SMOG Documentation

Shortcuts Tutorial Video

Learn how to set up and customize keyboard shortcuts in SMOG in just 2 minutes.

SMOG Keyboard Shortcuts Setup

Duration: 2:05

2:05

What You'll Learn

Open SMOG preferences
Navigate to shortcuts settings
Set up Quick Reply shortcut
Configure Voice Notes shortcut
Test shortcuts work correctly
Avoid common shortcut conflicts

Video Chapters

1

Open Preferences

Access SMOG settings via menu bar or ⌘+,

0:00 - 0:25
2

Shortcuts Tab

Navigate to keyboard shortcuts configuration

0:25 - 0:40
3

Set Quick Reply Shortcut

Configure ⌘+Space for instant voice replies

0:40 - 1:20
4

Additional Shortcuts

Set up Voice Notes and other advanced shortcuts

1:20 - 1:50
5

Test & Troubleshoot

Verify shortcuts work and fix common issues

1:50 - 2:05

Recommended Shortcut Combinations

Quick Reply Shortcuts

⌘ + SpaceRecommended
⌘ + ⇧ + EnterAlternative
⌥ + SpaceIf Spotlight conflicts

Voice Notes Shortcuts

⌘ + ⇧ + VRecommended
⌘ + ⌥ + VAlternative
⌃ + ⇧ + VFor Ctrl users

Common Shortcut Conflicts

⌘ + Space conflicts with Spotlight

If ⌘ + Space doesn't work for Quick Reply, Spotlight is likely using it:

Solution Options:

  1. 1. Option A: Disable Spotlight shortcut in System Settings → Keyboard → Shortcuts → Spotlight
  2. 2. Option B: Use alternative like ⌥ + Space or ⌘ + ⇧ + Enter for SMOG

This is demonstrated at 1:35 in the video

Shortcuts not working after setup

If your shortcuts don't work after configuration:

  • • Verify SMOG has Accessibility permissions (System Settings → Privacy & Security)
  • • Restart SMOG completely (Quit from menu bar, then relaunch)
  • • Check for conflicts with other apps using the same shortcuts
  • • Test shortcuts in different applications to confirm global functionality
Can't record new shortcut combinations
  • • Click directly in the shortcut field before pressing keys
  • • Use modifier keys (⌘, ⌥, ⇧, ⌃) - single keys won't work for global shortcuts
  • • Avoid Function keys (F1-F12) as they may conflict with system features
  • • Press all keys simultaneously, don't press them in sequence

Pro Tips from the Video

Expert Shortcuts Tips

Muscle Memory

Use the same modifier pattern (like ⌘+⇧+Letter) for all SMOG shortcuts

Context Switching

Test shortcuts while switching between different apps to ensure global functionality

Backup Plan

Always set up menu bar access as fallback when shortcuts fail

Testing

Test each shortcut immediately after setting it up to catch conflicts early

Next Steps

Master Your Shortcuts

Great! You've set up your keyboard shortcuts. Now let's make sure SMOG has the permissions it needs to work with them.


Shortcuts still not working? Check our troubleshooting guide