VIA Macros - A simple tutorial

Here's how to create QMK macros in VIA! We'll use QMK keycodes, and I'll give several example macros.
STUFF IN THIS VIDEO
⌨️ Keycode list: docs.qmk.fm/#/...
⌨️ My QMK Configurator & Flashing tutorial: • QMK Tutorial (Simple G...
⌨️ Download Via here: www.caniusevia...
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[@OmariJames-y3b]

You’re more helpful than anything I found from Keychron or VIA. Thank you!

[@ClonnyGayms]

Exactly, I tried to do this without and I couldn't succeed. Glad I saw this video.

[@mikes978]

Just 2 mins into the vid and already noticed a few things... You CAN just type the letter(s) for the macro and it will type it out. Might be because you're on an older version of VIA. Use the web version for latest updates. (Edit: looks like you found out/knew/lying about this later on in the vid) VIA added delays sometime last year. I needed to update the firmware on my keyboard in order for it to work and update your version of VIA too (or just use the web version). To add a delay, just simply put the milliseconds in {} curly brackets. for example: "Hello {500}World." This will type "Hello " then wait 500 milliseconds before typing "World." And side note, VIA just released a newer version since this came out (v3 I think?) with new UI. Unfortunate since you just made this video a few weeks ago, but a good opportunity to remake the video with this new info and new interface :)

[@JoelB-eg6qv]

Thank you. I spent all day yesterday trying to figure out why my macro was not working. Today I found this video and it solved my issue in 5mins.

[@mikenonan6323]

sharing your issue here might also help others in the future.

[@floffice976]

very few videos regarding VIA on the web. Good stuff, thanks. I'd be happy to see more of these

[@abdulbasir8740]

Thank you brother, just configured my keychron q6 pro keys

[@korith5732]

your vid helped me understand more in 10 min then 5 days of me trying to figure this out. now i just gotta figure out why my macro pad isnt showing up

[@salmonn_gz7987]

i'm not even a progammer, i'm just liking my new mechanical keyboard (especially the typing sound).

[@raflyakbardesign]

Wow! this video really helped me. Thanks

[@ArnabGhosh-wi7pv]

useful video...i am using my keychron k4 for 3 months but wasnt sure how to create the macros through via....thanks for the tutorial

[@kenji3110]

I managed to create homemods with via. I don't have options for setting up the time in ms as you'd expect on other configs for when the key is pressed and released and so on. But I've tested it with the Fn+Space for my space button and it worked nice. To update the config with stuff that the UI won't show you, you have to manually edit the json file that you can save & load.

[@CHRlSBLAlN]

This was insanely helpful. Instant subscriber

[@exploring_theuniverse]

Super helpful video! Appreciate you!

[@tanish7593]

Hi Keebs, AWESOME CONTENT so informative, I am new to whole custom keyboard scene, I just bought Keychron V1 max, which has connectivity toggle switch at the top, and I am afraid I will wear that out as I have to switch between wired and Bluetooth quite frequently, just wondering if there is a way to assign a macro to it ? I searched for that key in QMK unfortunately couldn't find one, your help is really appreciated, thank you !!

[@Dillydallydandy]

This was wicked helpful, thanks for sharing the know-how!

[@TheQBSchool]

this helped. thank you. -JT

[@jamesshamburger5435]

can you do a video on how to increase the amount of macros beyond 16

[@einmoise]

Fantastic video!

[@pharmlord]

Love your content and flow

[@328am]

You make it seem all so easy... I want to use a DOIO Magaladon for MS Word and PPT. Can you suggest a good source for learning this? I'm not tech-illiterate, but I am growing increasingly frustrated with understanding it.

[@TimParker]

this is so useful! can you possible do a tutorial on mapping the knob to things like zoom? nobody anywhere is explaining how to do this!

[@100Bucks]

If you're on a windows PC it's very simple. I'm assuming knob is volume up and volume down. You need a program called Autohotkey. It only runs on windows. This is an example if you wanna do 2 macros with volume up and volume down. Volume_up:: run www.youtube.com return volume _down:: WinClose, a return You write all scripts with notepad. Then save the file as .ahk . Double click on the Autohotkey script to activate it. Volume up would open KZbin. Volume down would close KZbin.

[@vini_artist]

Is VIA update de keys on the keyboard hardware or is it an interface that translate the press info to Mac/PC? I’m looking for a macro pad to use on pc, Mac and iPad with the same keys input programmed by me. Thanks

[@10bokaj]

I would also like to know

[@dadgamer1981]

thanks very helpful

[@elevated001]

Helpful vid, but why would you use Alfred on Mac when there is Spotlight built in?

