Use Command + Space to Open Sliprail on macOS

Command + Space is a familiar shortcut for launching apps and actions, but macOS assigns it to Spotlight by default. Some systems may also use it for switching input sources.

If you assign Command + Space to Sliprail without removing those conflicts, Spotlight may open instead or the shortcut may appear not to work. Follow the steps below to free the shortcut in System Settings.

Sliprail uses Option + Space by default on macOS, so you need these changes only if you prefer Command + Space.

Step 1: Disable or Change the Spotlight Shortcut

  1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings
  2. Select Keyboard in the sidebar
  3. Select Keyboard Shortcuts...
  4. Select Spotlight
  5. Find Show Spotlight search
  6. Turn off the shortcut, or assign Spotlight a different key combination

On older macOS versions, System Settings may be named System Preferences.

Step 2: Check Siri Shortcuts

Some macOS versions or custom configurations may assign a related Siri action to Command + Space.

  1. In Keyboard Shortcuts, select Siri if it is available
  2. Check for any action assigned to Command + Space
  3. Disable the conflicting shortcut or assign a different one
  4. Review the Spotlight section as well, because Siri-related actions may appear there on some versions

Step 3: Check Input Source Shortcuts

macOS can use keyboard shortcuts to switch between input sources such as English, Spanish, or Pinyin.

  1. In Keyboard Shortcuts, select Input Sources
  2. Check actions such as Select the previous input source and Select next source in Input menu
  3. If either action uses Command + Space, disable it or assign another shortcut

The exact wording may vary slightly by macOS version.

Step 4: Assign the Shortcut in Sliprail

  1. Open Sliprail Settings
  2. Find the launcher hotkey setting
  3. Assign Command + Space
  4. Close Settings and test the shortcut

Sliprail should now open when you press Command + Space.

If the Shortcut Still Does Not Work

Review Spotlight, Siri, and Input Sources again to make sure no system action still uses the same combination. Also check other apps that register global shortcuts, because they can create the same conflict.