Quick entry is a redesigned experience for Claude Desktop on Mac that lets you access Claude instantly from anywhere on your computer. With quick entry, you can start chats, capture screenshots, share application windows, and use voice dictation to interact with Claude without navigating away from your current task.
Quick entry is available to all Claude users (free, Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans) using Claude Desktop on macOS.
Key features
Quick entry includes three main capabilities:
Instant access: Double-tap the Option key to open Claude from any app.
Visual context: Capture screenshots or click application windows to share what you're working on.
Voice input: Press Caps Lock to dictate your message to Claude with real-time transcription.
System requirements
To use quick entry, you need:
macOS 12 or later for quick entry features
macOS 14 or later for voice dictation
Claude Desktop installed and running (can be in the background)
Setting up quick entry
When you first open the updated version of Claude Desktop, you'll see a prompt to enable quick entry shortcuts.
Enable the chat shortcut
Check the box for Turn on shortcut in the quick entry prompt.
Click "Continue."
Double-tap the Option key to test the shortcut.
Moving forward, manage this in Settings > General (under Desktop app).
Once enabled, double-tapping Option will open a text box where you can type your message and start a new chat. You can also click "New chat" to see your five most recent conversations.
Enable the voice shortcut (optional)
The voice dictation shortcut is disabled by default because it takes over your Caps Lock key.
To enable voice dictation:
Check the box for Turn on shortcut in the voice dictation prompt.
Click "Continue."
Press Caps Lock once to start dictating.
Press Caps Lock again when you're finished speaking.
Click the arrow to send your transcribed message to Claude.
Moving forward, manage this in Settings > General (under Desktop app).
Using quick entry
Start a quick conversation
Double-tap the Option key from any application.
Type your message in the text box that appears.
Click the arrow icon or press Enter to send your message to Claude.
Capture a screenshot
Open quick entry by double-tapping the Option key.
A "Drag to take a screenshot" prompt will appear by your cursor.
Click and drag to select the area of your screen you want to screenshot.
The screenshot will be attached to your message to Claude.
Share an application window
Open quick entry by double-tapping the Option key.
Click an application window to attach its contents to your message.
Add any additional context or questions.
Send your message to Claude.
Use voice dictation
Press Caps Lock to start dictating (if enabled).
Speak your message—you'll see your words transcribed in real-time.
Press Caps Lock again to stop dictating.
Review your transcribed message.
Click the arrow to send it to Claude.
Customizing shortcuts
You can customize quick entry shortcuts in your Claude Desktop settings.
Open Claude Desktop.
Go to Settings > General (under Desktop app).
Choose from the following next to Quick access shortcut:
Double-tap Option (default)
Option + Space
Custom keyboard shortcut
Click the dropdown next to Voice shortcut to:
Enable Caps Lock for voice input
Set a custom keyboard shortcut
Disable the shortcut entirely
Permissions
Quick entry requires certain macOS permissions to function:
Screen recording: Required to capture screenshots and share application windows.
Accessibility: Required for quick entry functionality.
Speech recognition: Required for voice dictation (macOS 14+ only).
You can review or change these permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
Common use cases
Quick entry is designed for moments when you need Claude's help without breaking your flow:
Code review: Share error messages or application windows directly with Claude for debugging assistance.
Quick answers: Get instant assistance from Claude without switching away from your current task.
Research and writing: Capture screenshots while browsing and ask contextual questions.
Brainstorming: Use voice dictation for hands-free ideation while thinking or moving around.
FAQ
Do I need to keep Claude Desktop open to use quick entry?
Yes. Claude Desktop needs to be running on your Mac, but it can run in the background. You don't need to have the Claude window visible.
Can I use quick entry on Windows?
No. Quick entry is currently only available for macOS users. Windows users can still access Claude Desktop, but without the quick entry features.
Is my voice recorded when I use dictation?
Voice dictation transcribes your speech to text in real-time. The transcribed text is sent to Claude as part of your message, just like any other text input.
Can I disable quick entry after enabling it?
Yes. You can disable quick entry shortcuts at any time in Settings > General > Desktop App. You can turn off the quick access shortcut, voice shortcut, or both.
What if the shortcuts conflict with other apps?
You can customize the quick access shortcut to use Option + Space or create a custom keyboard shortcut that doesn't conflict with your other applications. The voice shortcut can only use Caps Lock or be disabled.