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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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On this page
  • Application switcher
  • Multiple instances application switcher
  • Paste Previous Clipboard Macro
  • Pomodoro Timer
  • Hot strings
  • Automatically trigger applications, macros or scripts
  1. Ch 6: Layer Examples
  2. Layers

Context Control / Macro Layer

PreviousScreen Management LayerNextBrowser Layer

Last updated 2 years ago

For context control, there are 2 main shortcuts. Switching between different applications which can be done natively on mac with cmd+tab and switching between multiple instances of an application with cmd+tilda.

I use and have a modifier layer(meh) set to the caps lock key to trigger commands. Within keyboard maestro, it has its own application switch that I find more visually pleasing. I activate switching applications with caps+d and between the same applications with caps+f.

Application switcher

Multiple instances application switcher

Paste Previous Clipboard Macro

Pomodoro Timer

I use this all the time. I have a pomo timer that allows you to specify a time, then and optional parameters. Then after the timer ends, a prompt will appear. At a later date, I'll share the full application that sends user data to a log file. I would like to have some nice visuals using this data, but have not had the motivation / time to implement that functionality yet.

Hot strings

Hot strings are just a series of characters typed. I have a couple of them that are custom to individuals like emails or work related strings. An example of a common string I use is http://localhost: that can be done with the code below.

Automatically trigger applications, macros or scripts

If you want to trigger applications, macros, or scripts at a certain time or on start, then the code block below can be useful.

This has saved me many times and allows me to more easily switch content in two different locations. I added this macro to the on the "b" key near the paste.

editing/navigation layer
Keyboard Maestro