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Everything you need to set up Ghostbar and use it the right way.
Installing Ghostbar
macOS beta builds are unsigned. If Gatekeeper blocks the app, follow the step-by-step install guide with screenshots:
Quick start
- Create an account and choose a plan on Pricing.
- Install Ghostbar by pasting the one-line command into Terminal — it picks Apple Silicon or Intel for you. The install guide covers what to do if the command fails.
- Open the desktop app → Settings → Account → Sign in on web. Complete password, Apple, or Google sign-in in your browser with the same email.
- Grant permissions when prompted: microphone (transcription), screen recording (region capture), and accessibility (context on macOS).
- Press ⌘⇧O / Ctrl+Shift+O to show the overlay during a call.
Using the overlay correctly
Live transcription
Toggle audio in the top bar. System audio is transcribed into the Transcripts panel. Stop audio when you do not need it.
Analyze screen
Click Analyze, drag a region over code or slides. Ghostbar captures a screenshot and sends it to a vision-capable model. The overlay hides briefly during capture.
Chat / Ask AI
Open chat for text-only questions. Responses stream in the Response panel with copy-friendly code blocks.
Session context
In Settings, add meeting notes and your CV. This context is included with every ask for more relevant answers.
End session
Clears transcripts and responses and hides the overlay. Use this when the call ends.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ⌘/Ctrl+Shift+O | Show overlay |
| ⌘/Ctrl+Shift+H | Hide overlay |
| ⌘/Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Panic hide + clear response |
Platform compatibility
macOS 14 and earlier
sharingType exclusion often works on legacy capture paths.
macOS 15+
ScreenCaptureKit may capture the overlay. Keep Auto-hide on share enabled in Settings (default). The overlay hides when Zoom, Teams, or Chrome is frontmost.
Linux is not supported.
LLM providers
Ghostbar Cloud
Uses your web subscription. Sign in once in the desktop app; models and quota sync automatically.
Ollama
Run models on your own machine with Ollama. Configure the endpoint in desktop Settings — no cloud account required.
Responsible use
You are responsible for complying with employer policies, academic honor codes, and interview rules. Ghostbar is a productivity tool — misuse that violates third-party terms is your responsibility. See our Terms of Service.
Privacy
Cloud mode sends questions and context to our API, then to OpenAI or Anthropic. Accessibility snapshots are collected only when you ask, not continuously. Sensitive patterns (passwords, CVV) are filtered. Read the full Privacy Policy.
Need help?
Email support@ghostbar.app for installation, billing, or account issues.