qmk_firmware/tmk_core/doc/keymap.md

Keymap framework - how to define your keymap

NOTE: This is not final version, may be inconsistent with source code and changed occasionally for a while.

0. Keymap and layers

Keymap is comprised of multiple layers of key layout, you can define 32 layers at most. Layer is an array of keycodes to define actions for each physical keys. respective layers can be validated simultaneously. Layers are indexed with 0 to 31 and higher layer has precedence.

Keymap: 32 Layers                   Layer: Keycode matrix
-----------------                   ---------------------
stack of layers                     array_of_keycode[row][column]
       ____________ precedence               _______________________
      /           / | high                  / ESC / F1  / F2  / F3   ....
  31 /___________// |                      /-----/-----/-----/-----
  30 /___________// |                     / TAB /  Q  /  W  /  E   ....
  29 /___________/  |                    /-----/-----/-----/-----
   :   _:_:_:_:_:__ |               :   /LCtrl/  A  /  S  /  D   ....
   :  / : : : : : / |               :  /  :     :     :     :
   2 /___________// |               2 `--------------------------
   1 /___________// |               1 `--------------------------
   0 /___________/  V low           0 `--------------------------

0.1 Keymap status

Keymap has its state in two parameters: default_layer indicates a base keymap layer(0-31) which is always valid and to be referred, keymap_stat is 16bit variable which has current on/off status of layers on its each bit.

Keymap layer '0' is usually default_layer and which is the only valid layer and other layers is initially off after boot up firmware, though, you can configured them in config.h. To change default_layer will be useful when you switch key layout completely, say you want Colmak instead of Qwerty.

Initial state of Keymap          Change base layout              
-----------------------          ------------------              

  31                               31
  30                               30
  29                               29
   :                                :
   :                                :   ____________
   2   ____________                 2  /           /
   1  /           /              ,->1 /___________/
,->0 /___________/               |  0
|                                |
`--- default_layer = 0           `--- default_layer = 1
     layer_state   = 0x00000001       layer_state   = 0x00000002

On the other hand, you shall change layer_state to overlay base layer with some layers for feature such as navigation keys, function key(F1-F12), media keys or special actions.

Overlay feature layer
---------------------      bit|status
       ____________        ---+------
  31  /           /        31 |   0
  30 /___________// -----> 30 |   1
  29 /___________/  -----> 29 |   1
   :                        : |   :
   :   ____________         : |   :
   2  /           /         2 |   0
,->1 /___________/  ----->  1 |   1
|  0                        0 |   0
|                                 +
`--- default_layer = 1            |
     layer_state   = 0x60000002 <-'

0.2 Layer Precedence and Transparency

Note that higher layer has higher priority on stack of layers, namely firmware falls down from top layer to bottom to look up keycode. Once it spots keycode other than KC_TRNS(transparent) on a layer it stops searching and lower layers aren't referred.

You can place KC_TRNS on overlay layer changes just part of layout to fall back on lower or base layer. Key with KC_TRANS doesn't has its own keycode and refers to lower valid layers for keycode, instead. See example below.

0.3 Keymap Example

Keymap is keymaps[] C array in fact and you can define layers in it with KEYMAP() C macro and keycodes. To use complex actions you need to define Fn keycode in fn_actions[] array.

This is a keymap example for HHKB keyboard. This example has three layers, 'Qwerty' as base layer, 'Cursor' and 'Mousekey'. In this example,

Fn0 is a momentary layer switching key, you can use keys on Cursor layer while holding the key.

Fn1 is a momentary layer switching key with tapping feature, you can get semicolon ';' with taping the key and switch layers while holding the key. The word 'tap' or 'tapping' mean to press and release a key quickly.

Fn2 is a toggle layer switch key, you can stay switched layer after releasing the key unlike momentary switching.

