> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sonoransoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sonoransoftware.com/radio/tutorials/usage/desktop-overlay.md). # Desktop App & Overlay Use the Sonoran Radio desktop overlay while playing any game. The desktop app provides an overlay for **FiveM, Arma 3, Roblox, and other games**. Keep radio controls visible while you play. ## Open the Overlay 1. [Download and open the desktop app](/radio/download-the-app.md). 2. Join your Radio community and connect to a channel. 3. Select the **Overlay** tab at the top, beside **Dispatch**. 4. Position the radio over your game window.
Sonoran Radio top navigation with the Overlay tab immediately to the right of Dispatch

The Overlay tab is beside Dispatch in the top navigation. Use the desktop app to open it; the website displays it disabled.

On the website, the tab is disabled; its tooltip explains that the desktop app is required. The mobile app hides the tab. To return to the main panel, use the radio's power button or **Return to Portal**. ## Game Signal The overlay displays signal supplied by supported game integrations. For location-based signal, complete the [ER:LC setup](/radio/game-integrations/roblox/erlc-setup.md) or [Arma 3 installation](/radio/game-integrations/arma-3/install-and-connect.md), then configure that game's towers.
Sonoran Radio desktop overlay with a selected channel, connected users, and signal bars

Signal bars show the coverage supplied by your game integration.

## Overlay Controls
Hotkeys 1. Open **Settings** > **Hotkeys** on the overlay. 2. Select the button beside **Toggle Desktop Radio** and press your preferred key to hide or show the overlay. 3. Set **Focus Desktop Radio** the same way to interact with the radio while playing in fullscreen. Set **PTT Hotkey** to your preferred push-to-talk key.
Hotkeys settings showing PTT Hotkey, Focus Desktop Radio, and Toggle Desktop Radio

Example hotkeys; choose keys that do not conflict with your game.

Move or resize the radio Drag the radio body to move it. To resize the whole overlay, drag a corner, or hold **Ctrl** while dragging the body: up enlarges and down shrinks. A brief resize hint appears when the overlay opens and when you hover or focus a resize corner. There is no permanent resize button, and hovering over the radio screen does not repeatedly show the hint.
Change the radio frame 1. Open **Settings** > **Audio** on the overlay. 2. Open **Radio Frame**. 3. Select a frame provided by your community.
Audio settings with the Radio Frame dropdown open

Select a community frame from the Radio Frame dropdown.

Arma 3 can select a frame based on your inventory radio. See [Radio Items and Team Frames](/radio/game-integrations/arma-3/radio-items-and-team-frames.md).
Upload custom desktop frames Uploading custom frame artwork requires **Pro**. 1. In your community's admin panel, open **Customization** > **Desktop Frames**. 2. Upload the frame image. 3. Position its buttons. Drag the screen to move it or drag its corners to resize its bounds, then save. This changes the community frame layout, not just the overlay's on-screen size.
Desktop Frames editor
## Arma display and focus Use **Fullscreen Window** in Arma's video settings so the desktop overlay can remain visible. If Arma freezes or pauses when you focus the overlay, enable **No Pause** in the Arma launcher or add `-noPause` to its launch parameters. Return focus to the game to resume game input; these options do not make the game and overlay simultaneously receive the same keyboard input. See [Arma installation](/radio/game-integrations/arma-3/install-and-connect.md) for community-wide bridge, signal, and AI-hearing settings. These controls are not in Dispatch's per-user settings. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.sonoransoftware.com/radio/tutorials/usage/desktop-overlay.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.