[@ENZO88SPEED]

Thank you, you have saved so much time for me. Is there anyway to hold shift or control key and release it when pressed again with any key?

[@fearthesmeag]

dude nice video, but would be helpful for us complete noobs, how you got to the UI? As it was already open on your screen. Im aware that I can google it which I did, as its via a web UI, when I authorize my keyboard, I just see a keyboard avatar rocking side to side - this would also be helpful in your video, to get past this.

[@deanewalpole9577]

I am here because I get the feeling you will be more helpful that official sources. This website look great, and I ca my K1 to pair but when I hit connect nothing happens, the weird little icon with the bowtie keeps a rockin. What am I doing wrong?

[@philoki]

love you, thanks

[@aaravkansal4174]

if someone taught me my uni courses like this id have 3 Phd's by now.

[@rodascesar1]

Awesome video! I would like to have more macros. I just need different ones for different programs, is there a way with via?

[@angierichelle]

@rodascesar1 I’m trying to do the same thing and having the same problem… can’t find any info on this! have you had any luck?

[@rodascesar1]

@angierichelle sadly no. But there are some keys not on the keyboard that you can use. Like f13-f19 to map to other functions. But macros I couldn't find a way.

[@CalvinGrayCat]

Can you have VIA to do SHIFT, and RIGHT MOUSE CLICK together as a macro? How to do this

[@waynelylemeyer]

Hey Keeb, quick question, could I make short cuts for word, where I would type res and it would write out Respondent or lets say app for Applicant? Your feedback will be greatly appreciated!

[@KeebNews]

Yo! I don’t *think* Via can do typed strings, only hotkeys. (I actually wanna research this for a workaround though). However, you can use Keyboard Maestro (Mac) or Autohotkey (Windows) to do this easy! (There’s also apps like atext or TextExpander, but they’re more expensive and not worth it. )

[@Sonin-e5y]

I'm sure you're not being allowed to use Word's Autocorrect, which is the simplest solution there is. I'd use /res to autocorrect to Respondent and /app to Applicant. But I'm sure that's not a possibility in your environment. Sorry I couldn't help.

[@tumainibryan7540]

@@KeebNews how do I reset my megladon wireless version , I was using it on my old computer which had window 10 and now I have a new computer windows 11 I am using it on but it’s doing the things I configured it to do from the old computer and it won’t register to via at all on my new computer?

[@Mesopotamian]

it started with me being frustrated at work doing repetitive design commands in cad and looking for a one-button solution without having any clue about keyboards and macros now I've ordered a Keychron and browsing for keycaps and keyswitches accessories while watching this video... I hope I didn't unlock a new expensive hobby 😭

[@thedeegee1601]

Is there a way to make it so the volume increments go by 1 instead of 2 for Windows?

[@MeddlingMageGR]

One question I would like to ask please because I see that you know a lot of things : Is there a gaming keyboard or gaming mouse where I can activate (or deactivate) my macros remotely? I usually play my favorite game via Chrome Remote Desktop and I can't interfere with the macro running (F1 to F10 keys pressing all the time). And if I want to do some other work, I just can't. Any ideas on how I can do this are welcome.

[@RyanCamaratta]

Why are a lot of qmk keycodes not showing as options in via for me? Stuff like capswords and modtap keys etc. just got a k6 pro, first mech, was able to do some cool stuff but seems a little limited without all the qmk parameters available

[@kareemghattas802]

how to map TWO keys to another key? ive searched many times and can find no examples how to map two keys to another key Something very basic like Left_CTRL + Left_ARROW = HOME There is no provision to type two keys - just one - on the basic configure tab Any help much appreciated!

[@David.Buckheister]

I am having a problem with a macro. I have an excel file with a list of my passwords that I would like to bind to a key. I tried using {KC_LGUI}passwords{KC_ENT} the macro pulls up search and types in the file name, but won't hit enter. I have tried with spaces before and after the file name and nothing works. Do you know what could be going wrong?

[@yaot.1523]

just bought a keychron Q3Pro SE - the side M1 button wont work with your help above

[@errynugraha]

Thanks for the tutorial! I really want to buy a Keychron keyboard but I'm afraid the software is not as good as Razer Synapse which I'm currently use. Does it support auto profile switching?

[@6ixeu]

But can you put in numbers that define the time in ms between each button? That’s what I need!

[@olesturm262]

Is there a way to bind a macro to a key combination. For example, option + 1 runs macro 0?

