How it works
- Build the sequence from key combinations, text, waits, and keys to hold down or let go.
- Leave the target empty for the window in front, or pick an app; for an app that isn't in front, keys go to it in the background where the app supports that.
- It waits up to a second for you to let go of the hotkey's own Ctrl, Alt, Shift or Win keys first, so they don't mix into the sequence.
- If the window in front changes while it is pressing keys, it stops and releases anything it was holding.
- Advanced options cover scan codes for apps that read the keyboard directly and a minimum key hold time for apps that miss very short presses.
Routines that use it
Mute in a meeting app
A Hotkey sends the meeting app's own mute shortcut to it while you stay in another window.
Save and export
Before closing an editor with Close app, Press keys sends Ctrl+S and waits a moment.
Discord keybind without Pro
Send your Discord mute keybind with Press keys targeted at Discord, the free alternative to the Discord: mute step.
Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Keys | The keys to press, in order: key combinations, text, waits, and keys to hold down or let go. |
| Target | The app to send the keys to. Leave empty for the window in front. |
| Deliveryadvanced | How the keys reach the app. Auto types into the window in front, and uses background delivery for an app that isn't in front. |
| Scan codesadvanced | Send scan codes, for apps that read the keyboard directly (DirectInput). |
| Key holdadvanced | Keep each key down at least this long, for apps that miss very short presses. |
| Wait for modifiersadvanced | First wait (up to a second) until you let go of the shortcut's Ctrl, Alt, Shift or Win key. |
Good to know
- Refused while a game protected by anti-cheat is in front; background keys work for desktop apps, while most games ignore them.
- Apps running as administrator, and sign-in or admin prompts, can't receive keys from KeyRoutines.
Questions
- Can I send keys to an app that isn't in focus?
- Often, yes. With a target app chosen, Press keys delivers in the background to desktop apps that accept it. Most games ignore background keys, and protected games are always refused.
- How do I add a delay between keys?
- Add a wait item between key combinations, for example Ctrl+C, wait 300, Ctrl+V. Waits can be written in milliseconds or seconds.
- What happens if I switch windows while it's typing?
- The step stops as soon as the window in front changes and lets go of any keys it held, so nothing lands in the wrong app.