> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monarchlinux.com/everyday-tasks/reminders-and-quick-controls.md).

# Reminders and quick controls

Set desktop reminders and control notifications, night light, and idle locking.

Use the Monarch Menu for these short-lived actions. Press **SUPER + ALT + Space**, then open **Actions → Reminder** or **Actions → Toggle**. The shortcuts below work from anywhere on the desktop.

## Set a reminder

A reminder sends a desktop notification after the number of minutes you choose.

1. Press **SUPER + CTRL + R**.
2. Enter a positive number of minutes.
3. Enter a message, or leave it blank for a generic reminder.

The same prompts are under **Actions → Reminder → Set one**. You can also create a reminder from a terminal:

```bash
monarch reminder 15 "Take a break"
```

| Action                  | Shortcut                     | Menu item                          | Terminal command         |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Show upcoming reminders | **SUPER + CTRL + ALT + R**   | **Actions → Reminder → Show all**  | `monarch reminder show`  |
| Clear all reminders     | **SUPER + CTRL + SHIFT + R** | **Actions → Reminder → Clear all** | `monarch reminder clear` |

The show command displays the remaining time and message in a desktop notification. Clear all removes every outstanding reminder.

## Toggle a temporary mode

Press **SUPER + CTRL + O** to open **Actions → Toggle** directly, or use one of these shortcuts and commands:

| Mode           | Shortcut                 | Terminal command                        | Effect                                                                                              |
| -------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Do Not Disturb | **SUPER + CTRL + Comma** | `monarch toggle notification-silencing` | Silences notifications.                                                                             |
| Night light    | **SUPER + CTRL + N**     | `monarch toggle nightlight`             | Switches the manual warm-color override. A configured Noctalia schedule is separate.                |
| Stay awake     | **SUPER + CTRL + I**     | `monarch toggle idle`                   | Inhibits Noctalia's idle actions, including its screensaver, automatic lock, and display power-off. |

Use the same shortcut or command again to toggle the mode. You can also choose **Nightlight**, **Idle Lock**, or **Notifications** in **Actions → Toggle**. When one of these modes is active, its indicator appears in the bar; click it to switch the mode off.

To set a mode explicitly, add `on` or `off` to its command. Add `status` to check it. For example:

```bash
monarch toggle idle on
monarch toggle idle status
monarch toggle idle off
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Stay awake only affects Noctalia's inactivity actions. Closing a laptop lid can still lock the session.
{% endhint %}

For permanent shell settings, see [Noctalia](/basics/noctalia.md).