You can find other keymap definitions in file keymap.c located on project directories.

static const uint8_t PROGMEM keymaps[][MATRIX_ROWS][MATRIX_COLS] = {
    /* 0: Qwerty
     * ,-----------------------------------------------------------.
     * |Esc|  1|  2|  3|  4|  5|  6|  7|  8|  9|  0|  -|  =|  \|  `|
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Tab  |  Q|  W|  E|  R|  T|  Y|  U|  I|  O|  P|  [|  ]|Backs|
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Contro|  A|  S|  D|  F|  G|  H|  J|  K|  L|Fn1|  '|Enter   |
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Shift   |  Z|  X|  C|  V|  B|  N|  M|  ,|  .|  /|Shift |Fn0|
     * `-----------------------------------------------------------'
     *       |Gui|Alt  |Space                  |Alt  |Fn2|
     *       `-------------------------------------------'
     */
    KEYMAP(ESC, 1,   2,   3,   4,   5,   6,   7,   8,   9,   0,   MINS,EQL, BSLS,GRV, \
           TAB, Q,   W,   E,   R,   T,   Y,   U,   I,   O,   P,   LBRC,RBRC,BSPC, \
           LCTL,A,   S,   D,   F,   G,   H,   J,   K,   L,   FN1, QUOT,ENT, \
           LSFT,Z,   X,   C,   V,   B,   N,   M,   COMM,DOT, SLSH,RSFT,FN0, \
                LGUI,LALT,          SPC,                RALT,FN2),
    /* 1: Cursor(HHKB mode)
     * ,-----------------------------------------------------------.
     * |Pwr| F1| F2| F3| F4| F5| F6| F7| F8| F9|F10|F11|F12|Ins|Del|
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Caps |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |Psc|Slk|Pus|Up |   |Backs|
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Contro|VoD|VoU|Mut|   |   |  *|  /|Hom|PgU|Lef|Rig|Enter   |
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Shift   |   |   |   |   |   |  +|  -|End|PgD|Dow|Shift |   |
     * `-----------------------------------------------------------'
     *      |Gui |Alt  |Space                  |Alt  |Gui|
     *      `--------------------------------------------'
     */ 
    KEYMAP(PWR, F1,  F2,  F3,  F4,  F5,  F6,  F7,  F8,  F9,  F10, F11, F12, INS, DEL, \
           CAPS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,PSCR,SLCK,PAUS,UP,  TRNS,BSPC, \
           LCTL,VOLD,VOLU,MUTE,TRNS,TRNS,PAST,PSLS,HOME,PGUP,LEFT,RGHT,ENT, \
           LSFT,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,PPLS,PMNS,END, PGDN,DOWN,RSFT,TRNS, \
                LGUI,LALT,          SPC,                RALT,RGUI),
    /* 2: Mousekey
     * ,-----------------------------------------------------------.
     * |Esc| F1| F2| F3| F4| F5| F6| F7| F8| F9|F10|F11|F12|Ins|Del|
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Tab  |   |   |   |   |   |MwL|MwD|MwU|MwR|   |   |   |Backs|
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Contro|   |   |   |   |   |McL|McD|McU|McR|   |   |Return  |
     * |-----------------------------------------------------------|
     * |Shift   |   |   |   |   |Mb3|Mb2|Mb1|Mb4|Mb5|   |Shift |   |
     * `-----------------------------------------------------------'
     *      |Gui |Alt  |Mb1                    |Alt  |   |
     *      `--------------------------------------------'
     * Mc: Mouse Cursor / Mb: Mouse Button / Mw: Mouse Wheel 
     */
    KEYMAP(ESC, F1,  F2,  F3,  F4,  F5,  F6,  F7,  F8,  F9,  F10, F11, F12, INS, DEL, \
           TAB, TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,WH_L,WH_D,WH_U,WH_R,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,BSPC, \
           LCTL,TRNS,ACL0,ACL1,ACL2,TRNS,MS_L,MS_D,MS_U,MS_R,TRNS,QUOT,ENT, \
           LSFT,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,TRNS,BTN3,BTN2,BTN1,BTN4,BTN5,SLSH,RSFT,TRNS, \
                LGUI,LALT,          BTN1,               RALT,TRNS),
};

static const uint16_t PROGMEM fn_actions[] = {
    ACTION_LAYER_MOMENTARY(1),                  // FN0
    ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(2, KC_SCLN),           // FN1
    ACTION_LAYER_TOGGLE(2),                     // FN2
};

1. Keycode

See common/keycode.h or keycode table below for the detail. Keycode is internal 8bit code to indicate action performed on key in keymap. Keycode has KC_ prefixed symbol respectively. Most of keycodes like KC_A have simple action registers key to host on press and unregister on release, while some of other keycodes has some special actions like Fn keys, Media control keys, System control keys and Mousekeys.

