How do I install and set up skhd on macOS?

Install via Homebrew or from source, then grant accessibility access in System Preferences and disable Secure Keyboard Entry in terminal settings. Start it as a service using launchd commands like `skhd --start-service`.

skhd vs Karabiner-Elements: which is better for key remapping?

skhd is lighter and uses a text-based DSL for hotkeys with live reloading, ideal for scriptable workflows. Karabiner-Elements offers a GUI and more extensive key remapping features, so choose based on preference for simplicity versus customization.

Can skhd simulate keypresses for automation?

Yes, skhd supports key synthesis through flags like -k for simulating keypresses or -t for text input, as shown in the usage section, making it useful for testing or automated tasks.

Is skhd still being actively developed?

The original skhd repository is in maintenance mode, but a backwards-compatible port written in Zig is under active development, so users seeking updates should check that fork.

How to create modal hotkeys like Vim modes in skhd?

Use the DSL syntax with '::' to declare modes and bind keys to switch between them or execute commands, as detailed in the configuration rules for building context-aware shortcuts.

Why isn't skhd detecting my keypresses after setup?

Common issues include not disabling Secure Keyboard Entry or missing accessibility permissions; verify these in System Preferences and terminal settings, and check logs at `/tmp/skhd_$USER.err.log` for errors.

Open-Awesome

skhd

MITC

A simple, performant hotkey daemon for macOS with hotloading configuration and modal keybindings.

GitHub

8.0k stars240 forks0 contributors

What is skhd?

skhd is a simple hotkey daemon for macOS that allows users to define and manage custom keyboard shortcuts through a text-based configuration file. It solves the problem of limited or inflexible system-level keybinding options by providing a performant, scriptable alternative with features like modal hotkeys and application-specific bindings.

Target Audience

Power users, developers, and automation enthusiasts on macOS who need fine-grained control over keyboard shortcuts for window management, application launching, or custom workflows.

Value Proposition

Developers choose skhd for its minimal overhead, hotloading configuration, and expressive DSL that supports complex modal and application-aware keybindings without requiring a full desktop environment overhaul.

Overview

Simple hotkey daemon for macOS

Use Cases

Best For

Creating custom keyboard-driven workflows on macOS
Implementing modal keybinding systems like Vim modes
Automating repetitive tasks with application-specific shortcuts
Remapping media keys to custom actions
Building lightweight window management setups
Scripting keypress synthesis for testing or automation

Not Ideal For

Cross-platform developers needing hotkey management on Linux or Windows
Users who prefer graphical interfaces for configuring shortcuts
Teams requiring active feature updates and long-term support

Pros & Cons

Pros

Hotloading Config Live

skhd allows editing and updating hotkeys in real-time without restarting, as highlighted in the README's feature list for instant workflow adjustments.

Modal Hotkey System

Supports creating modes for context-specific bindings, enabling complex setups like Vim-style navigation, which is a core feature per the README.

Application-Specific Bindings

Can define hotkeys that trigger only within certain applications, adding granular control as demonstrated in the configuration DSL examples.

Lightweight and Performant

Focuses on minimal resource usage and responsiveness, aligning with its philosophy of simplicity without bloat, making it efficient for daily use.

Cons

Maintenance Mode Limitations

The repository is in maintenance mode, with only critical bugs fixed, meaning new features or improvements are unlikely from the original project.

Complex Setup Requirements

Requires disabling Secure Keyboard Entry and granting accessibility permissions, which can be a barrier and is explicitly noted in the install instructions.

macOS-Only Restriction

Only works on macOS, limiting its utility for developers on other operating systems, as there's no native support for Linux or Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

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