Stopping a session

A session runs while another application has focus, which means the ClickTray window is usually behind whatever it is driving. There are four ways out, and it is worth knowing all of them before you start something.

The stop shortcut

The default is F6, which is the auto-clicker convention — the tools most people have used before this one all use it. It is a global shortcut, so it works while any other app is in front.

Change it in Settings → Stopping a session → Stop shortcut. Function keys such as F6, F7 or F8 are least likely to clash; you can also use a combination like Ctrl+Shift+F6.

The row shows Active or Not working. Not working means Windows would not grant the key because another application already owns it — pick a different one. ClickTray will never print a shortcut it has not confirmed, so a panel with no stop line is telling you something.

Hold Esc

Hold Esc to stop is a backup that no other application can take over, unlike a shortcut. Hold Esc for about a second and the session stops. It is on by default.

Turn it off only if you are running something that holds Esc on purpose — ClickTray cannot tell your Esc from one it is pressing itself.

The Stop bar

Show a Stop bar while running puts a small always-on-top bar on screen with a Stop button, so there is always something to click. It is on by default. Some full-screen games cover it; that is a Windows limitation on always-on-top windows, not a setting.

The tray icon

The tray menu carries Stop session, which shows the action count and the measured rate while something is running. This one cannot be taken by another application and cannot be covered by a full-screen window. It is the answer when everything else has failed.

What usually goes wrong

The shortcut does nothing. Another app owns the key. The Settings row will say Not working; pick a different one, and in the meantime hold Esc or use the tray.

A full-screen game hides the Stop bar. Use the shortcut, hold Esc, or alt-tab out and use the tray.