How to use GhostCanvas
From purchase to your first invisible interview — follow these steps to get set up in under 5 minutes.
Recommended: Chrome & Always-On-Top Meeting Setup
Google Chrome works best for web coding environments (LeetCode, HackerRank, CoderPad). If you use desktop meeting apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom that attempt to claim topmost window priority, simply press Alt + T at any time to instantly re-assert GhostCanvas as the topmost overlay above all windows.
1. Setup Flowchart
Purchase Your License
Note: Each license is tied to one machine only.
Download & Launch
Activate Your License
Keep your license key safe — it is tied to your machine fingerprint.
Add Your Gemini API Key
💡 100% Free: Click "Create API key" on Google AI Studio — no credit card needed.
Choose Your Voice Engine
Upload Resume & Q&A Sheet
Select Interview Mode & Language
You're Ready — Go Invisible!
• Press Alt + S to screenshot and solve code or MCQs on screen.
• Press Alt + R to toggle live voice listening and AI transcription.
• Press Alt + A to toggle click-through on/off when you want to drag or position the overlay.
• Press Alt + V for instant emergency panic hide during screen shares.
2. Controlling the App (Shortcuts)
GhostCanvas runs silently without visible window borders or taskbar icons. Everything is controlled using ergonomic, 1-handed Alt shortcuts designed for zero disruption during interviews.
The Golden Rule
Forgot a shortcut? Press Alt + H to open the live HUD Shortcuts Popover directly on your screen anytime.
3. Pro Tips for Flawless Interviews
Meeting App Coexistence (Teams, Zoom, Meet)
Meeting apps like Microsoft Teams or Zoom often attempt to grab top focus during incoming calls or when participants join. If GhostCanvas ever goes behind a meeting window, simply press Alt + T (or Ctrl + Shift + T). GhostCanvas immediately invokes native OS APIs to re-assert always-on-top priority over all apps.
Click-Through vs Interactive Dragging
GhostCanvas defaults to Click-Through mode so you can type code directly in LeetCode, HackerRank, or VS Code underneath the overlay without accidentally clicking it. To drag the bar or click settings, press Alt + A to toggle Interactive mode ON. When done, press Alt + A again. Or, simply use Alt + Arrow keys to nudge the overlay silently without touching your mouse!
Instant Panic Hide before Screen Sharing
If the interviewer asks you to share your entire desktop screen, press Alt + V immediately. The overlay and chat window will vanish instantly in under a millisecond. Once screen sharing ends, tap Alt + V again to restore your overlay.
Instant OCR Problem Solving
When given a complex algorithmic problem, SQL schema, or multiple-choice question on screen, press Alt + S. GhostCanvas silently captures your display, detects the question with Gemini Vision, and renders optimal code and explanation in your answers window.
Audio Routing for Video Calls
In video calls, the interviewer's voice comes through your speakers/headphones. In GhostCanvas settings (Alt + P), configure your transcription source to "Stereo Mix" or "System Audio" (or use Deepgram Nova-2) so the AI transcribes both the interviewer's questions and your voice seamlessly.
Prepare Q&A Cheat Sheet with Silent Scroll
Add your story bank, behavioral STAR answers, and system design trade-offs in Settings before the interview. Press Alt + Q to pull up the cheat sheet, and use Alt + [ and Alt + ] to scroll silently through your notes while maintaining eye contact with the camera.
4. Audio & Troubleshooting FAQ
Q: How do I make the app hear the interviewer's voice in video calls?
In meetings (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet), the interviewer's speech plays out through your computer's audio. In GhostCanvas settings (Alt + P), select 'Stereo Mix' or 'System Audio' as your transcription input device. If you use headphones, enabling Stereo Mix in Windows Sound Settings routes system audio directly to GhostCanvas so both you and the interviewer are captured.
Q: The overlay is behind Microsoft Teams or Zoom. How do I fix it?
Teams and Zoom frequently pull their video grids or floating toolbars to the front. Simply press Alt + T at any time. GhostCanvas executes a native Win32 HWND_TOPMOST call that pins the overlay on the absolute highest z-order above all meeting software.
Q: How do I click through the overlay into VS Code or LeetCode?
GhostCanvas runs with click-through enabled by default! You can click and type directly on the webpage or editor underneath the overlay without accidentally focusing GhostCanvas. When you do want to move or drag the overlay, tap Alt + A to toggle Interactive mode ON, move it, and tap Alt + A again. Or even easier: use Alt + Arrow Keys to nudge it anywhere!
Q: What should I do if the interviewer asks me to share my screen?
Immediately press Alt + V. This is the 1ms emergency Panic Hide shortcut. All GhostCanvas windows, chats, and overlays instantly disappear from sight. Once screen share is over, tap Alt + V again to restore your setup.
Q: Windows SmartScreen says 'Unknown Publisher' during installation?
GhostCanvas is an independently compiled desktop tool without an expensive commercial EV certificate. When the blue SmartScreen dialog appears, click 'More info' and then 'Run anyway'. The application is clean, 100% sandboxed, and respects your privacy.
Q: Can I move my license to a new laptop if I change machines?
Each license is tied to your hardware fingerprint. If you upgrade your machine or re-install your OS, reach out to our team via the email link on the download page and we will quickly reset your activation slot.
Ready to get started?