FAQ
Permissions
Why does VeilWin need Accessibility permission?
VeilWin must read window bounds and track the focused window to keep exactly the current window bright. Everything runs locally; no data leaves your device.
What happens on macOS without permission?
Dimming still works, but focus tracking is slightly slower (polling). Grant permission from step 1 on the Quick start page, or re-request it anytime under Settings → General.
Dimming
Enabled but nothing happens?
- Check that the macOS Accessibility permission is granted
- Confirm the intensity isn’t 0%
- Check whether a “pause on system view” scenario is active (Mission Control / Task View)
- Check whether a “pause when frontmost” rule is in effect
Can I dim just a region?
VeilWin works at the window level and does not support region masks. However, app rules, focus modes and multi-display settings can be combined to get close.
Does dimming affect screenshots or recordings?
Yes. The veil is rendered on screen for real, so screenshots and recordings include it — which is actually a plus for presentations.
Rules
How are rules matched?
By app process name (case-insensitive). Process names usually match the app name; confirm in Activity Monitor (macOS) / Task Manager (Windows).
Why do other windows stay bright around an app set to “allowed to highlight”?
Dimming is a single sheet placed below a certain point of the window stacking order. VeilWin can only guarantee the dimmer never covers an “allowed to highlight” app — it cannot pick out individual windows to stay bright:
- When another window covers the app, VeilWin raises the app in front of it (this changes the stacking order)
- Windows it cannot raise above (always-on-top system windows, fullscreen windows in other Spaces, …) stay bright along with it
If you want “no dimming at all while this app is in front”, switch the rule to Pause when frontmost; to keep one display dark at all times, use Always dim this display on the Displays page.
Multi-display
Can dual monitors be controlled independently?
Yes. Each display can independently enable/disable dimming, override intensity and bind a profile, or choose “per-display focus” vs “dim unfocused only”.
Hotkeys
What are the default hotkeys?
Toggle dimming: ⌃⌥⌘H (macOS) / Ctrl+Alt+Super+H (Windows). Temporarily reveal desktop: hold Fn (macOS) / Ctrl+Alt (Windows). All are configurable under Settings → Hotkeys.
Hotkeys not working?
- Check for conflicts with other apps or system shortcuts (the settings page flags them immediately)
- On macOS the Fn key can’t be bound as a regular hotkey; use Fn or a custom combo for “temporarily reveal desktop”
Free tier and purchase
What’s the difference between Free and Pro?
No feature gating. The free tier allows 2 hours of usage per day, resetting at midnight; Pro is an $8.59 one-time purchase with a lifetime license for up to 5 devices. See Pricing.
Is there a refund policy?
VeilWin is a digital product and non-refundable; please try the free tier first. See Refund policy.
Switching computers?
Unbind on the old machine under Settings → License, then activate on the new one with the same key. One Pro license covers up to 5 devices.
Technical
macOS says the developer can’t be verified?
Since the app is not distributed through the App Store, macOS may block it. Allow it in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
Windows installer shows a warning?
The website installer is not EV code-signed, so SmartScreen may warn. Click “More info” → “Run anyway”, or follow the install guide on the download page. You can also install from the Microsoft Store ; Windows handles signing and there is no SmartScreen prompt.
What is the difference between Microsoft Store and the website installer?
The Microsoft Store build is easier to install: Windows handles signing, and updates come through the Store. The website installer keeps the original download URL and supports faster in-app updates, but Windows may block the unsigned installer. Features and CDKey licensing are the same.
How do updates work?
The website installer has built-in auto-update; when a new version is released you’ll be prompted to download and install it. The Microsoft Store edition updates in the Store. The latest website build is also available on the download page.