Chat with Workly AI without switching windows. Double-tap the Option (⌥) key and a floating chat panel appears on top of whatever you’re doing. The Workly app just needs to be running.
Before you start
Double-tap modifier shortcuts need Accessibility permission on macOS:
Double-tap modifier hotkeys (⌥⌥, ⌘⌘, etc.) require Accessibility permission. Grant it in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility if a hotkey doesn’t fire.
Set up the shortcut
- Make sure the Workly Mac app is running
- Open Workly Settings (Cmd + ,)
- Find the Hotkeys section
- Next to Open Workly AI chat, pick ⌥⌥ (Double-tap Option)
- Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility and turn Workly on
Workly’s default chat shortcut is ⌥W (Option + W) — the double-tap option is opt-in.
Use it
- From any app on your Mac, double-tap the Option key
- A floating chat panel appears on screen with the cursor already in the input field
- Type your message and press Enter
- Press Esc or close the panel when you’re done
What’s in the chat panel
- Shared context — uses the same login as your main Workly window, so it knows your projects, tasks, and meetings
- Drag handle — move the panel anywhere on screen
- Theme sync — light or dark mode follows your main Workly window
- File uploads — attach files to your message via the standard macOS file picker
Great ways to use it
- Quick questions — “What did I commit to in the standup yesterday?”
- Capture a thought into a task — “Create a task: review pricing page copy.”
- Pull up info while in another app — “What’s the status of the launch checklist?”
Other ways to open it
Don’t like double-tap? The dropdown also offers ⌥W (Option + W) as a single-press shortcut, or you can record your own under Custom…. Single-press combinations don’t need Accessibility permission, which is useful if you can’t grant it.
Troubleshooting
- Double-tap ⌥ does nothing. Confirm Workly is running and Accessibility permission is on. Restart Workly after granting permission.
- The panel pops up by accident. Switch to a less-common preset (⌘⌘, ⌃⌃) or set a custom shortcut.
- I’m not signed in inside the chat panel. Sign in to Workly in the main app — the chat panel shares its session.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Workly app need to be in front?
No. Workly just needs to be running. The double-tap shortcut opens the chat panel even when another app is in focus.
Is double-tap Option the default?
No — Workly’s default chat shortcut is ⌥W (Option + W). To use double-tap Option, change it under Settings → Hotkeys → Open Workly AI chat.
What permissions does it need?
Double-tap modifier shortcuts need Accessibility permission on macOS. Single-key combinations like ⌥W don’t require it.
Does the chat panel know about my Workly data?
Yes. It shares your sign-in with the main Workly window, so it has full context on your projects, tasks, and meetings.
How do I close the chat panel?
Press Esc or click the close button on the panel header.
