---
title: "Customize RewriteBar | Settings and Commands"
description: "Customize RewriteBar with your own prompts, keyboard shortcuts, appearance settings, AI providers, and reusable writing workflows."
url: "https://rewritebar.com/docs/customization"
---

# Customization

Customize your RewriteBar experience with custom prompts, keyboard shortcuts, and appearance settings.

## Custom Prompts

Create your own rewriting prompts to get exactly the output you need.

### Creating a Custom Prompt

1. Go to **Settings** → **Custom Prompts**
2. Click **Add New Prompt**
3. Enter a name and description
4. Write your prompt template
5. Test the prompt with sample text

### Prompt Variables

Use these variables in your custom prompts:

- `{text}` \- The original text to be rewritten
- `{style}` \- The selected writing style
- `{tone}` \- The desired tone (formal, casual, etc.)

### Example Custom Prompts

**Professional Email**

```
Rewrite this email to be more professional and concise while maintaining the original meaning:

{text}

```

**Creative Writing**

```
Transform this text into a more creative and engaging version:

{text}

```

## Keyboard Shortcuts

Customize keyboard shortcuts to match your workflow.

### Default Shortcuts

| Shortcut        | Action                      |
| --------------- | --------------------------- |
| Cmd + Shift + R | Quick rewrite selected text |
| Cmd + Shift + E | Open RewriteBar window      |
| Cmd + ,         | Open settings               |

### Changing Shortcuts

1. Go to **Settings** → **Keyboard Shortcuts**
2. Click on the shortcut you want to change
3. Press the new key combination
4. Click **Save**

## Appearance Settings

### Theme Options

- **System**: Follows your system theme
- **Light**: Always use light theme
- **Dark**: Always use dark theme

### UI Customization

- **Font Size**: Adjust text size in the interface
- **Compact Mode**: Reduce spacing for smaller screens
- **Show Icons**: Toggle icon visibility in menus

## Advanced Settings

### API Configuration

- **Request Timeout**: Set how long to wait for AI responses
- **Retry Attempts**: Number of retries for failed requests
- **Rate Limiting**: Control request frequency

### Privacy Settings

- **Data Collection**: Control what data is sent to AI providers
- **Local Processing**: Use local AI when available
- **Cache Settings**: Control how responses are cached

## Troubleshooting Customization

### Custom Prompts Not Working

- Check that the prompt syntax is correct
- Ensure all required variables are included
- Test with simple text first

### Shortcuts Not Responding

- Check for conflicts with other applications
- Restart RewriteBar after changing shortcuts
- Verify the shortcut is not already in use

### Appearance Issues

- Restart the application after theme changes
- Check that your system supports the selected theme
- Try resetting to default settings