Build a keyboard for the way you work
Rows, pins, sticky modifiers, stack keys, combos and per-OS snippets — and how to save the result as a layout.
Step by step
Pick a starting preset
Open Key rows. Start from one of the three presets — Compact, Default or Full — then change what you like. Presets are tuned for coding agents, so Esc, Tab, Ctrl and the arrows are already near.
Where: SettingsKeyboardKey rows
Arrange the rows
Use one to three rows of up to 40 keys each. Drag a key to move it within its row. Pin up to three keys per row: pinned keys stay put while the rest of the row scrolls.
Where: Key rows
Learn the sticky modifiers
Tap Ctrl, Alt or Shift to arm it for exactly one key — a ring shows it is armed — then tap the key. Hold the modifier instead to open a rail of ready-made combos.
Fold rarely used keys into a stack
A stack key is one cap that opens up to 16 keys. Ctrl, Alt and Shift stacks are built in; make your own for F-keys or navigation, and drag to order the popover.
Where: SettingsKey libraryStack keys
Make the combos you actually use
A combo key joins Ctrl, Alt or Shift with any key or character and shows a preview of what it sends. Thirteen Ctrl combos such as ^C, ^D and ^R are already there, and they work even while your keyboard is composing a word.
Where: SettingsKey libraryCombo keys
Turn long commands into snippets
A snippet sends a whole command with one tap. Give it a separate value for macOS, Windows and Ubuntu, and the app sends the one that matches the host you are on.
Where: SettingsKey librarySnippets
Save the layout
When it feels right, save it under Saved layouts. You can keep up to 30 and export any of them as a file — handy before you try something bold.
Where: SettingsKeyboardSaved layouts
Good to know
- Key repeat has three speeds: hold an arrow and it repeats every 20, 40 or 70 ms.
- Settings › Keyboard › Expanded grid is the whole key pool as one panel; open it from the terminal when a key is not in your rows.
- Turning a key on or off in the pool applies to every row at once.
The key-row editor: Android only today.
Something not working? Troubleshooting and contact
