Commands come in six categories:
Mode-based commands. Individual modes may have commands built into them. For example, Capitalize “Valley” is something you can say in Dictation mode only. For more information, see the discussion of each mode.
Window-based commands. Some commands become available only when a certain window is open. For example, Pick 2, to insert the second alternative from the Recognition window into your document, is available only when the Recognition window is open. For more information, see the discussion of the Recognition window.
Global commands. Some commands are global, meaning that they are always available (except in Sleep mode).
MouseGrid commands. You can move your cursor on the screen by voice commands.
Proofreading commands. Dragon Dictate can read aloud your dictation using text-to-speech technology.
Voice Shortcuts commands. Quickly search your Mac, Apple Mail or the Internet.
Key commands. Key commands are global commands that let you say the names of keyboard keys or modifier-key combinations for Dragon Dictate to type.
Generated commands. Dragon Dictate, as it starts up, will optionally generate additional global commands that let you launch applications or create an email message addressed to someone in your Address Book.
Application-based commands. Some commands become available only when a certain application is frontmost. For example, you can say Send Message when iChat or Messages or Mail is frontmost. Dragon Dictate comes with command sets for Finder, TextEdit, Safari, Mail, iChat or Messages, and iCal or Calendar, as well as commands for the Notes, Reminders, Notifications, and Messages applications that are specific to OS X 10.8. You'll find those commands on one page.
To learn what commands are available at any moment, use the Available Commands window.
Commands may be edited — modified, created, activated and deactivated, and deleted — in the Commands window.