

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Window Management

  • ⌘ + M: Minimize
  • ⌘ + Option + F: Full screen
  • ⌘ + `: Cycle windows
  • ⌘ + T: New tab (if enabled)

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Audio Configuration

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Integration with macOS

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System Integration

  • Spotlight: Search notes system-wide
  • Quick Look: Preview notes in Finder
  • Services Menu: Send to Cleft from any app
  • Share Sheet: Export to other apps
  • Handoff: Continue on iOS devices

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App Integration

Custom workflows for quick capture

Direct sync to your vault (Plus)

Automate complex workflows

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Professional Workflows

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Meeting Notes

  1. Pre-meeting: Create note with agenda
  2. During: ⌘ + N to start recording
  3. Multi-window: Keep reference materials open
  4. Post-meeting: Export to team tools

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Content Creation

  1. Research phase: Multiple notes open
  2. Outline mode: Drag to reorder
  3. Draft writing: Merge related notes
  4. Export: Markdown for publishing

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Daily Journaling

  1. Morning: Quick thoughts capture
  2. Throughout day: Append to daily note
  3. Evening: Review and organize
  4. Archive: Auto-organize by date

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Window Management

Pro Window Tips:
  • ⌘ + Click note to open in new window
  • Hold Option to open in background
  • Use Mission Control for overview
  • Set up Spaces for different projects

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Multiple Windows

  • Open unlimited note windows
  • Compare notes side-by-side
  • Drag content between windows
  • Independent window settings

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Full Screen Mode

Perfect for focused work:
  • ⌘ + Control + F to enter
  • Swipe between full-screen apps
  • Split View with other apps
  • Escape to exit

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Performance Optimization

Optimize for Mac:
  • Grant full microphone permissions
  • Enable GPU acceleration (Settings)
  • Keep 5GB free for smooth operation
  • Use external SSD for large libraries
  • Regular cleanup of old recordings

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Troubleshooting

Common macOS Issues:Microphone not detected?
  • System Preferences → Security → Privacy → Microphone
  • Ensure Cleft is checked
  • Restart app after granting permission
Sync issues?
  • Check iCloud Drive status
  • Verify same Apple ID on all devices
  • Reset sync in Preferences
Performance problems?
  • Check Activity Monitor for CPU usage
  • Clear cache in Preferences
  • Reduce recording quality if needed

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Quick Actions

Right-click menu bar icon:
  • New note (voice/text)
  • Recent notes
  • Search
  • Preferences
  • Recording status

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Mini Window

Option-click for mini recorder:
  • Floating window
  • Always on top
  • Minimal interface
  • Quick capture mode

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Customization

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Preferences (⌘ + ,)

  • General: Startup, updates, defaults
  • Recording: Audio settings, quality
  • Editor: Font, colors, formatting
  • Shortcuts: Customize all shortcuts
  • Integrations: Connect services
  • Advanced: Debug, reset, logs

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Themes

  • Light/Dark/Auto
  • Custom accent colors
  • Editor themes
  • Icon sets