> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Core FAQ

> Quick answers to common questions about using Alter

Use these short answers first, then expand with how-to or guide content.

Scope: quick in-product usage questions only (opening Alter, context, settings, dictation, BYOK setup).

## How do I open Alter?

1. Hover over the notch.
2. Press `Alt+Space`.
3. Hold `Fn` and speak.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/alter-95c0cbf0/mqOlxKVGMNCfrprc/images/getting-started/open-notch.gif?s=b0997344b8b8d6972fbfedb7d3330555" alt="Open Alter" width="400" height="480" data-path="images/getting-started/open-notch.gif" />

See [Getting Started](/getting-started/getting-started-path) for more details.

## How do I add my own API key?

1. Open Settings (`Cmd+,`).
2. Go to API Keys.
3. Select provider and enter key.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/alter-95c0cbf0/mqOlxKVGMNCfrprc/images/models/custom-api-keys.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=mqOlxKVGMNCfrprc&q=85&s=757eda2c95d2ad1d0d59e64a12471d29" alt="Custom API keys" width="1754" height="1694" data-path="images/models/custom-api-keys.webp" />

See [How-To: Use Your Own API Key](/how-to/use-byok) for detailed instructions.

## How do I add context to a prompt?

* Drag and drop files onto the notch.
* Right-click files and choose Add to Alter.
* Use `@` to add context from the prompt.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/alter-95c0cbf0/mqOlxKVGMNCfrprc/images/context/drag-and-drop.gif?s=b817a08972565d26096cb9e122d11495" alt="Drag and drop" width="400" height="480" data-path="images/context/drag-and-drop.gif" />

See [Window Types: Notch, Hub, and Panels](/getting-started/window-types-notch-hub-panels#the-context-section) for more details.

## How do I change settings quickly?

* Open Alter and press `Cmd+,`.
* Or open three-dot menu -> Settings.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/alter-95c0cbf0/l0Hq8SC4vZgj5-Yz/images/settings/settings-menu.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=l0Hq8SC4vZgj5-Yz&q=85&s=805a06b61eff74ee14f95f781bf74b46" alt="Settings menu" width="1292" height="1360" data-path="images/settings/settings-menu.png" />

See [Alter Settings](/how-to/settings-guide) for more details.

## How do I configure dictation?

Settings -> Dictation, then choose processor, language, and replacements.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/alter-95c0cbf0/mqOlxKVGMNCfrprc/images/settings/dictation.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=mqOlxKVGMNCfrprc&q=85&s=5c2eacd35cf8cd2b4b9cea1f43e56b77" alt="Dictation" width="1717" height="1296" data-path="images/settings/dictation.webp" />

See [Dictation Guide](/workflows/dictation) for complete setup instructions.
