Help & Support
Getting started, keyboard shortcuts, and troubleshooting
Getting Started
1. Install NotchWise
Download NotchWise from the Mac App Store or directly from our website. Drag the app to your Applications folder and launch it. NotchWise runs as a menu bar app — look for the icon in your menu bar.
2. Grant Permissions
NotchWise needs two macOS permissions to work properly:
- Accessibility — For global keyboard shortcuts and idle detection. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility → enable NotchWise.
- Screen Recording (optional) — Only needed for auto-hiding during screen sharing. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen Recording → enable NotchWise.
3. Add Your Cards
You can add cards in several ways:
- Import from Anki — Go to Settings → Import → select your .apkg file
- Quick create — Press ⌃⌥C to open the card creator from anywhere
- Drag & drop — Select text in any app and drag it to the notch
- Menu bar — Click the NotchWise menu bar icon → Create Card
4. Start Reviewing
When cards are due, the notch will glow subtly. Hover over it to see a card, or press ⌃⌥N to expand manually. Review, rate, and 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
- Make sure NotchWise is running (check for the menu bar icon)
- Check that you have due cards — click the menu bar icon to see your due count
- Verify Accessibility permission is granted in System Settings
- If you're in a fullscreen app, exit fullscreen — the notch doesn't overlay fullscreen windows
Keyboard shortcuts don't work
- Grant Accessibility permission: System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
- Global shortcuts (⌃⌥N, ⌃⌥C) work in any app. Simple key shortcuts (Space, 1-4, S, Z) only work when the notch is expanded.
- If another app uses the same shortcut, it may intercept it. Check for conflicts in System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts.
Cards aren't syncing with Anki
- Make sure Anki is open and the AnkiConnect plugin is installed
- AnkiConnect must be listening on port 8765 (the default)
- Check Anki's Tools → Add-ons → AnkiConnect → Config to verify the port
High energy usage
- NotchWise uses minimal resources when idle. If you see high energy usage, try quitting and relaunching.
- Check Activity Monitor for other processes that might be triggering frequent idle detection callbacks.
Contact Us
If you can't find the answer to your question here or in the FAQ, reach out:
- Email: notchwise.app@proton.me
- GitHub Issues: Report a bug or request a feature
We typically respond within 24 hours on weekdays.