hz_overlay

Ready to use lightweight Windows overlay to indicate monitor refresh rate. The overlays alone under 15kb, total repo 18.5mb

👉 Download Latest Release

AI part

Human tweaked AI code

Overlay Preview

Clean Hz detection (hz_overlay.py and Stay_Overlay.py)

Main tools

Stay_Overlay.py Ready to Use and not distracting https://github.com/24xscv564w-bit/hz-overlay-tools/blob/main/Stay_Overlay.py

hz_overlay.py [animated] https://github.com/24xscv564w-bit/hz-overlay-tools/blob/main/hz_overlay.py Download

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• AHK toggle Add to shell:startup Check Path, install Qres https://github.com/24xscv564w-bit/hz-overlay-tools/blob/main/ToggleHZ.ahk.ahk
• AHK switches hz and requires Qres to be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Qres\QRes.exe or customized path updated in notepad.

When using Stay_Overlay.py

• Stay_Overlay.py Always on, simple and is not distracting. If you use this, add create shortlink and add to shell:startup or create your own shortcut and set to run minimized in properties.

When using hz_overlay.py

• Start_Hz_Overlay.bat Edit path https://github.com/24xscv564w-bit/hz-overlay-tools/blob/main/Start_Hz_Overlay.bat
• Create short link of hz_overlay.py and add to shell:startup

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Features

• Detects display refresh rate using Win32 API.
• Stay_Overlay displays all refresh-rates plainly and cleanly
• hz_overlay Displays 120Hz as an animated rainbow text with a subtle nudge animation.
• hz_overlay Displays 144Hz as red, italicized text with a glow effect.
• Positions overlay near bottom-right (configurable in script).
• Minimal dependencies (uses Tkinter and Python stdlib).

📁 Included Files

Core Files

• hz_overlay.py — primary overlay script
• README.md — project documentation
• LICENSE — MIT license
• RELEASE.md — suggested GitHub release notes
• BUILD_EXE.md — instructions for building a standalone EXE with PyInstaller
• Stay_Overlay.py Does not dissapear is very plain

Helper Tools

• Start_Hz_Overlay.bat — launches the overlay
• ToggleHZ.ahk — AutoHotkey script for toggling 120 Hz ↔ 144 Hz
• ToggleHZ.bat — Batch version of the refresh-rate toggle
• Stay_Overlay.py - Alaways on overlay plain and transparent.
• Toggle2k.exe — instantly switches monitor between 1080p/2K1440p
• Toggle2k16.exe — instantly switches monitor between 1200p/2K1600p

Media

• Screenshot_Transparent144hz.png - super simple overlay
• Screenshot.png — still image of the overlay in action
• hz_overlay_in_action.mov — short demonstration video

Resolution toggles Preview

Preview of the QHD <-> FHD toggles

Usage

1. Ensure Python 3.8+ is installed on Windows.
2. Run with console: python hz_overlay.py --alpha 0.3
   Or run without console: click the file
3. Click Stay_Overlay.py - Alaways on overlay plain and transparent.
4. Install Qres for AHK, Install Auto Hot Key
5. Add Start_Hz_Overlay - Shortcut.lnk to shell:startup (set run to minizmized in properties)
6. Add ToggleHZ.ahk.ahk to shell:startup for easy CTRL + ALT + H hertz toggle or set to custom
7. Optional: Toggle between QHD & FHD with Toggle2k.exe Toggle2k16.exe veriants

Why this exists

Many monitors switch between 120 Hz (10-bit) and 144 Hz (8-bit), but Windows provides no quick visual indicator.
This overlay gives an instant, automatic notification whenever your refresh rate changes.

Building an EXE

See included BUILD_EXE.md in the original release for PyInstaller guidance. some exes included

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Credits

Created by 24xscv564w-bit (K.P.), 2025
Part of the hz_overlay project ecosystem.

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License

MIT License — free for personal + commercial use.

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