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The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Layers
  • Overview
  • Ch 1: Keyboard Layers 101
    • 1.1 Keyboard Fundamentals
    • 1.2 Why Use Layers
    • 1.3 Layer Challenges
  • Ch 2: Setup
    • 2.1 Keyboards
    • 2.2 Firmware
    • 2.3 Independent Software
  • Ch 3: Layer Activators
    • 3.1 Modifier Layers
    • 3.2 Momentary Layers
    • 3.3 Toggle Layers
    • 3.4 One Shot Layers
    • 3.5 Dual Layers
    • 3.6 Tap Dance / Superkeys
  • Ch 4: Creating Layers
    • 4.1 Planning Layers
    • 4.2 Implementing Layers
  • Ch 5: Advance Layer Patterns
    • 5.1 Key Functionality Across Layers
    • 5.2 Color Coding Keys
    • 5.3 Thumb Keys
    • 5.4 Nesting Layers
    • 5.5 Categorizing Layers
  • Ch 6: Layer Examples
    • Layers
      • Default Layer
      • Shift Layer
      • Numpad Layer
      • Symbols Layer
      • Editing & Navigating Layer
      • Media Layer
      • Mouse Layer
      • Screen Management Layer
      • Context Control / Macro Layer
      • Browser Layer
      • VS Code Layer
      • Discord Layer
      • Slack Layer
      • Gaming Layer
  • Timeline
    • Keyboard Timeline
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  1. Ch 3: Layer Activators

3.1 Modifier Layers

Previous2.3 Independent SoftwareNext3.2 Momentary Layers

Last updated 2 years ago

A modifier layer is activated when a key is held and one or more key code modifiers like shift, control, option, alt, altGr, command, windows gui and/or super key are applied. New key codes can then be defined using a modifier + a default layer key, creating a modifier layer. Many applications can also detect the difference between a left and right modifier. That creates many more modifiers depending on your OS available modifiers.

Because many applications will use 1 or 2 modifiers for shortcuts, often modifier layers use 3 or more modifiers. The two most popular have a name like the Meh key which is the left control, (alt/option), shift and the Hyper Key which is left control, (alt/option), shift (command/windows).

Modifier layers are a great entry point for layers because they can be done with only software. My first layer used that modified the left alt key into a hyper key. This allowed me to create a navigation layer by then redefining hyper j, i, k, l keys into arrow keys.

auto hotkeys