www/docs/guide/usage/querying.md
Open Wox, type what you want, then act on the selected result. The launcher does not require you to remember every plugin keyword, but keywords are useful when you want a specific plugin to handle the query.
| Type | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global search | chrome | Lets global plugins compete for results, such as apps, calculator, converter, and web search. |
| Keyword query | f invoice | Sends the query to a plugin with a trigger keyword. |
| Command query | wpm install | Runs a command inside a plugin. |
| Selection query | Select text, then trigger Wox selection actions | Used by plugins that can work with selected text or files. |
A keyword is the first word in the query. If it matches a plugin trigger, Wox sends the rest of the query to that plugin.
wpm install browser
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
wpm | Plugin Manager trigger |
install | Plugin Manager command |
browser | Search term passed to the command |
Common built-in keywords:
| Keyword | Plugin |
|---|---|
f | File search |
cb | Clipboard history |
emoji | Emoji search |
chat | AI chat |
wpm, store, pm | Plugin Manager |
calculator | Calculator / converter explicit mode |
Some plugins listen to normal text without a keyword. That is why typing Chrome, 100 + 20, 1km to m, or a web search can produce useful results immediately.
Use a keyword when fallback results are noisy or when you know exactly which plugin should answer.
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
Windows: Alt + Space | Toggle Wox visibility |
macOS: Command + Space | Toggle Wox visibility |
Linux: Ctrl + Space | Toggle Wox visibility |
Esc | Hide Wox or go back from a nested view |
Up / Down | Move through results |
Enter | Run the selected result's primary action |
Alt + J / Command + J | Open the Action Panel |
Tab | Complete the suggested query when available |
Open Settings -> General to change the main Wox hotkey. You can also create query hotkeys that open Wox with a predefined query, position, width, or hidden toolbar/query box.