And by the way, you don’t need to use all 24 keys. When you’re creating macros for 24 keys, having these palettes open can save you from having to switch back and forth between single pallets. So, for basic macros you will want a Controllers, Output, and Extras Palette open the same time. One tip I didn’t point out in the video tutorial: when you’re putting together macros ControllerMate, you can have more than one Palette Window (Windows > Palette Windows) open at a time. X-Keys can be set up and used for very simple actions on your computer. More complex macros can be created using the boolean logic actions, modifier building blocks, and other controllers.Īgain, if you’re new to this sort of thing, don’t let all the fancy terms scare you away. You can also create macros for executing AppleScripts, math calculations, and time sequences. For example, you might have one key for quitting an application, another key for increasing the font size of a current web page. It basically consists of putting together sets of actions to assign to a designated key. I created a 10 minute video tutorial on how to use ControllerMate. To program X-Keys, you need to download the latest ControllerMate software for the Keypad and the Foot Pedal. I would much rather click a single key to perform an action than stop to perform a keyboard shortcut. Setting up X-Keys macros, as they are called, does take some time, but once macros are set, you gain that time back and more because of the quick actions they perform. The X-Keys website provides some tutorials for setting up the device, but for those completely new to this type of programming, it may seem a little intimidating at first.īut believe me, it’s worth it. If you have experience using automation programs like Apple‘s Automator or QuicKeys 4.0, you will be familiar with how to program X-Keys keys to perform certain actions. You can also download Button Panel Legend Templates in Word or Photoshop format to create your own icons. The Keypad can sit on the left side of your keyboard for easy access. ![]() With these keys and icons, you don’t have to remember keyboard shortcuts. A sheet of legends is provided for the device, for many of the types of repetitive tasks you probably perform-playing iTunes, adjusting sound, opening your Home folder, performing web searches, saving and attaching files, launching and quitting applications, copying and pasting text, etc. What makes X-Keys better than the F-keys is that each key on the keypad can include text or icon tabs to identify the individual actions that keys perform. You can program the buttons on the device to perform all types of computer-related actions. X-Keys Keypad works almost like the F-keys on your keyboard. If you’re a Mac or PC user (graphic designer, programmer, writer, movie editor, accountant) who works at your computer most of the day, programming your computer to perform repetitive or redundant actions is nearly essential for your sanity. I’m not a gamer, but I can image several strategy moves you could do with a device like this. Instead, you can program the X-Keys Foot Pedal to launch the Google page for you. Yes, that last device actually means you can control items on your computer using your foot! So, say you get tired of using a keyboard shortcut or your mouse to perform a Google search. kindly sent me two of their devices for review- X-Keys, a 24 Programmable Keypad, and X-Keys Foot Pedal (3 switches). Engineering that extend the programing capabilities of your Mac. If you have already caught the Mac automation bug like I have, you might want to check two devices produced by P.I. You could use them to, for example, open iCal and Address app, launch favorite web pages, put your computer to sleep with a single click.the list is endless. ![]() By the same token, you should be assigning computer actions to those F-keys on your keyboard. You shouldn't have to go digging into folders or cluttering up your desktop to access regularly used files, applications, and other items. Computers are supposed to help you get things done faster and more efficiently, but if you're not using keyboard shortcuts or automating repetitive tasks, then you‘re missing out.
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