[@jcyt2023]

Does the software need to be running for the macros to work? As in are the macros stored on the keyboard? Thank You

[@makoi6k1]

The software doesn't need to run, nor you need to install it (there's a via web app). The macros are stored in the keyboard

[@jcyt2023]

ty for the reply. How many macros can you program on the keychron? Is there a keystroke limit for each macro? @@makoi6k1

[@ThePaulus2010]

so i am currenlty building a 4x10 handwired board with a pi pico.. but were can i find a tutorial for the QMK/KMK pico that uses macro's in the sense of multiple key strokes.. like i push a button.. the action will be A (wait 10ms) B (wait 10ms) C ?

[@jmarq4325]

Since you are using Mac with a customer keyboard what buttons do you press to enable alfred😊

[@tom_basson]

Do you know if this online software works on an android tablet running chrome? I've got the keychron k3 pro

[@dimapartov]

As far as I know, the keyboard has to be connected by wire for VIA online to work

[@gorkskoal9315]

fyi for anyone on windows: VIA "helpfully" leaves out: be on layers 1 or 2.

[@deanewalpole9577]

How do I do that on my Keychron K1.

[@SoyBrokenNino]

so I cant use advanced keycodes on VIA? I need to use the Wheel Mose tu use a a macro for zoom in and zoom out :(

[@jlong390]

So why won't it hit the same buttons I type out and just gives me an error lol

[@RJD12345]

Is there a way I could set a macro to the knob on my keyboard. So that it will mute the sound or pause what im watching in my browser while im tabbed into a game? For example I sometimes will have a livestream open or a youtube video playing while waiting for a queue in apex. I want to not have to tab out of the game to pause or mute the stream/ video.

[@boithebingus3317]

how would one make multi key macros? for example having to do shift+m to trigger it.

[@ranchochanchad2397]

hello, how to make macro spamming f1 to f9 with left mouse button. using via?

[@000hugohew]

Hi may I know the QMK support toggle macro key for gaming? If yes, could you be able to show us how to configure thank you.

[@squatpuke]

I have a Keychron V1 75% - of course NO frickin' PRT SCREEN button...can I program a key combo and assign the PrtScreen functionality? For instance...I want to hit 'left-alt' & ` as a key combo and have the PrtScreen functionality happen...possible? or am I just hosed?

[@downest1]

SAME!!!! Did you find a fix?? all I want is to take a screenshot?

[@downest1]

I found a fix! go to VIA, and then on the keymaps page, in the top left, go to keymap 2. This is all defaults. Then, i made insert (top right key) print screen and saved the preset. My print screen works now and I can take a screenshot!

[@dennisnorth5573]

How do you clear a macro that is assigned to a key - and have it go back to whatever the function was prior to adding the macro?

[@JT-di1uz]

This video is great, Pete! I bought the DOIO 3-Knob macro pad after seeing your videos, and I love it so far! Question: Is there a way to record long, complex macros in VIA without being in fullscreen? I'm wanting to automate work projects such as creating reports from a website and creating an excel pivot table with a couple macros.

[@DonkeyOnAUnicycle]

That would be better done using AutoHotkey or Python imo.

[@husnulaqib5303]

thanks

[@aeko]

How do I make VIA keep the Numlock key on by default?

[@tpte]

How do I rename a macro? Please help.

[@gingerpr3515]

can someone help, I want a macro that makes me switch audio between my headsets and speaker.

[@notDroxy]

how do I make macro pressing left shift every 200ms only while im holding left shift also does it saves onboard

[@Lan_oi]

please show me how to repeat macro by key combination (key + mouse)

[@R3yedit]

How can I set an em dash with a macro?

[@heyihavenoclue7541]

is there a way to slow down the rate at which a macro ( lets assume that it is a phrase of 10 words) types down the phrase slower? so instead of it taking 3 seconds, making it take 8 seconds? Would be awesome if you could help me out

[@rww805]

Do macros have to be bound to a single keypress or can they be bound to a combination keypress? I already don't have enough keys and have all my function keys bound to autohotkey

[@d0tskiez]

I just learned via as well. In your keymap layer 0, you can assign a layer key "MO(1)" to your Alt/Ctrl/Fn key to trigger switching to layer 1 then assign another key in layer 1 for your preferred macro like what he did in this video.

[@Steven.Siow.]

Just got my first mechanical keyboard (Keychron Q1 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard) .... however doesnt seems to be able to change the knob macro to zoom in and zoom out.. Anyone is able to help out ? Much appreciated !

[@asianduncan4707]

whats the code for repeated "e" press

[@enriquevlz9376]

Can I open google chrome by just pressing a single key? (mac) while chrome is closed

[@tylermarnin6852]

make a macro that presses command + space and types in chrome then presses enter

[@CreachterZ]

Has anyone mentioned the power of AHK and via?

