Explore SpotAsk
Use this page as a map of what SpotAsk can do. Pick a task instead of a setting; each section explains when it is useful and where to start.
Quick questions from anywhere
Press your global hotkey (default ⌥ + Space) to summon a focused input window over any app. Ask, stream an answer, and dismiss instantly with ⎋.
Work with selected text
Highlight text in Safari, Notes, or Xcode to trigger the inline action bar. Translate, explain, summarize, polish, or bring text directly into chat for follow-up.
Route questions with External Ask
Handoff queries to web AI platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok), desktop apps via URI schemes, or local CLI agents in Terminal — in 1 click or automatically with a decision model — without spending chat tokens or cluttering history.
Switch providers and models
Configure multiple AI providers and models. Set a default model in Settings or switch models on the fly for the current conversation.
Ask with images and files
Paste screenshots or drop in images, text, and code files. Multi-turn conversations retain attached context automatically.
Reuse workflows with prompts
Use built-in Translate, Explain, Summarize, and Polish templates, or create custom prompts. Set system instructions for a consistent tone across questions.
Native macOS integration
Summon SpotAsk, ask questions, or run prompts from Spotlight, Siri, Shortcuts, or spotask:// URLs.
Appearance & behavior
Customize global hotkeys, window dimensions, fonts, light/dark themes, bubble styles, and conversation retention.
Advanced connection & proxy
Configure custom endpoints, local models, proxies, service root vs full request URLs, and model discovery.