In KEYMAP() macro you should omit prefix part KC_ of keycode to keep keymap compact. For example, just use A instead you place KC_A in KEYMAP(). Some keycodes has 4-letter short name in addition to descriptive name, you'll prefer short one in KEYMAP().

1.0 Other key

• KC_NO for no action
• KC_TRNS for layer transparency (See above)

1.1 Normal key

• KC_A to KC_Z, KC_1 to KC_0 for alpha numeric key
• KC_MINS, KC_EQL, KC_GRV, KC_RBRC, KC_LBRC, KC_COMM, KC_DOT, KC_BSLS, KC_SLSH, KC_SCLN, KC_QUOT
• KC_ESC, KC_TAB, KC_SPC, KC_BSPC, KC_ENT, KC_DEL, KC_INS
• KC_UP, KC_DOWN, KC_RGHT, KC_LEFT, KC_PGUP, KC_PGDN, KC_HOME, KC_END
• KC_CAPS, KC_NLCK, KC_SLCK, KC_PSCR, KC_PAUS, KC_APP, KC_F1 to KC_F24
• KC_P1 to KC_P0, KC_PDOT, KC_PCMM, KC_PSLS, KC_PAST, KC_PMNS, KC_PPLS, KC_PEQL, KC_PENT for keypad.

1.2 Modifier

There are 8 modifiers which has discrimination between left and right.

• KC_LCTL and KC_RCTL for Control
• KC_LSFT and KC_RSFT for Shift
• KC_LALT and KC_RALT for Alt
• KC_LGUI and KC_RGUI for Windows key or Command key in Mac

1.3 Mousekey

• KC_MS_U, KC_MS_D, KC_MS_L, KC_MS_R for mouse cursor
• KC_WH_U, KC_WH_D, KC_WH_L, KC_WH_R for mouse wheel
• KC_BTN1, KC_BTN2, KC_BTN3, KC_BTN4, KC_BTN5 for mouse buttons

1.4 System & Media key

• KC_PWR, KC_SLEP, KC_WAKE for Power, Sleep, Wake
• KC_MUTE, KC_VOLU, KC_VOLD for audio volume control
• KC_MNXT, KC_MPRV, KC_MSTP, KC_MPLY, KC_MSEL for media control
• KC_MAIL, KC_CALC, KC_MYCM for application launch
• KC_WSCH, KC_WHOM, KC_WBAK, KC_WFWD, KC_WSTP, KC_WREF, KC_WFAV for web browser operation

1.5 Fn key

KC_FNnn are keycodes for Fn key which not given any actions at the beginning unlike most of keycodes has its own inborn action. To use these keycodes in KEYMAP() you need to assign action you want at first. Action of Fn key is defined in fn_actions[] and its index of the array is identical with number part of KC_FNnn. Thus KC_FN0 keycode indicates the action defined in first element of the array. 32 Fn keys can be defined at most.

1.6 Keycode Table

See keycode table in doc/keycode.txt for description of keycodes.

In regard to implementation side most of keycodes are identical with [HID usage]HID_usage sent to host for real and some virtual keycodes are defined to support special actions. [HID_usage]: http://www.usb.org/developers/hidpage/Hut1_12v2.pdf

2. Action

See common/action_code.h. Action is a 16bit code and defines function to perform on events of a key like press, release, holding and tapping.

Most of keys just register 8bit scancode to host, but to support other complex features needs 16bit extended action codes internally. However, using 16bit action codes in keymap results in double size in memory compared to using just keycodes. To avoid this waste 8bit keycodes are used in KEYMAP() instead of action codes.

