Install the core shell.
pikman i otter-shell
Before making changes, back up your existing configuration directory located at: ~/.config/hypr/
In ~/.config/hypr/exec.conf remove or comment out the following lines to disable the default Pikabar/Noctalia shell components:
| Remove or // |
|---|
exec-once=systemctl --user enable --now hypridle |
exec-once=/usr/bin/mate-polkit |
exec-once=swww-daemon |
exec-once=pikabar |
Add these lines to your exec.conf to ensure the Otter-Shell modules start at boot:
| Daemon | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
exec-once=otter-bar |
Recommended | Status bar, system tray, workspace indicator |
exec-once=otter-wallpaper |
Recommended | Desktop background |
exec-once=otter-notifications |
Recommended | notify-send and app notifications |
exec-once=otter-osd |
Recommended | Volume/brightness/lock-key overlays |
exec-once=otter-idle |
Recommended | Screen lock and DPMS on idle |
exec-once=otter-polkit |
Recommended | Authentication for privileged actions |
exec-once=otter-clip daemon |
Recommended | Clipboard history |
exec-once=otter-theme-gen |
Optional | Wallpaper-reactive color layer (use with otter-wallpaper) |
exec-once=otter-search |
Optional | File and content search (launcher file / grep modes) |
exec-once=otter-weather --watch 900 --write-cache |
Optional | Bar weather widget data |
exec-once=otter-jade |
Optional | Desktop pet |
exec-once=otter-transcribe |
Optional | Speech transcription (needs otter-shell-extras) |
exec-once=otter-assist |
Optional | Local AI backend for Otter Assistant (otter-shell-extras) |
Configure your primary navigation and session shortcuts. You can adjust these keys to suit your preference.
The following keybinds can be used as an example.
Edit ~/.config/hypr/keybinds.conf
Change
bind=$mainMod,d,exec,pikabar-launcher
Into
bind=$mainMod, d, exec, pkill otter-launcher || otter-launcher
Add
bind=CTRL ALT, Delete, exec, pkill otter-logout || otter-logout
Delete all 5 lines at the bottom of the config from:
bind=CTRL,Print,exec,grim...
This Keybind will use PrtScn and save screenshots to the clipboard
Add
bind = , Print, exec, otter-screenshot
This keybind will use Shift+PrtScn and save screenshots to the Pictures folder
Add
bind = SHIFT, Print, exec, otter-screenshot --freeze --output ~/Pictures/screenshot.png
Add
bindl = , Caps_Lock, exec, otter-osd caps-lock
bindl = , Num_Lock, exec, otter-osd num-lock
Replace the current 3 XF86Audio... keybinds
bindle = , XF86AudioRaiseVolume, exec, otter-osd volume-up 5
bindle = , XF86AudioLowerVolume, exec, otter-osd volume-down 5
bindl = , XF86AudioMute, exec, otter-osd volume-mute-toggle
Replace the current XF86MonBrightness... keybinds
bindle = , XF86MonBrightnessUp, exec, brightnessctl set +5% && otter-osd brightness-up 5
bindle = , XF86MonBrightnessDown, exec, brightnessctl set -5% && otter-osd brightness-down 5
For laptop's this could need additional parameters to make sure the correct backlight is controlled.