---
title: Documentation
description: Learn how to install and use SMBAct, customize hotkeys, blacklist applications, and execute window actions quickly.
canonical: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/
date: 2022-10-21
locale: en
---

# Documentation

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> Site structure and the full page list for agents: https://smblob.com/llms.txt

Learn how to install and use SMBAct, customize hotkeys, blacklist applications, and execute window actions quickly.

---

_**We try to keep the documentation up to date. However, there may be a delay in updating after releases. All hotkeys listed here are for macOS. For Windows and Linux default hotkeys may differ.**_

---

#### [Introduction](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#introduction)

#### [Installation](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#installation)

#### [Activation](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#activation)

#### [Hotkeys setup](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#hotkeys-setup)

- #### [Hotkeys customization](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#hotkeys-customization)
- #### [Examples of some specific window actions](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#examples-of-some-specific-window-actions)
- #### [Cycling different actions on repeated pressing of shortcuts](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#cycling-different-actions-on-repeated-pressing-of-shortcuts)

#### [Active Window Actor](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#active-window-actor)

- #### [How to call Window Actor](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#how-to-call-window-actor)
- #### [How Window Actor works](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#how-window-actor-works)
- #### [When Window Actor loses focus](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#when-window-actor-loses-focus)

#### [Active Window Switcher](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#active-window-switcher)

- #### [How to call Window Switcher](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#how-to-call-window-switcher)
- #### [How Window Switcher works](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#how-window-switcher-works)
- #### [When Window Switcher loses focus](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#when-window-switcher-loses-focus)
- #### [Where to show Window Switcher](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#where-to-show-window-switcher)
- #### [Where to show a window when it is activated in Window Switcher](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#where-to-show-a-window-when-it-is-activated-in-window-switcher)

#### [Running Applications](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#running-applications)

- #### [How to blacklist an application](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#how-to-blacklist-an-application)

#### [General Settings](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#general-settings)

- #### [Hide Application in the Dock](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#hide-application-in-the-dock)
- #### [Desktop Notifications](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#desktop-notifications)
- #### [Play Sound](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#play-sound)
- #### [Immediate shortcuts save](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#immediate-shortcuts-save)
- #### [Language](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#language)
- #### [Save/Restore Settings](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/#save-and-restore-settings)

### Introduction

Thank you for your interest in our window manager and switcher!

On this page, you will find the complete documentation for SMBAct. If after reading it you still have any questions after reading, please don’t hesitate to ask [through contact form here](https://smblob.com/smb/support/) or write directly to me on Twitter [@AEsakova](https://twitter.com/AEsakova).

Moreover, we have [Video Tutorial on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HNQyR4yg1M\&list=PLjzOMR5C5lyJktizWCl8uX2ftnMGgC7Qs). After watching it, we’re sure you won’t have any questions at all.)

[YouTube video player](https://www.youtube.com/embed/_HNQyR4yg1M)

### Installation

Step-by-step guides for the first launch on each platform:

- [Install SMBAct on macOS](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/install-macos/) — the dmg, the first open and the Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions.
- [Install SMBAct on Windows](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/install-windows/) — getting past the Edge download warning and SmartScreen.
- [SMBAct on Ubuntu GNOME (Wayland)](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/gnome-wayland/) — installing the SMBAct GNOME Shell extension.
- [SMBAct on KDE Plasma (Wayland)](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/kde-plasma-wayland/) — works out of the box; Plasma shortcut conflicts.

The steps below are the older macOS walkthrough; the [macOS guide](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/install-macos/) is current for SMBAct 2.0.

1. First download SMBAct application from <https://smblob.com/products/smbact/download/> . SMBAct is cross-platform: builds are available for Windows, macOS and Linux. Choose the build for your operating system.
2. Install it. During the installation process accept license conditions. Move SMBAct application to your Applications folder.

  ![Accept license conditions](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_accept_license_conditions.webp)

3. On macOS, give permissions to the application. In the right top corner, you can see a notification asking for permission to show notifications. Click “Options” => “Allow”. If you missed it you can always go to System Settings => Notifications => turn the toggle for SMBAct on.

