type a colon search
- 1. Enable Inline Emoji Picker in Settings → Emoji.
- 2. Type
:and a few letters in a supported field. - 3. Continue typing to narrow the result.
- 4. Press the configured accept-word key to insert it.
Emoji search is a deterministic inline feature; it does not require the language model to invent an emoji response.
recent choices rank higher
Cotabby remembers recent and frequently selected emoji locally so the results you actually use can move upward. Choose Clear History in Settings → Emoji to return ranking to its baseline.
choose preferred variants
- Select a preferred skin tone. When supported, that tone appears before the default variant.
- Select person, man, or woman style for people emoji that provide those variants.
- The preference changes ordering; unsupported emoji remain unchanged.
if no picker appears
- Confirm Inline Emoji Picker is enabled.
- Test
:smilein Notes to rule out an app-specific field. - Confirm the app is not disabled and the field is not secure.
- Check whether the accept-word key conflicts with the host app.
See the broader troubleshooting guide if autocomplete and emoji search are both unavailable.
related help
Cotabby Keyboard Shortcuts and Acceptance Modes
Accept one word or a whole suggestion, dismiss ghost text, and rebind every key.
Cotabby Inline Macros for Math, Units, Dates, and More
A complete slash-macro reference for calculations, conversions, dates, and generators.
Troubleshoot Cotabby Autocomplete on Mac
A symptom-first checklist for suggestions, permissions, models, and app compatibility.