Help & Support

Getting started, keyboard shortcuts, and troubleshooting

Getting Started

1. Install NotchWise

Download from the Mac App Store or our website. Drag it to Applications and launch. It runs as a menu bar app, so look for the icon up top.

2. Grant permissions

NotchWise needs two macOS permissions:

  • Accessibility: For global keyboard shortcuts and idle detection. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → enable NotchWise.
  • Screen Recording (optional): Only for auto-hiding during screen shares. System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → enable NotchWise.

3. Add your cards

  • Import from Anki: Settings → Import → select your .apkg file
  • Quick create: Press ⌃⌥C from anywhere
  • Drag and drop: Select text in any app and drag it to the notch
  • Menu bar: Click the NotchWise icon → Create Card

4. Start reviewing

When cards are due, the notch glows. Hover to see a card, or press ⌃⌥N to expand it. Review, rate, get back to work.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut Action When
⌃⌥N Toggle notch expansion Any time
⌃⌥C Quick-create a card Any time
Space Flip card to show answer Card visible
1 Rate: Again Answer visible
2 Rate: Hard Answer visible
3 Rate: Good Answer visible
4 Rate: Easy Answer visible
S Skip card (show next) Card or answer visible
Z Snooze card for 1 hour Card or answer visible

Troubleshooting

The notch doesn't appear

  1. Check NotchWise is running (look for the menu bar icon).
  2. Click the menu bar icon to check your due count. No due cards means no notch glow.
  3. Verify Accessibility permission is granted in System Settings.
  4. Exit fullscreen mode. The notch can't overlay fullscreen windows.

Keyboard shortcuts don't work

  1. Grant Accessibility permission: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility.
  2. Global shortcuts (⌃⌥N, ⌃⌥C) work in any app. Single-key shortcuts (Space, 1-4, S, Z) only work when the notch is expanded.
  3. If another app uses the same shortcut, it may intercept it. Check System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts for conflicts.

Cards aren't syncing with Anki

  1. Make sure Anki is open.
  2. Confirm the AnkiConnect plugin is installed.
  3. AnkiConnect must be listening on port 8765 (the default). Check Anki's Tools → Add-ons → AnkiConnect → Config.

High energy usage

  1. Quit NotchWise and relaunch it.
  2. If the problem persists, check Activity Monitor for other processes that might be triggering frequent callbacks.

Accessibility

We want NotchWise and this website to be usable by everyone. The site works with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and browser zoom. If you experience any accessibility issues, please email support@notchwise.app and we'll address them.

The NotchWise app supports macOS VoiceOver and respects system font size preferences. Keyboard shortcuts are available for all review actions.

Contact Us

Can't find your answer here or in the FAQ?

We typically reply within 24 hours on weekdays.