  ![“Allow](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_notifications_permissions.webp)

Besides, give permission for “Screen Recording”. For this click the “Open System Settings” button in the notification pop-up “Screen Recording” in the center of the screen.

  ![“permission](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_screen_recording_popup.webp)

And switch on the toggle for SMBAct, enter your system password, and click “Later” in the window that pops up.

  ![“Restart](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_restart_app_later_popup.webp)

Finally, we have to give permission to be able to control windows and applications. Go to “System Settings” => “Privacy\&Security” => “Accessibility” and switch on the toggle for SMBAct. After this restart the application.

  ![“Give](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_allow_to_control_computer.webp)

### Activation

Until SMBAct is activated, the app opens only Dashboard, License, Contact and Settings and shows “SMBAct is not activated”. To activate it, open the “License” page in the sidebar and choose one of the options:

- **Start trial**: press “Start trial” to get a 14-day free trial with full functionality (one trial per email).
- **Activate**: paste the license key from your email and press “Activate”.
- **Buy**: press “Buy” to purchase a license. After the trial, a license is required to keep using SMBAct.

If you already have a paid key from the previous version, you don’t need to do anything: SMBAct migrates it automatically on first start.

Your licenses and downloads are managed in your [GigLabo account](https://giglabo.com).

### Hotkeys setup

#### _**Hotkeys customization**_

Let’s look at how and where to customize the hotkeys.

Go to the “Hotkeys setup” tab. Here there are many positions and actions you can perform with windows. They are divided into three tabs: most common, less common, and the rest (thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighth positions).

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_hotkeys_common.webp)

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_less_common_hotkeys.webp)

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_hotkeys_rest.webp)

Most of them have default values. But you can set your own hotkeys. To do this, go to the field, enter your hotkeys, and click on the “Save” buttons.

If you want all changes to be saved automatically, go to Settings and activate the “Immediate shortcuts save” toggle. (After that, there are no “Save” buttons anymore.)

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/smbact_settings_autosaving.webp)

#### _**Examples of some specific window actions**_

In addition to the traditional actions and positions, such as dividing into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths of the screen, SMBAct can do the following (with default shortcuts values):

**Fullscreen**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⌘ Cmd` + F   / **Restore**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + Delete

SMBAct supports a full-screened window moving between displays: imagine you have a full-screened window on display №1. Then, if you move this window to next or previous display it will be restored, moved to display №2 and full-screened again on display №2.

**Maximize**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + Enter   / **Restore**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + Delete

**Minimize**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⌘ Cmd` + H

**Maximize Height**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⇧ Shift` + ↑

**Center**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + C

**Move left/right/up/down** (customized shortcuts)

**Blacklist (customized shortcuts)**

Use this shortcut if you need to block some applications so that they do not appear in the Window Switcher, and they are not affected by the SMBAct’s actions.

**Hide all windows on active display**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⌘ Cmd` + /   **or on all displays**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⌘ Cmd` + "

**Move to previous display**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⌘ Cmd` + ←   / **Move to next display**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + `⌘ Cmd` + →

#### _**Cycling different actions on repeated pressing of shortcuts.**_

If you repeatedly execute the hotkeys of certain window positions, it allows you to loop some actions.

Here are these positions:

**Left half**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + ←

If you re-press the left half shortcut, the window will cycle through the left two-thirds, three-fourths, left third, left fourth positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

**Right half**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + →

If you re-press the right half shortcut, the window will cycle through the right two-thirds, right three-fourths, right one-third, right one-fourth positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

**First third**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + D

If you re-press the first-third shortcut, the window will cycle through the center-third, last-third positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

**Center third**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + F

If you re-press the center-third shortcut, the window will cycle through the first-third, last-third positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

**Last third**   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌥ Option` + G

If you re-press the last-third shortcut, the window will cycle through the center-third, first-third positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

**First fourth**   (customized shortcuts)

If you re-press the first-fourth shortcuts, the window will cycle through the second-fourth, third-fourth, last-fourth positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

**Last fourth**   (customized shortcuts)

If you re-press the last-fourth shortcut, the window will cycle through the third-fourth, second-fourth, first-fourth positions, and vice-versa.