[@newgoldenpro4008]

how to do control-tab in via

[@shafayet_khan]

nice

[@KeebNews]

nice

[@hridoyridoy]

how to make turbo button?

[@lukas______]

Why do people like QMK VIA vs manufacturers software? If its about security, some people have a security warning when downloading...

[@Celesian]

Some people like QMK/VIA because it saves to the board itself. So like if your work doesn't allow external software to be installed, you could setup your board at home and then still have the macros, layers, remapping work on your work computer

[@costamni9ck]

Great tutorial! but unfortunately when I am trying to set macro using only text it dose not work properly for exemple: Macro in VIA: Hello world! Results: Helloworld Is there any know solution for this? Thanks

[@chris.breadman]

Do you know if I can at like the time the key should be executed lik Space in .5 sec and another key in .6 sec?

[@mikes978]

Yes, VIA added in delays not too long ago. Make sure you update your keyboard to the latest firmware (I had to with mine). To add a delay, just simply put the milliseconds in {} curly brackets. for example: "Hello {500}World." This will type "Hello " then wait 500 milliseconds before typing "World."

[@gentleatlas8057]

I'm using a Keychron V5 Max and I'm trying to create a macro to lock my MacBook. Has anyone done a similar macro?

[@DorHydro]

is there any other program i can use to make layers for my keyboard i have the VN96 Dukharo and its not supported in the VIA list, any one can recommend me another softwear to do so [= thanks alot

[@forgotten4690]

Hello, does anyone know how to set macro for calculator app?

[@BillAngelos]

Hi, this software is basically what I need, but VIA isn't compatible with my ASUS laptop keyboard. Is there any other software that you can recommend that will work with it? I'm working on a project to greatly increase my productivity and need to create macros for my F13 to F24 keys. I just can't find any software that will let me output words like you are with VIA. Thanks!

[@PhreakDarkSoul]

So macros can only contain (predefined) keycodes and hardcoded text? I'm searching for a method to get rid of brackets stored in the clipboard, e. g. "Mustermann, Max " needs to be converted to "Mustermann, Max" by a simple click on a button/key. Would be great, if this could be realized with VIA macros, but without reprogramming the keyboard firmware (which I could but the effort is way to high for such a simple, but often used task).

[@CJ0175]

Open Notepad, CTRL-V, CTRL-H to find/replace as many times as necessary, CTRL-A, CTRL-C, ALT-F4.

[@PhreakDarkSoul]

@@CJ0175 That does not work as a macro for a key.

[@CJ0175]

@@PhreakDarkSoul yes it would

[@PhreakDarkSoul]

@@CJ0175 No, show me the solution as macro text, including start and switch to notepad and also closing it finally. Also including check if the correct windows are used, to avoid closing or pasting into the wrong application.

[@DrYellow4722]

How can I access via

[@nataliedavison5592]

Hi there, this has been great but I’m having issues with opening up an app. I’m on a Mac and I want to open mail app. So I’m putting in {KC_LGUI,KC_SPC} which works it open up spotlight search Than when I add mail {KC_LGUI,KC_SPC}mail{KC_ENT} it opens Spotlight search but it doesn’t open mail. Your help would greatly be appreciated.

[@cakeo4651]

all i want is to be able to pause and play my vids with a command:(

[@svetlanasvetlana6070]

Is this Ducky Halloween keycaps?

[@svetlanasvetlana6070]

nvm its miki dk65 i figured out

[@rickdeckard1075]

whats the difference betw VIA and Autoit

[@CJ0175]

AutoIT is an application running on the computer. VIA is stored on the keyboard.

[@rickdeckard1075]

@@CJ0175 ah

[@Zanttorn]

Can anyone have a code for open and close spotify or any app?

[@ConradFrishkorn-c5s]

Abernathy Prairie

[@JuanLopez-b2f2s]

Collins Oval

[@geonkr]

😳

[@KeebNews]

Hold up--did THE Geon just comment on my KZbin video? I've been staring at your keyboards for months! I need that Frog TKL :) Soooo tempting.

[@CharlenaHtwe-m8i]

Clovis Drive

[@ClareBerg-s6b]

Corwin Vista

[@neonanotux]

what even is this, nothing to download

[@neonanotux]

found a download link on a github page, does not work on windows

[@BigFreakinTexan]

Holy ADHD... You're talking and switching tasks at lightning speed. Maybe this is a simple tutorial for someone who already has a pretty good idea of how this all works but I was lost within a couple of minutes.

[@resultfirst-x6v]

Osinski Neck