Triggers & Hotkeys: Customize Your Keyboard Shortcuts

Lightning Assist Triggers are customizable keyboard shortcuts that activate text expansion and other features. Configure your preferred hotkeys for text expansion, AI commands, and other Lightning Assist features to match your workflow.

What are Triggers?

Triggers are keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) that activate Lightning Assist features. The most common trigger is used for text expansion - you type a resource shortcut, then press your trigger key to expand it into the full text.

Triggers can be customized to match your preferences and workflow. You can set different triggers for different features, or use the same trigger for multiple features.

Types of Triggers

  • Text Expansion Trigger: Press this key after typing a resource shortcut to expand it into the full text. This is the primary trigger for text expansion.
  • AI Command Trigger: Activate AI commands with a custom hotkey. Select text and press the trigger to open AI command options.
  • Quick Access Trigger: Fixed at Alt + C (or ⌥ + C on macOS). Opens the Quick Access Window.
  • Speech-to-Text Trigger: Push-to-talk key for speech-to-text: Ctrl + Window Key on Windows; Ctrl + Cmd on macOS.

How to Configure Triggers

  1. Go to Triggers Page - Open Lightning Assist and navigate to the "Triggers" page in the settings or main menu.
  2. Select Feature - Choose the feature you want to configure a trigger for (text expansion, AI commands, etc.).
  3. Set Hotkey - Click on the trigger field and press your desired key combination. The trigger will be saved automatically.
  4. Enable/Disable - Use the checkbox associated with each trigger to enable or disable it. Disabled triggers won't activate their features.
  5. Test Trigger - Test your trigger to ensure it works correctly and doesn't conflict with other applications.

Common Trigger Configurations

Text Expansion

Common triggers: Tab, Space, Enter, or custom combinations likeCtrl+Space. Choose a key that's comfortable and doesn't conflict with your workflow.

AI Commands

Custom hotkeys like Ctrl+Shift+A or Alt+A work well for AI commands. Choose something memorable and easy to press.

Speech-to-Text

Default is Ctrl + Window Key on Windows; Ctrl + Cmd on macOS (hold to record, release to transcribe). Can be customized to other keys if needed.

Quick Access

Fixed at Alt+C (or ⌥ + C on macOS) and cannot be customized. This ensures consistency across all installations.

Best Practices for Triggers

  • Choose Comfortable Keys: Select triggers that are easy to reach and comfortable to press frequently.
  • Avoid Conflicts: Make sure your triggers don't conflict with other applications or system shortcuts.
  • Use Modifier Keys: Modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) help prevent accidental triggers in normal typing.
  • Test Thoroughly: Test your triggers in different applications to ensure they work correctly everywhere.
  • Keep It Simple: Simple, memorable triggers are better than complex combinations that are hard to remember.

Troubleshooting Triggers

Trigger Not Working

If your trigger isn't working, check that it's enabled in the Triggers page (look for the checkbox associated with it). Also verify that Lightning Assist is running and the trigger isn't conflicting with another application.

Conflicts with Other Apps

If your trigger conflicts with another application, try a different key combination. Modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) often help avoid conflicts.

Trigger Works in Some Apps But Not Others

Some applications may capture certain keys before Lightning Assist can process them. Try a different trigger key or check the application's keyboard shortcut settings.

Configure Your Triggers

Triggers are fully customizable in Lightning Assist. Start your free trial and configure your perfect keyboard shortcuts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same trigger for multiple features?

No, each feature needs its own unique trigger. However, you can use similar triggers (e.g.,Tab for text expansion and Shift+Tab for AI commands).

Why can't I customize the Quick Access trigger?

Quick Access is fixed at Alt+C to ensure consistency across all installations and prevent conflicts. This is a design decision to maintain reliability.

How do I enable or disable a trigger?

Go to the Triggers page and use the checkbox associated with each trigger to enable or disable it. Disabled triggers won't activate their features.

Can I use function keys as triggers?

Yes, function keys (F1-F12) can be used as triggers, though they may conflict with system shortcuts in some applications.

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