> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vervecopilot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manual mode

> Take control of when your AI interview copilot generates responses during technical and behavioral interviews.

## What is Manual Mode?

By default, Interview Copilot operates in **Auto Mode**, providing a hands-free experience where it automatically transcribes questions, detects when the interviewer finishes speaking, and generates responses in real-time.

**Manual Mode** gives you control over when the copilot generates responses. Transcription continues automatically in the background, but the copilot only provides an answer when you explicitly request it.

**How to access:** Manual Mode is available in every active Interview Copilot session after you [launch copilot](/quickstart)

<Tip>
  You can set Manual Mode as your default starting mode in [Layout and Response Mode](/features/copilot-layout-response-settings) so every new session launches with Manual Mode enabled.
</Tip>

***

## How to Enable Manual Mode

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/verveai/QJL4eGuyUaXRRBy4/images/manual-mode-off.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QJL4eGuyUaXRRBy4&q=85&s=527582fddedad1cc143d3fc427685009" alt="Manual mode disabled" style={{borderRadius: '12px', width: '100%', border: '1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)', boxShadow: '0 8px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15)'}} width="2126" height="1490" data-path="images/manual-mode-off.png" />

You can switch between Auto Mode and Manual Mode at any time during your active copilot session.

### Using the Button

<Steps>
  <Step title="Locate the Mode Toggle">
    Find the **pause/play button** in the top-right corner of the copilot interface.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click to Switch Modes">
    * **Play icon** = Auto Mode (responses generate automatically)
    * **Pause icon** = Manual Mode (responses generate on request)
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Using the Hotkey

Press <kbd>Cmd</kbd> + <kbd>M</kbd> (Mac) or <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>M</kbd> (Windows) to toggle between Auto Mode and Manual Mode instantly.

***

## How to Request a Response in Manual Mode

When in Manual Mode, the most recent transcription is automatically highlighted with a **purple border** in the transcription section, indicating which message the AI will answer when you trigger a response.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/verveai/QJL4eGuyUaXRRBy4/images/manual-mode-on.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QJL4eGuyUaXRRBy4&q=85&s=47222cc48133a6b24e6b74a2fff3a706" alt="Manual mode with purple border highlighting" style={{borderRadius: '12px', width: '100%', border: '1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)', boxShadow: '0 8px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15)'}} width="2126" height="1362" data-path="images/manual-mode-on.png" />

To request copilot assistance for the highlighted question:

**Press <kbd>Cmd</kbd> + <kbd>Enter</kbd> (Mac) or <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>Enter</kbd> (Windows)**

The copilot will generate a response based on the highlighted transcription. Once sent, you cannot trigger Manual Mode again until new transcription messages come in.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/verveai/QJL4eGuyUaXRRBy4/images/manual-mode-sent.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QJL4eGuyUaXRRBy4&q=85&s=d279f3ff10d2cba2798ef2f632b80ed6" alt="Manual mode after sending response" style={{borderRadius: '12px', width: '100%', border: '1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1)', boxShadow: '0 8px 16px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15)'}} width="2122" height="1370" data-path="images/manual-mode-sent.png" />

<Note>
  You must be in Manual Mode for this hotkey to work. In Auto Mode, responses are already generated automatically.
</Note>