Global Shortcut Access

Access Apple AI instantly from anywhere on your Mac

Instant Access With ⌘E

One of Apple AI's most powerful features is the global shortcut access using Command+E (⌘E). This keyboard shortcut works from anywhere on your Mac, allowing you to summon the AI assistant without disrupting your workflow.

Whether you're in the middle of a document, browsing the web, or working with another application, simply press ⌘E to instantly bring up the Apple AI interface.

Apple AI Screenshot Feature
⌘E

Press Command+E anytime, anywhere

How It Works

Apple AI registers a system-wide keyboard shortcut using Apple's native keyboard shortcut API. This means the shortcut works at the operating system level, giving you true global access without requiring the app window to be in focus.

1Toggle Visibility

Press ⌘E once to show the Apple AI window, press it again to hide it. This toggle functionality makes it easy to quickly check something with AI and then return to your work.

2Remembers Position

When you show the window again using the shortcut, it appears in the same position where you last had it, maintaining a consistent experience.

3Preserves Context

Your conversation with the AI assistant is preserved when you hide and show the window, so you never lose your place in the conversation.

Customizing The Shortcut

While ⌘E is the default shortcut, you can customize it to fit your preferences:

  1. 1

    Open Preferences - Click on the Apple AI menu bar icon and select "Preferences" or use the shortcut ⌘, (Command + Comma).

  2. 2

    Navigate to Keyboard - In the preferences window, click on the "Keyboard" tab.

  3. 3

    Edit Global Shortcut - Click on the current shortcut field for "Toggle Apple AI Window" and press your preferred key combination.

  4. 4

    Save Changes - Your new shortcut will be saved automatically and take effect immediately.

Note: Be careful when customizing global shortcuts to avoid conflicts with other applications. If your chosen shortcut doesn't work, it may already be assigned to another app or system function.

Pro Tips

Quick Questions

Use the global shortcut for quick questions without switching contexts. For example, if you're writing code and need to look up a syntax, press ⌘E, ask your question, get the answer, and press ⌘E again to return to coding.

Copy and Ask

Select text in any application, copy it (⌘C), then press ⌘E to open Apple AI and paste (⌘V) directly into the input field. This workflow is perfect for asking about text you're reading or code you're debugging.

Combine with Other Features

Use the global shortcut with other Apple AI features like "Always on Top" mode to create a floating assistant that stays visible while you work in other applications.

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