You can just use keycodes of Normal key, Modifier, Mousekey and System & Media key in keymap to indicate corresponding actions instead of using action codes. While to use other special actions you should use keycode of Fn key defined in fn_actions[].

2.1 Key Action

This is a simple action that registers scancodes(HID usage in fact) to host on press event of key and unregister on release.

Parameters

• mods: { MOD_LCTL, MOD_LSFT, MOD_LALT, MOD_LGUI, MOD_RCTL, MOD_RSFT, MOD_RALT, MOD_RGUI }
• key: keycode

2.1.1 Normal key and Modifier

This action usually won't be used expressly in keymap because you can just use keycodes in KEYMAP() instead.

You can define these actions on 'A' key and 'left shift' modifier with:

ACTION_KEY(KC_A)
ACTION_KEY(KC_LSFT)

2.1.2 Modified key

This action is comprised of strokes of modifiers and a key. Macro action is needed if you want more complex key strokes.

Say you want to assign a key to Shift + 1 to get character '!' or Alt + Tab to switch application windows.

ACTION_MODS_KEY(MOD_LSFT, KC_1)
ACTION_MODS_KEY(MOD_LALT, KC_TAB)

Or Alt,Shift + Tab can be defined. ACTION_MODS_KEY(mods, key) requires 4-bit modifier state and a keycode as arguments. See keycode.h for MOD_BIT() macro.

ACTION_MODS_KEY(MOD_LALT | MOD_LSFT, KC_TAB)

2.1.3 Multiple Modifiers

Registers multiple modifiers with pressing a key. To specify multiple modifiers use |.

ACTION_MODS(MOD_ALT | MOD_LSFT)

2.1.3 Modifier with Tap key(Dual role)

Works as a modifier key while holding, but registers a key on tap(press and release quickly).

ACTION_MODS_TAP_KEY(MOD_RCTL, KC_ENT)

2.2 Layer Action

These actions operate layers of keymap.

Parameters

You can specify a target layer of action and when the action is executed. Some actions take a bit value for bitwise operation.

• layer: 0-31
• on: { ON_PRESS | ON_RELEASE | ON_BOTH }
• bits: 4-bit value and 1-bit mask bit

2.2.1 Default Layer

Default Layer is a layer which always is valid and referred to when actions is not defined on other overlay layers.

This sets Default Layer to given parameter layer and activate it.

ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_SET(layer)

2.2.2 Momentary

Turns on layer momentarily while holding, in other words it activates when key is pressed and deactivate when released.

ACTION_LAYER_MOMENTARY(layer)

2.2.3 Toggle Switch

Turns on layer with first type(press and release) and turns off with next.

ACTION_LAYER_TOGGLE(layer)

2.2.4 Momentary Switch with tap key

Turns on layer momentary while holding, but registers key on tap(press and release quickly).

ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(layer, key)

2.2.5 Momentary Switch with tap toggle

Turns on layer momentary while holding and toggles it with serial taps.

ACTION_LAYER_TAP_TOGGLE(layer)

2.2.6 Invert state of layer

Inverts current state of layer. If the layer is on it becomes off with this action.

ACTION_LAYER_INVERT(layer, on)

2.2.7 Turn On layer

Turns on layer state.

ACTION_LAYER_ON(layer, on)

Turns on layer state on press and turns off on release.

ACTION_LAYER_ON_OFF(layer)

2.2.8 Turn Off layer

Turns off layer state.

ACTION_LAYER_OFF(layer, on)

Turns off layer state on press and activates on release.

ACTION_LAYER_OFF_ON(layer)

2.2.9 Set layer

Turn on layer only. layer_state = (1<<layer) [layer: 0-31]

ACTION_LAYER_SET(layer, on)

Turns on layer only and clear all layer on release..

ACTION_LAYER_SET_CLEAR(layer)

2.2.10 Bitwise operation

part indicates which part of 32bit layer state(0-7). bits is 5-bit value. on indicates when the action is executed.