&#x20;

### Active Window Actor

As you could notice, there are a lot of predefined actions. And of course, it can be difficult to memorize all shortcuts for all these actions. And to be honest, you don’t need it. If you don’t use action very often why do you have to remember all hotkeys?

That’s why an Active Window Actor - the Window with a fuzzy search of actions can be helpful.

#### _**How to call Window Actor**_

Go to the “Active Window Actor” tab.

Set up shortcuts for the activation of Window Actor. There is a default value:   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + Z . You can change it if you want.

  ![“Active](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_active_window_actor_activation.webp)

#### _**How Window Actor works**_

Now if to do any window active and press this activation shortcut Active Window Actor will appear.

  ![“Active](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_active_window_actor.webp)

There are some actions here but not all. To find the needed action use fuzzy search.

  ![“Active](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_active_window_actor_fuzzy_search.webp)

Each action has a short and full name.

  ![“Active](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_short_long_names_awa.webp)

To find an action start typing the short text. You can easily change them both. For example, you can set the following short names for the sixth parts:

top left sixth - s1,

top center sixth - s2,

top right sixth - s3,

bottom left sixth - s4,

bottom center sixth - s5,

bottom right sixth - s6

Now, if you enter the preset short action name, this action will be found in a second and all you have to do is activate it.

  ![“Active](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_use_short_names.webp)

Of course, you can choose not to use short names at all in your search. Just start typing a word that is exactly in the long text. For example, start to type “ei” ( word “eighth”). And here you are! You will see all eighth positions at the beginning of the list with results.

  ![“Active](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_fuzzy_search_by_long_name.webp)

#### _**When Window Actor loses focus**_

To fix this case you need to set up this setting: “Subsequent use of Activate hotkeys”.

  ![“Subsequent](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_awa_subsequent_use_of_activate_hotkeys.webp)

Here you have to decide which action will be performed with the Window Actor when it’s unfocused and you press activate hotkeys again.

**“close window”:** if you activate Active Window Actor and then somehow this Active Window Actor loses focus, then when you press again activation hotkeys   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + Z, Active Window Actor will be closed.

**“activate window”:** if you activate Active Window Actor and then somehow this Active Window Actor loses focus, then when you press again activation hotkeys   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + Z, Active Window Actor will be activated again.

You can also set here the hotkeys by which the Active Window Actor will be closed. Default value:   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + `⌥ Option` + Z

  ![“Subsequent](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_awa_subsequent_use_of_activate_hotkeys_2.webp)

### Active Window Switcher

If you have a lot of windows and applications, and they are somehow scattered all over the screens, you really want to be able to quickly navigate among them and find what you need. Not trying to find them on the work panel by going through all the windows randomly. But quickly find exactly the window or application that you need right now. Active Window Switcher helps you do just that.

#### _**How to call Window Switcher**_

Go to the “Window Switcher” tab.

Set up shortcut for the calling the Window Switcher. There is a default value:   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + X . You can change it if you want.

  ![“window_switcher_activation”](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_window_switcher_activation.webp)

#### _**How Window Switcher works**_

Run Window Switcher (keep in mind that SMBAct application must be out of focus when doing this).

Their you will see all your windows and applications.

  ![“window](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_window_switcher.webp)

You can use the arrows or your mouse to navigate through them to find the window you want. Or you can use the fuzzy search to do this. Just type in what you are looking for in the search field. For example, let’s find all Chrome browsers.

  ![“window](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_window_switcher_fuzzy_search.webp)

Once you’ve found the window you want, what can you do with it? If you just press “Enter” on your keyboard you will activate it in its original position and size. Besides, you can fullscreen, maximize, minimize, hide, close this window or close all windows of this application.

#### _**When Window Switcher loses focus**_

Similarly to the Active Window Actor it will be about this setting: “Subsequent use of Activate hotkeys”.

  ![“Subsequent](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_subsequent_use_of_activate_hotkeys_switcher.webp)

Here you have to decide which action will be performed with the Window Switcher when it’s unfocused and you press activate hotkeys again.

**“close window”:** if you activate Active Window Switcher and then somehow this Active Window Switcher loses focus, then when you press again activation hotkeys   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + X, Active Window Switcher will be closed.

