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Context Awareness

FloWords can use contextual information to provide more relevant AI enhancements. Screen content and clipboard data help the AI understand what you’re working on.


When enabled, FloWords can see:

Screen Content

Text and information visible on your screen when you start recording.

Clipboard Data

Text currently in your clipboard that might be relevant.

Active Application

Which app you’re using, informing the enhancement style.

URL Context

Current webpage URL in browsers for topic awareness.


You say: “Reply to this saying I agree”

AI thinks: “Reply to what? I don’t know what they’re referring to.”

Result: Generic response that might miss the mark.

Screen shows: Email from John about Tuesday meeting

You say: “Reply to this saying I agree”

AI knows: “They’re replying to John’s email about Tuesday.”

Result:

Hi John,

That works for me. I agree with the Tuesday timing.

Best


To use screen context, FloWords needs Screen Recording permission:

  1. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security
  2. Click Screen Recording
  3. Find FloWords in the list
  4. Toggle it ON
  5. Restart FloWords when prompted
  1. Open Settings > Enhancement
  2. Find Context Options section
  3. Enable Use Screen Context
  4. Enable Use Clipboard Context
  5. Configure context scope (see below)

OptionDescription
Full ScreenCaptures entire visible screen
Active WindowOnly the frontmost application
Focused AreaRegion around your cursor
DisabledNo screen capture
OptionDescription
Text OnlyInclude clipboard text content
With FormattingPreserve rich text formatting
DisabledDon’t use clipboard

Automatically detected:

  • Current app name
  • Window title
  • URL (for browsers)
  • Document name (for editors)

You’re viewing an email and want to reply.

Screen shows: Email about project deadline

You say: “Tell them I need two more days”

Result: Professional email requesting a deadline extension

You’re editing code in VS Code.

Screen shows: Python function with a bug

You say: “Add error handling for empty lists”

Result: Context-aware code that fits your existing style

You’re writing a report in Word.

Screen shows: Financial analysis document

You say: “Add a paragraph summarizing the key findings”

Result: Summary that matches your document’s tone and data

You’re on a product page researching options.

Screen shows: Product specifications

You say: “Make a comparison table with these specs”

Result: Formatted table with the actual specifications visible


  • Screen content at recording start (if enabled)
  • Current clipboard text (if enabled)
  • Active app name and window title
  • Browser URL (if browser is active)
  • Continuous screen recording
  • Keystrokes or passwords
  • Background applications
  • Content after recording starts

Screen/clipboard context is sent to your AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic) along with your transcription.

Consider:

  • Review your provider’s privacy policy
  • Don’t capture sensitive screens
  • Disable for confidential work

Quick ways to control context for individual recordings:

  • Modifier Key: Hold Option while recording to skip context
  • Menu Bar: Toggle context before recording
  • Voice Command: Say “without context” at the start

Consider disabling context for sensitive applications:

ApplicationScreen ContextRationale
Banking AppDisabledSensitive data
VS CodeEnabledHelpful for code
Mail.appActive WindowUseful for replies
NotesDisabledPersonal content

You can toggle context on/off in Settings > Enhancement before recording.


  1. Clean your screen - Hide sensitive information before recording
  2. Focus the relevant window - Active window context is usually enough
  3. Use clipboard strategically - Copy relevant text before dictating
  4. Be specific - Reference what you see (“Reply to this email”)
  • Working with confidential information
  • Using cloud AI providers with sensitive screens
  • When context causes confusion
  • For simple, standalone dictation
  • Replying to messages
  • Editing documents
  • Writing code
  • Research and note-taking
  • Working with visual information

  • Check Screen Recording permission in System Settings
  • Restart FloWords after granting permission
  • Verify it’s enabled in FloWords Settings
  • Try restarting your Mac
  • AI might misinterpret screen content
  • Try narrowing context to active window
  • Be more explicit in your dictation
  • Disable context and be specific instead
  • Screen capture adds processing time
  • Use “Active Window” instead of “Full Screen”
  • Disable context for quick notes
  • Consider local Ollama for faster processing
  • Review what’s on screen before recording
  • Use Ollama for sensitive contexts
  • Disable context when appropriate
  • Set per-app rules for sensitive applications