ACTION_LAYER_BIT_AND(part, bits, on)
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_OR(part, bits, on)
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_XOR(part, bits, on)
ACTION_LAYER_BIT_SET(part, bits, on)

These actions works with parameters as following code.

uint8_t shift = part*4;
uint32_t mask = (bits&0x10) ? ~(0xf<<shift) : 0;
uint32_t layer_state = layer_state <bitop> ((bits<<shift)|mask);

Default Layer also has bitwise operations, they are executed when key is released.

ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_AND(part, bits)
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_OR(part, bits)
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_XOR(part, bits)
ACTION_DEFAULT_LAYER_BIT_SET(part, bits)

2.3 Macro action

TBD

Macro action indicates complex key strokes.

MACRO( D(LSHIFT), D(D), END )
MACRO( U(D), U(LSHIFT), END )
MACRO( I(255), T(H), T(E), T(L), T(L), W(255), T(O), END )

2.3.1 Macro Commands

• I() change interval of stroke.
• D() press key
• U() release key
• T() type key(press and release)
• W() wait
• END end mark

2.3.2 Examples

TODO: sample implementation See keyboard/hhkb/keymap.c for sample.

2.4 Function action

TBD

There are two type of action, normal Function and tappable Function. These actions call user defined function with id, opt, and key event information as arguments.

2.4.1 Function

To define normal Function action in keymap use this.

ACTION_FUNCTION(id, opt)

2.4.2 Function with tap

To define tappable Function action in keymap use this.

ACTION_FUNCTION_TAP(id, opt)

2.4.3 Implement user function

Function actions can be defined freely with C by user in callback function:

void keymap_call_function(keyrecord_t *event, uint8_t id, uint8_t opt)

This C function is called every time key is operated, argument id selects action to be performed and opt can be used for option. Function id can be 0-255 and opt can be 0-15.

keyrecord_t is comprised of key event and tap count. keyevent_t indicates which and when key is pressed or released. From tap_count you can know tap state, 0 means no tap. These information will be used in user function to decide how action of key is performed.

typedef struct {
    keyevent_t  event;
    uint8_t     tap_count;
} keyrecord_t;

typedef struct {
    key_t    key;
    bool     pressed;
    uint16_t time;
} keyevent_t;

typedef struct {
    uint8_t col;
    uint8_t row;
} key_t;

TODO: sample implementation See keyboard/hhkb/keymap.c for sample.

2.5 Backlight Action

These actions control the backlight.

2.5.1 Change backlight level

Increase backlight level.

ACTION_BACKLIGHT_INCREASE()

Decrease backlight level.

ACTION_BACKLIGHT_DECREASE()

Step through backlight levels.

ACTION_BACKLIGHT_STEP()

Turn a specific backlight level on or off.

ACTION_BACKLIGHT_LEVEL(1)

2.5.2 Turn on / off backlight

Turn the backlight on and off without changing level.

ACTION_BACKLIGHT_TOGGLE()

3. Layer switching Example

There are some ways to switch layer with 'Layer' actions.

3.1 Momentary switching

Momentary switching changes layer only while holding Fn key.

This action makes 'Layer 1' active(valid) on key press event and inactive on release event. Namely you can overlay a layer on lower layers or default layer temporarily with this action.

ACTION_LAYER_MOMENTARY(1)

Note that after switching on press the actions on destination layer(Layer 1) are performed. Thus you shall need to place an action to go back on destination layer, or you will be stuck in destination layer without way to get back. Usually you need to place same action or 'KC_TRNS` on destination layer to get back.

3.2 Toggle switching

Toggle switching performed after releasing a key. With this action you can keep staying on the destination layer until you type the key again to return.

This performs toggle switching action of 'Layer 2'.

ACTION_LAYER_TOGGLE(2)

3.3 Momentary switching with Tap key

These actions switch a layer only while holding a key but register the key on tap. Tap means to press and release a key quickly.

ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(2, KC_SCLN)

With this you can place a layer switching action on normal key like ';' without losing its original key register function. This action allows you to have layer switching action without necessity of a dedicated key. It means you can have it even on home row of keyboard.

3.4 Momentary switching with Tap Toggle

This switches layer only while holding a key but toggle layer with several taps. Tap means to press and release key quickly.

