Limelight
What is a Global Hotkey?
A global hotkey is a keyboard shortcut that works across the whole system, triggering an action no matter which app is currently in focus.
A global hotkey is a keyboard shortcut registered at the operating-system level, so it responds wherever you are. Unlike a shortcut that only works inside a single app, a global hotkey fires even when a different application is in front, letting a background utility act on your command at any moment.
Global hotkeys differ from application shortcuts, which are scoped to one program and only work while that program is focused. Because global hotkeys are system-wide, apps usually let you choose combinations that are unlikely to collide with the shortcuts of whatever app you happen to be using.
For screen presenting, global hotkeys let you control overlay tools without leaving the app you are demonstrating. Limelight relies on global hotkeys on macOS: ⌃⌥1 toggles the cursor spotlight, ⌃⌥2 toggles the on-screen keystroke display, and ⌃⌥3 toggles screen drawing, so each feature is one keypress away no matter which app is in front.
Why Limelight
- ▸Works system-wide, no matter which app is currently focused
- ▸Differs from app shortcuts, which only work inside one program
- ▸Often chosen to avoid clashing with common app shortcuts
- ▸Limelight uses global hotkeys ⌃⌥1, ⌃⌥2, and ⌃⌥3 for its three features
7-day free trial · no card required · macOS 14+
Or buy now — $15 one-time · See how it works →
One-time payment, no subscription. 7-day free trial, then $15 once. macOS 14+, notarized by Apple.
FAQ
- How is a global hotkey different from a normal shortcut?
- A normal shortcut works only inside its app; a global hotkey works system-wide regardless of focus. Limelight uses global hotkeys like ⌃⌥1.
- Can global hotkeys conflict with other apps?
- They can if combinations overlap, which is why apps pick uncommon ones. Limelight uses ⌃⌥1/2/3 to reduce conflicts.