App Rules

The default behavior of dimming is “everything except the focused window goes dark”. But some apps are exceptions: you don’t want a video to dim while you watch it, or any veil over a fullscreen IDE. App rules are that exception list.

Rule types

Stacking order and the limits of “Allowed to highlight”

Dimming is a single sheet placed below a certain point of the window stacking order. “Allowed to highlight” therefore means “do not cover this app” — not “pick this one app out and brighten it”.

When another window covers the app, VeilWin raises the app in front of that window so the dimmer can keep covering the rest. Windows that cannot be moved (always-on-top system windows, fullscreen windows in other Spaces, …) stay bright along with it.

If what you want is “no dimming at all while this app is in front”, Pause when frontmost is the reliable choice; to keep one display dark at all times, use Always dim this display on the Displays page.

Create a rule

1. Open Settings → Rules
2. Click “Add from running apps…”
3. Enter the app process name (case-insensitive), e.g. WeChat, IINA, Code
4. Pick the rule type and save

Process names usually match the app name; confirm in Activity Monitor (macOS) / Task Manager (Windows) if unsure.

Manage rules

• Each rule can be enabled/disabled independently
• The list is your exception list — add or remove anytime

Typical uses

• Media players: allowed to highlight — watching a movie is unaffected
• Video calls: pause when frontmost — screen sharing shows a clean picture
• Streaming tools: pause when frontmost — no veil in the stream
• System tools: allowed to highlight — screen recorders and screenshot tools ready anytime
• Message windows: always dimmed — notifications stay quietly in the background

Next steps

• Window dimming — the basics
• Multi-display — per-screen control