Screen Dimming
The Screen Dimming feature darkens the entire screen except for a region around your cursor. This draws your audience’s eye exactly where you want it, perfect for highlighting specific UI elements, text, or controls during a presentation.
How It Works
Section titled “How It Works”When enabled, a semi-transparent dark overlay covers the screen. A cutout region (the “clear zone”) follows your cursor, revealing the content underneath at full brightness.
Cutout Size
Section titled “Cutout Size”Controls the radius of the clear zone around the cursor, in pixels.
- Default: 100 px
- Smaller values (40–80 px) create a tight spotlight effect
- Larger values (150–300 px) reveal more content around the cursor
Cutout Shapes
Section titled “Cutout Shapes”The clear zone around the cursor can take different shapes:
| Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| Circle | Round cutout centered on the cursor (default) |
| Rectangle | Rectangular cutout for wider content areas |
| Rounded Rectangle | Rectangle with soft rounded corners; corner radius is configurable |
When Rounded Rectangle is selected, an additional Corner Radius setting (0–100%) controls how rounded the corners are.
Follow Smoothness
Section titled “Follow Smoothness”Controls how the cutout tracks the cursor.
- 0: Instant. The cutout snaps exactly to the cursor with no delay.
- 1–20: Smooth follow. The cutout lags slightly behind the cursor, creating a fluid trailing motion.
A value of 0 is best for most use cases. Higher values (5–10) can look more cinematic in slow, deliberate presentations.
Edge Softness
Section titled “Edge Softness”Controls the gradient at the boundary between the dimmed and clear areas.
- Sharp: hard edge, like a hole cut in the overlay
- Soft: gradual fade, creating a vignette-like effect
- Range: 0–50 (higher values produce a softer transition)
A softer edge looks more natural and less jarring; a sharp edge provides a clearer boundary.
Edge Color
Section titled “Edge Color”The color of the soft-edge gradient around the cutout. This is usually left at black to blend into the overall dimming overlay, but can be set to any color for a colored vignette effect.
- Default: Black
Dim Opacity
Section titled “Dim Opacity”Set how dark the overlay is.
- Lower values (20–40%): subtle dimming, content still partially visible
- Higher values (60–90%): dramatic darkening, strong focus effect
Activation Mode
Section titled “Activation Mode”The activation shortcut can run in Toggle mode (press to flip on/off, default) or Hold mode (active only while held). Switch via the ComboBox next to the shortcut.
See Activation Mode for details.
Fade Transition
Section titled “Fade Transition”When you toggle Screen Dimming on or off, the overlay can transition smoothly:
- Fade duration: how long the transition takes (in milliseconds)
- A longer fade feels more cinematic; instant toggle is more responsive
Recommended Settings
Section titled “Recommended Settings”| Scenario | Shape | Softness | Opacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live presentation | Circle | Soft | 60% |
| Screen recording | Rectangle | Medium | 50% |
| Maximum focus | Circle | Sharp | 80% |