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Overview

EnConvo offers multiple panel modes that control how the AI interface appears on your screen. Whether you prefer a compact search bar, a persistent sidebar, or a floating chat window, you can choose the layout that best fits your workflow and switch between modes at any time.

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Panel Modes

EnConvo provides the following display modes:

Smart Bar

Spotlight-like overlay that appears center-screen on demand

Mini Smart Bar

Compact, minimal search bar for quick queries

Side Bar

Full-height panel docked to the screen edge

App Sidebar

Sidebar attached to the active application window

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Smart Bar

The default mode. A Spotlight-style overlay that appears at the center of your screen when you press the hotkey (Shift+Cmd+D). It disappears after your query is processed or when you press Escape. Best for: Quick, one-off queries and commands. Minimal screen disruption.

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Mini Smart Bar

A more compact version of the Smart Bar. Takes up less screen space while still providing full AI access. Ideal for users who want a less intrusive interface. Best for: Frequent short queries, users who prefer minimal UI. A full-height panel that docks to the left or right edge of your screen. Provides a persistent chat interface alongside your other applications. Best for: Extended conversations, reference material, ongoing tasks.

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App Sidebar

A sidebar that attaches directly to the active application window rather than the screen edge. Each application gets its own AI context, making the sidebar app-aware. Best for: Per-app AI assistance, code editors, browsers, document editing. See App Sidebar for detailed documentation.

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Switching Panel Modes

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From Settings

  1. Open Settings in EnConvo
  2. Navigate to the window or display settings
  3. Select your preferred panel mode from the dropdown

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From Quick Actions

You can switch modes quickly:
  • Right-click the EnConvo menu bar icon and select a panel mode
  • Use a keyboard shortcut to cycle between modes (if configured)

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Window Positioning

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Fixed Position

Pin the panel to a specific location on your screen:
  1. Drag the panel to your preferred position
  2. Click the pin icon to lock it in place
  3. The panel will remember its position between sessions

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Multi-Monitor Support

EnConvo works across multiple displays:
  • The SmartBar appears on the display where your cursor is located
  • Sidebars can be docked to any display edge
  • The App Sidebar follows the application window, even across monitors
  • Each monitor can have independent positioning preferences
If you use multiple monitors, the SmartBar always appears on the active monitor (where your mouse cursor is). This ensures it is always within reach regardless of which screen you are focused on.

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Appearance Settings

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Transparency

Adjust the window opacity to let your background content show through:
  • Full opacity: Solid background, easiest to read
  • Semi-transparent: See your work behind the panel
  • Highly transparent: Minimal visual obstruction

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Size Adjustment

Resize the panel to match your preference: Drag the edge of the panel to resize it. The size is remembered between sessions.

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Always-on-Top

Keep the EnConvo panel above all other windows:
  1. Right-click the panel title bar or menu bar icon
  2. Toggle Always on Top
  3. The panel will float above all other application windows
This is particularly useful for:
  • Referencing AI responses while working in another application
  • Keeping a conversation visible during video calls
  • Monitoring ongoing tasks or workflows

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Keyboard Shortcuts

All keyboard shortcuts can be customized in Settings -> Keyboard Shortcuts. You can assign different shortcuts for different panel modes.

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Configuration Reference

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Settings -> Window

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None Mode

Setting the display mode to None hides all panels. EnConvo continues running in the background and can still be activated via:
  • Menu bar icon
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Companion Orb (if enabled)
  • Workflows and automations

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Tips and Tricks

Use Smart Bar for quick lookups and one-shot commands. Switch to Side Bar or App Sidebar when you need an ongoing conversation or want to keep AI responses visible while working.
The App Sidebar is especially powerful with code editors. It automatically detects the programming language and file context, providing targeted assistance without you needing to explain what you are working on.
The Companion Orb works alongside any panel mode. Use the Smart Bar for commands and the Companion Orb for voice chat and quick actions simultaneously.
If you find the panel distracting, increase transparency, enable auto-hide, or use Mini Smart Bar mode. You get the same AI capabilities with minimal visual impact.

SmartBar

Smart Bar detailed documentation

App Sidebar

App Sidebar detailed documentation

Companion Orb

Floating AI companion

PopBar

Context menu for selected text