Inputive User Manual
1. Introduction
Inputive is an intelligent input method auto-switching tool designed specifically for macOS, committed to providing users with efficient and convenient input method management experience. It automatically switches input methods based on the application you're using, allowing seamless switching between different applications without manual operation, improving input efficiency.
Inputive's core concepts include:
- Intelligent Auto-Switching: Automatically switches input methods based on the currently used application, without manual operation, allowing you to focus on content creation
- Flexible Custom Rules: Set dedicated input methods for different applications, support recording the last used input method, meet personalized needs
- Privacy & Security: All settings data is stored completely on local devices and will not be uploaded to any server, protecting your privacy and security
2. System Requirements & Permissions
2.1 System Requirements
- Operating System: macOS 13.0 or later
- Storage Space: At least 50MB of available space recommended
2.2 Permission Requirements
Inputive requires the following permissions to function properly:
- Accessibility Permission: Used to monitor foreground application changes and automatically switch input methods. This permission is not used to read or save your input content, nor to monitor your operations in the background. You can check the permission status in "General Settings" > "Permissions", and clicking the button will jump to the system settings page to enable permissions.
Tip: The app will guide you to enable necessary permissions on first launch. Please follow the prompts to operate. After enabling permissions, the app can function properly.
3. Getting Started
3.1 Application Interface
Inputive consists of two main components:
- Status Bar Icon: Click the status bar icon to pop up a menu, including settings, exit, etc.
- Settings Window: Contains all configuration options, with a left-right column structure, navigation bar on the left, detailed settings page on the right
3.2 First-Time Setup
When using Inputive for the first time, it is recommended to follow these steps:
- Open the settings window (click the status bar icon → Settings)
- Enable accessibility permission in "General Settings"
- Add applications that need automatic input method switching in "Custom Rules"
- Set the corresponding input method for each application
- Enable "Remember Last Input Method" function as needed
4. Core Features
4.1 Intelligent Auto-Switching
The core function of Inputive is to automatically switch input methods based on the application you're using. When you switch to different applications, Inputive will automatically detect and switch to the preset input method for that application.
- Real-time Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of foreground application changes, quick response to application switching
- Automatic Switching: Automatically switch to preset input method without manual operation
- Intelligent Recognition: Intelligent recognition of application switching timing, ensuring accurate switching
- Seamless Experience: Smooth switching process without affecting your normal use
4.2 Custom Rules
Click "Custom Rules" in the left navigation bar of the settings window to enter the rule management page. You can:
- Click the "+" button to add new application rules
- Select applications and set corresponding input methods
- Enable or disable "Remember Last Input Method" function
- Delete unnecessary rules
Tip: You can set input methods separately for each application, or set the same input method for multiple applications. Rules will be displayed in the list in the order they were added.
4.3 Remember Last Input Method
Inputive supports recording the last input method you used in each application. When you switch to that application next time, it will automatically restore the last used input method.
- Automatic Recording: Automatically record input method usage history for each application
- Automatic Restoration: Automatically restore last used input method when switching next time
- Individual Control: Can enable or disable this function separately for each application
- Intelligent Learning: Intelligently learn your usage habits to make switching more in line with your needs
4.4 System Shortcut Import
Inputive supports one-click import of macOS system-level shortcut configuration, intelligently identify system settings, avoid conflicts with system shortcuts, and ensure stable and reliable switching functionality.
- Click the "Import System Shortcuts" button in "General Settings"
- The app will automatically identify system input method switching shortcuts
- Avoid conflicts with system settings
- Ensure stable and reliable switching functionality
5. Custom Rules Management
5.1 Adding Rules
On the "Custom Rules" page, click the "+" button in the top right corner, and an application selection dialog will pop up. Select the application you want to add, then:
- Select the corresponding input method for that application
- Choose whether to enable "Remember Last Input Method" function
- Click "OK" to save the rule
5.2 Editing Rules
In the rules list, you can:
- Click the application name to view application information
- Modify the input method settings for the application
- Enable or disable "Remember Last Input Method" function
5.3 Deleting Rules
In the rules list, click the delete button (trash icon) on the right side of the rule to delete it. After deletion, that application will no longer automatically switch input methods.
Note: After deleting a rule, the automatic switching function for that application will immediately become invalid. If you need to restore it, please add the rule again.
6. General Settings
6.1 Theme Appearance
Inputive supports three theme modes: light, dark, and auto (follow system):
- Light Mode: Use light theme, suitable for use in bright environments
- Dark Mode: Use dark theme, suitable for use in dim light environments
- Auto Mode: Follow system appearance settings, automatically switch themes
In "General Settings" > "Theme Appearance", select your preferred theme mode. Settings will take effect immediately without restarting the app.
6.2 Language Settings
Inputive supports 15 language interfaces, including Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi, etc.
- In "General Settings" > "Language", select your language
- The interface language will switch immediately without restarting the app
- The app will automatically detect system language as the default language
6.3 Launch at Login
You can enable "Launch at Login" in "General Settings" to make Inputive automatically run when the system starts:
- After enabling "Launch at Login", the app will automatically run when the system starts
- After disabling "Launch at Login", you need to manually start the app
- This feature requires macOS 13.0 or later
6.4 Permission Settings
In "General Settings" > "Permission Settings", you can:
- View accessibility permission status
- Click the button to jump to system settings page to enable permissions
- View permission usage instructions
7. FAQ
Q: How to add custom rules?
A: Click "Custom Rules" in the left navigation bar of the settings window to enter the rule management page. Click the "+" button in the top right corner, select the application you want to add, then select the corresponding input method, and click "OK" to save the rule.
Q: How to enable or disable "Remember Last Input Method" function?
A: On the "Custom Rules" page, find the corresponding application rule, and click the switch button on the right side of the rule to enable or disable this function. After enabling, the app will record the last input method you used in that application, and automatically restore it when switching to that application next time.
Q: Why is the input method switching not working?
A: Please check the following:
- Make sure accessibility permission is enabled (check in "General Settings" > "Permission Settings")
- Make sure you have added custom rules for that application
- Make sure the input method settings for that application are correct
- Try restarting the app or re-adding the rule
Q: How to import system shortcuts?
A: In "General Settings", click the "Import System Shortcuts" button, and the app will automatically identify system input method switching shortcut configuration to avoid conflicts with system settings.
Q: Which input methods are supported?
A: Inputive supports all input methods supported by macOS, including but not limited to: Simplified Pinyin, Traditional Pinyin, Wubi, Cangjie, Japanese Input Method, Korean Input Method, English Input Method, etc. You can view installed input methods in System Settings.
Q: How to uninstall the app?
A: Drag the Inputive app to the Trash to uninstall. After uninstalling, all settings data will be deleted. If you need to keep settings, please backup app data before uninstalling.
Q: How much system resources does the app use?
A: Inputive is a lightweight app that uses very few system resources. The app only runs when monitoring foreground application changes and will not affect system performance.
Q: Where is the data stored?
A: All settings data is stored locally on your Mac device, including custom rules, app settings, etc. All data will not be uploaded to any server, completely protecting your privacy and security.
8. Privacy & Security
Inputive strictly follows privacy protection principles:
- Local Processing: All data processing is completed on your device
- No Data Upload: Will not send data to any server
- Permission Transparency: All permission requests have clear explanations, and you can manage them in System Settings at any time
- Data Control: You can delete all settings data at any time
Important: All data of Inputive (settings, rules, etc.) will not be uploaded to any remote server, ensuring privacy and security. Accessibility permission is only used to monitor foreground application changes and automatically switch input methods, and will not be used to read or save your input content.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please contact us through the following methods: