How to Use Blackbird with Safe Exam Browser
Safe Exam Browser is the open-source kiosk used across European universities and Moodle deployments.
What Safe Exam Browser enforces
- —A locked-down kiosk desktop with no task switching
- —A configurable list of prohibited processes, terminated on sight
- —Disabled clipboard, print screen and context menus
- —A config key handshake with the exam server
- —Optional screen-proctoring add-ons
How Blackbird fits in
SEB is client-side and configuration-driven: the institution writes a list of banned process names and SEB enforces it. It is strong against well-known apps and blind to anything not on the list.
Blackbird is a lightweight native Windows overlay drawn at the system compositor level. It is not a browser tab, an Electron window, or a shared surface, so it does not show up in screen recordings, screen-share streams, or active-window checks. It stays on top, accepts clicks without stealing focus, and disappears instantly with a hotkey.
Practical tips
- +Launch Blackbird before SEB starts and keep it hidden until you need it.
- +Never alt-tab — SEB logs that, the overlay does not require it.
- +Prefer text capture over screenshots inside SEB's protected surface.
- +Point Blackbird at a local model if SEB's network profile blocks outbound traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Can SEB kill Blackbird?
SEB terminates processes on the institution's prohibited list, which targets remote-control, chat and recording software. Blackbird is not on those lists.
Does the overlay appear in SEB's screen proctoring?
No. Screen-proctoring add-ons capture the display through standard capture APIs, which exclude Blackbird.
Can I use it offline?
Yes, with a local Ollama model. Nothing leaves your machine.
Windows only?
Yes, Blackbird runs on Windows 10 and 11.
You are responsible for following the rules of any exam, employer or institution you use Blackbird with. No tool can account for human observation or behavioural review.