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Troubleshooting

Common issues and their solutions for RewriteBar.

Installation Issues

App Won't Install

Problem: RewriteBar fails to install or shows security warnings.

Solutions:

  1. Allow from Unknown Developers: Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy → General → Allow apps downloaded from "App Store and identified developers"
  2. Right-click Install: Right-click the downloaded file and select "Open"
  3. Check System Requirements: Ensure you're running macOS 10.15 or later

Installation Stuck

Problem: Installation process hangs or takes too long.

Solutions:

  1. Restart Download: Delete the partial download and try again
  2. Check Internet Connection: Ensure stable internet connection
  3. Clear Download Cache: Clear your browser's download cache

API Connection Issues

API Key Not Working

Problem: Getting "Invalid API Key" or "Authentication Failed" errors.

Solutions:

  1. Verify API Key: Double-check the key is correct and active
  2. Check Permissions: Ensure the key has the required permissions
  3. Test in Browser: Try using the API key in a web browser first
  4. Contact Provider: Reach out to your AI provider's support

Connection Timeouts

Problem: Requests timeout or fail to complete.

Solutions:

  1. Check Internet: Ensure stable internet connection
  2. Increase Timeout: Go to Settings → Advanced → Increase timeout value
  3. Try Different Provider: Switch to a different AI provider
  4. Check Firewall: Ensure RewriteBar can access the internet

Local AI Issues

Ollama Not Working

Problem: Ollama integration fails or doesn't respond.

Solutions:

  1. Check Ollama Status: Ensure Ollama is running (ollama list)
  2. Verify Model: Make sure the model is downloaded and loaded
  3. Check Port: Verify Ollama is running on the correct port (default: 11434)
  4. Restart Ollama: Stop and restart the Ollama service

LM Studio Connection Failed

Problem: Can't connect to LM Studio server.

Solutions:

  1. Start Server: Ensure LM Studio server is running
  2. Check URL: Verify the server URL is correct
  3. Check Port: Ensure the port is accessible
  4. Firewall: Check that the port isn't blocked by firewall

oMLX Connection or Authentication Failed

  1. Start oMLX and confirm the server address and port shown in its settings.
  2. In RewriteBar, select the oMLX provider. The default base URL is http://127.0.0.1:8000/v1.
  3. If you see API key required or an authentication error, enter the server API key configured in oMLX.
  4. Refresh the model list, select a downloaded text-generation model, and click Verify and Enable.
  5. If the first response takes longer, allow time for the model to load. Try a smaller model if memory is limited.

See the oMLX setup guide for the complete configuration.

Performance Issues

Slow Responses

Problem: AI responses are very slow.

Solutions:

  1. Check Internet Speed: Test your internet connection
  2. Try Different Model: Switch to a faster model
  3. Reduce Text Length: Break long text into smaller chunks
  4. Check System Resources: Ensure sufficient RAM and CPU

App Crashes

Problem: RewriteBar crashes or freezes.

Solutions:

  1. Restart App: Force quit and restart RewriteBar
  2. Check System Resources: Ensure sufficient RAM and CPU
  3. Update macOS: Make sure you're running the latest macOS
  4. Reinstall: Delete and reinstall RewriteBar

UI Issues

Menu Not Appearing

Problem: RewriteBar menu doesn't appear in the menu bar.

Solutions:

  1. Check Menu Bar: Ensure the menu bar isn't hidden
  2. Restart App: Force quit and restart RewriteBar
  3. Check Permissions: Ensure RewriteBar has necessary permissions
  4. Reinstall: Delete and reinstall the application

Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

Problem: Keyboard shortcuts don't trigger RewriteBar.

Solutions:

  1. Check Conflicts: Ensure no other app is using the same shortcut
  2. Restart App: Restart RewriteBar after changing shortcuts
  3. Check Permissions: Ensure RewriteBar has accessibility permissions
  4. Reset Shortcuts: Reset to default shortcuts and try again

Getting Help

Still Having Issues?

If you're still experiencing problems:

  1. Check Logs: Go to Settings → Advanced → View Logs
  2. Contact Support: Email us at support@rewritebar.com
  3. Join Discord: Get help from the community
  4. GitHub Issues: Report bugs on our GitHub repository

Providing Support Information

When contacting support, please include:

  • macOS Version: System Information → Software
  • RewriteBar Version: About RewriteBar
  • Error Messages: Exact error text
  • Steps to Reproduce: What you were doing when the issue occurred
  • Log Files: Attach relevant log files if possible