ACTION_LAYER_TAP_TOGGLE(1)

Number of taps can be configured with TAPPING_TOGGLE in config.h, 5 by default.

3.5 Momentary switching with Modifiers

This registers modifier key(s) simultaneously with layer switching.

ACTION_LAYER_MODS(2, MOD_LSFT | MOD_LALT)

4. Tapping

Tapping is to press and release a key quickly. Tapping speed is determined with setting of TAPPING_TERM, which can be defined in config.h, 200ms by default.

4.1 Tap Key

This is a feature to assign normal key action and modifier including layer switching to just same one physical key. This is a kind of Dual role key. It works as modifier when holding the key but registers normal key when tapping.

Modifier with tap key:

ACTION_MODS_TAP_KEY(MOD_RSFT, KC_GRV)

Layer switching with tap key:

ACTION_LAYER_TAP_KEY(2, KC_SCLN)

4.2 Tap Toggle

This is a feature to assign both toggle layer and momentary switch layer action to just same one physical key. It works as momentary layer switch when holding a key but toggle switch with several taps.

ACTION_LAYER_TAP_TOGGLE(1)

4.3 Oneshot Modifier

This runs onetime effects which modify only on just one following key. It works as normal modifier key when holding down while oneshot modifier when tapping. The behavior of oneshot modifiers is similar to the sticky keys functionality found in most operating systems.

ACTION_MODS_ONESHOT(MOD_LSFT)

Oneshot layer key:

ACTION_LAYER_ONESHOT(MY_LAYER)

Say you want to type 'The', you have to push and hold Shift key before type 't' then release it before type 'h' and 'e', otherwise you'll get 'THe' or 'the' unintentionally. With Oneshot Modifier you can tap Shift then type 't', 'h' and 'e' normally, you don't need to holding Shift key properly here. This mean you can release Shift before 't' is pressed down.

Oneshot effect is cancel unless following key is pressed down within ONESHOT_TIMEOUT of config.h. No timeout when it is 0 or not defined.

Most implementations of sticky keys allow you to lock a modifier by double tapping the modifier. The layer then remains locked untill the modifier is tapped again. To enable this behaviour for oneshot modifiers set ONESHOT_TAP_TOGGLE to the number taps required. The feature is disabled if ONESHOT_TAP_TOGGLE<2 or not defined.

4.4 Tap Toggle Mods

Similar to layer tap toggle, this works as a momentary modifier when holding, but toggles on with several taps. A single tap will 'unstick' the modifier again.

ACTION_MODS_TAP_TOGGLE(MOD_LSFT)

5. Legacy Keymap

This was used in prior version and still works due to legacy support code in common/keymap.c. Legacy keymap doesn't support many of features that new keymap offers. It is not recommended to use Legacy Keymap for new project.

To enable Legacy Keymap support define this macro in config.h.

#define USE_LEGACY_KEYMAP

Legacy Keymap uses two arrays fn_layer[] and fn_keycode[] to define Fn key. The index of arrays corresponds with postfix number of Fn key. Array fn_layer[] indicates destination layer to switch and fn_keycode[] has keycodes to send when tapping Fn key.

In following setting example, Fn0, Fn1 and Fn2 switch layer to 1, 2 and 2 respectively. Fn2 registers Space key when tapping while Fn0 and Fn1 doesn't send any key.

static const uint8_t PROGMEM fn_layer[] = {
    1,              // Fn0
    2,              // Fn1
    2,              // Fn2
};

static const uint8_t PROGMEM fn_keycode[] = {
    KC_NO,          // Fn0
    KC_NO,          // Fn1
    KC_SPC,         // Fn2
};

6. Terminology

TBD

keymap

is comprised of multiple layers.

layer

is matrix of keycodes.

key

is physical button on keyboard or logical switch on software.

keycode

is codes used on firmware.

action

is a function assigned on a key.

layer transparency

Using transparent keycode one layer can refer key definition on other lower layer.

layer precedence

Top layer has higher precedence than lower layers.

tapping

is to press and release a key quickly.

Fn key

is key which executes a special action like layer switching, mouse key, macro or etc.

dual role key

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modifier_key#Dual-role_keys