**“activate window”:** if you activate Active Window Switcher and then somehow this Active Window Switcher loses focus, then when you press again activation hotkeys   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + X, Active Window Switcher will be activated again.

You can also set here the hotkeys by which the Active Window Switcher will be closed. Default value:   `⌃ Ctrl` + `⌘ Cmd` + `⌥ Option` + X

  ![“Subsequent](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_switcher_option_2.webp)

#### _**Where to show Window Switcher**_

If you have multiple monitors, it can be extremely useful to control and clearly understand on which monitor the Window Switcher will appear if you call it. To configure, select one of the options in the “Show Window Switcher” setting:

**“where mouse pointer is”:** Window Switcher will appear where the mouse pointer is right now.

**“on active screen”:** Window Switcher will appear on active screen.

**“on main screen”:** Window Switcher will appear on main screen.

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_where_show_window_switcher.webp)

#### _**Where to show a window when it is activated in Window Switcher**_

Check the last checkboxes if you want the window or application to which you apply the action in Window Switcher to appear on the currently active display. If you uncheck these checkboxes, the window or application after activation will appear on its original display.

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_moving_window_on_action_window_switcher.webp)

### Running Applications

#### _**How to blacklist an application**_

Go to the “Running Applications” tab.\
Here you see all the applications that are currently running on your computer. You can apply any SMBAct’s action to all of them.

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_running_applications.webp)

But sometimes there are situations when you need to block some applications so that they do not appear in the Window Switcher, and they are not affected by the SMBAct’s actions. If you want to do it add this application to blacklist: click the context menu button to the right of the application.

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_add_app_to_blacklist.webp)

  To remove an application from the blacklist, click on the “Erase” button.

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_remove_app_from_blacklist.webp)

### General Settings

Let’s take a look at other settings we have in our application. Go to “Open Settings” tab.

  ![“SMBAct](https://files.smblob.com/smbact/documentation_smbact_global_settings.webp)

#### _**Hide Application in the Dock**_

If you turn on this toggle, the SMBAct application will not be visible in the dock. Opening and closing it from the top menu will only be possible.

#### _**Desktop Notifications**_

If you want to receive notifications (for example, about activation or expiration of your licence key, new updates etc.), turn on this toggle.

#### _**Play Sound**_

If you want to hear an audible alert and notifications, turn on this toggle.

#### _**Immediate shortcuts save**_

If you turn on this toggle, all the hotkeys you set up now will be automatically saved.

Otherwise, every time you change or assign hotkeys, you will have to save them manually.

#### _**Language**_

Here you can choose a language. For now only English is available. In the nearest future, we’re planning to add some other languages.

#### _**Respect portrait orientation**_

Turn this toggle on if at least one of your displays has a portrait orientation. Thus, the positions and sizes will be calculated with this in mind.

#### _**Save and Restore Settings**_

You can always download your config or restore it. So you have any time access to it.

_**Thanks for reading. You are now a professional SMBAct window manager & switcher user )**_

## Pages in this section

- [SMBAct on Ubuntu GNOME (Wayland): install the GNOME Shell extension](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/gnome-wayland/): Set up SMBAct on Ubuntu GNOME under Wayland: install the SMBAct GNOME Shell extension in three steps, update it, and turn it back on if GNOME disables it.
- [Install SMBAct on macOS: dmg, first open and permissions](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/install-macos/): Install SMBAct on macOS: pick the Apple Silicon or Intel dmg, drag it to Applications, open it, allow Accessibility and Screen Recording, then activate.
- [Install SMBAct on Windows: Edge download warning and SmartScreen](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/install-windows/): Install SMBAct on Windows: keep the download in Edge (“isn't commonly downloaded”) and get past “Windows protected your PC” with More info › Run anyway.
- [SMBAct on KDE Plasma (Wayland): works out of the box](https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/kde-plasma-wayland/): SMBAct on KDE Plasma 6 under Wayland needs no setup: it loads its KWin script itself. How the switcher and actions work and how to fix Plasma shortcut conflicts.

## Related

- HTML version of this page: https://smblob.com/products/smbact/documentation/
- Site map for agents: https://smblob.com/llms.txt