User Guide

Follow this guide to configure IrukaDark, learn every global shortcut, master slash commands, and keep conversations flowing.

Initial Setup

Complete these first steps so shortcuts, screenshots, and chat feel instant every time you launch the app.

API Key Settings

  1. Visit Google AI Studio and create a Gemini API key (Studio keys only; Vertex keys are not supported).
  2. Open IrukaDark and go to IrukaDark → AI Settings → Set GEMINI_API_KEY.
  3. Paste the key without quotes or spaces. IrukaDark validates it immediately and stores it securely on your Mac.
  4. If you prefer environment variables, set GEMINI_API_KEY (or GOOGLE_GENAI_API_KEY) before launching.

Model Settings

  1. In the same AI Settings menu, choose gemini-flash-lite-latest for the fastest everyday responses.
  2. Keep gemini-flash-latest as your backup when you need a fuller answer or web-grounded lookup.
  3. Advanced users can set GEMINI_MODEL or WEB_SEARCH_MODEL environment variables to persist model overrides.
  4. If a model call fails, switch back to the lite recommendation or retry—IrukaDark shows the error reason in chat.

Accessibility Permissions

  1. The first time you trigger Option+A, macOS prompts for Accessibility access. Approve it so the helper can read selected text.
  2. When you capture an area (Option+S), macOS requests Screen Recording; allow the IrukaAutomation helper in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  3. If shortcuts stop working, revisit Privacy & Security → Accessibility/Screen Recording and confirm IrukaDark plus “IrukaAutomation” stay enabled.
  4. Restart IrukaDark after granting permissions so macOS applies the change to the helper process.

Shortcut Keys

All shortcuts work system-wide. IrukaDark pops into view, keeps focus on your current app, and shows the answer inline.

~`
!1
@2
#3
$4
%5
^6
&7
*8
(9
)0
_-
+=
delete
tab
Q
W
E
R
T
Y
U
I
O
P
{[
}]
|\
caps lock
A
S
D
F
G
H
J
K
L
:;
"'
return
shift
Z
X
C
V
B
N
M
<,
>.
?/
shift
fn
control
option
command
command
option
◀
▶

Option+A — Quick Explain

Explains highlighted text with a concise summary that fits on-screen. Ideal for quick clarifications.

Option+Shift+A — Deep Explain

Requests additional context, examples, and follow-up steps. Perfect when you need full reasoning.

Option+1 — URL Summary

Fetches the highlighted URL, sanitises the page, and returns a four-sentence digest ordered by impact.

Option+Shift+1 — URL Deep Dive

Builds a structured breakdown (overview, key points, risks, next actions) from the same URL fetch workflow.

Option+R — Translate

Translates the selected text into the UI language, keeping technical terms intact when possible.

Option+S — Screenshot Explain

Lets you drag an on-screen region. IrukaDark extracts text/visual context and summarises what you selected.

Option+Shift+S — Detailed Screenshot

Requests a richer explanation from the captured region, including background, implications, and suggested next steps.

Slash Commands

Type a slash (/) in the chat box to open the command palette. Commands run against your latest conversation state.

/clear

Wipe the current conversation, keeping the window open so you can start fresh without reloading the app.

/compact

Summarises recent turns into a tighter history so the next answer stays on-topic with less token usage.

/next

Asks IrukaDark to continue the last reply—useful when a generated answer ends early or you want more depth.

/table

Reformats the previous AI output into a table, perfect for comparing pros/cons, steps, or key metrics quickly.

/what do you mean?

Requests a simpler restatement of the previous answer so complex explanations become easier to follow.

/translate

Opens a submenu with locale-specific commands (for example /translate_ja, /translate_fr) to translate the last AI reply.

/web

Toggle grounded web search with /web on, /web off, or check status via /web status. Requires a model that supports Google Search.

/contact

Opens the contact page so you can report feedback, bugs, or request features directly from the app.

Normal Chat

Use IrukaDark like any AI assistant—shortcuts and slash commands are optional. Everything runs in a single, always-on-top window.

Everyday Flow

  • Type in the message box and press Return to send your prompt.
  • IrukaDark keeps the current thread active until you reset it—use /clear or the menu’s New Chat option when you want a blank slate.
  • Right-click anywhere to open the application menu at the cursor for quick access to pinning, accessibility helpers, and settings.
  • Links in answers open in your default browser so research continues in the right place.