Keyboard shortcuts

ClockX keyboard shortcuts — hotkeys guide

ClockX supports global keyboard shortcuts so you can control your desktop clock without touching the mouse. Show or hide the clock, open settings, or trigger alarms — all from the keyboard.

How to configure hotkeys in ClockX

ClockX hotkeys are global — they work even when other windows are in focus.

What you can assign hotkeys to

Show / hide clock

Toggle the clock visibility instantly. Useful when you need a clean screen for screenshots or presentations, then want the clock back in one keystroke.

Open settings / options

Jump directly to the ClockX Options dialog without right-clicking. Handy when you frequently adjust settings like transparency, size or timezone.

Open alarm manager

Open the alarm list directly without navigating the right-click menu. Quickly add, edit or disable alarms from the keyboard.

Always on top toggle

Toggle the always-on-top mode with a keystroke. Keep the clock above all windows when needed, drop it behind when it gets in the way.

Start timer

Trigger a quick countdown timer from the keyboard. Combined with a preset time, this lets you start a Pomodoro session without touching the mouse at all.

Open style picker

Open the skin/style selector directly. Quickly browse and switch clock faces from the keyboard when you want to change the look.

Recommended hotkey combinations

Good hotkeys are memorable and conflict-free. Here are reliable combinations for ClockX:

ActionSuggested shortcutNotes
Show / hide clockCtrl + Alt + CC for Clock — easy to remember
Open OptionsCtrl + Alt + OO for Options
Open AlarmsCtrl + Alt + AA for Alarm
Start timerCtrl + Alt + TT for Timer
Always on top toggleCtrl + Alt + PP for Pin
Avoid combinations already used by Windows (Win+L, Ctrl+Alt+Del) or common apps (browsers use Ctrl+T for new tab). Test each shortcut in your typical work environment before settling on it.

Hotkey questions

My hotkey doesn't work — what's wrong?
The most common cause is a conflict with another application using the same key combination. Try a different combination. Also ensure ClockX is running — global hotkeys only work while ClockX is active. If you recently updated Windows, re-save the hotkey in Options to re-register it.
Do hotkeys work when ClockX is hidden?
Yes — global hotkeys are registered at the OS level and work regardless of ClockX's visibility. That's the point of the show/hide hotkey: press it to bring the clock back even when it's hidden.
Can I use the Windows key in hotkey combinations?
Windows reserves most Win+Key combinations for system functions. ClockX may not be able to intercept these reliably. Stick to Ctrl+Alt+Key combinations for best results.

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