Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- trigger:Hot_Key [2023/09/13 04:28] – peternlewis
+++ trigger:Hot_Key [2025/11/18 04:13] (current) – [When] peternlewis
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 (!) Note that whether or not a key typed by Keyboard Maestro itself will trigger a hot key (and thus be swallowed and execute a macro) or not (and thus go through to the application) is not defined - either behaviour may happen and which behaviour happens will vary depending on many unpredictable factors though Keyboard Maestro will try to ensure no macro is triggered in response to its own typing. If you wish to trigger a macro based on a keystroke, you can use the [[action:Trigger_Macros_by_Hot_Key|Trigger Macros by Hot Key]] action.
+^ Selection      ^ Behaviour       ^
+| is pressed    | when the key is pressed   |
+| is long pressed    | when the key is released if it was down for a long time   |
+| is down     | when the key is pressed and periodically while it remains down   |
+| is released    | when the key is released   |
+| is tapped    | when the key is released if it was down for a short time   |
+| is tapped once    | when the key is tapped and has not been tapped recently   |
+| is tapped only once    | a short while after the key has been tapped if it has not been pressed again  |
+| is tapped twice    | when the key is tapped twice and has not been tapped three or more times |
+| is tapped only twice    | a short while after the key has been tapped twice if it has not been pressed again  |
+| is tapped 3 times    | as twice, but 3 times   |
+| is tapped only 3 times    | as only twice, but 3 times   |
+| is tapped 4 times    | as twice, but 4 times    |
+| is tapped only 4 times        | as only twice, but 4 times    |
+So for example if you tap the key three times in quick succession, these triggers would happen:
+* is pressed
+* is released, is tapped, and is tapped once.
+* is pressed
+* is released, is tapped, and is tapped twice.
+* is pressed
+* is released, is tapped, and is tapped 3 times.
 Modifiers alone (eg just Control) cannot be used as a hot key, although you can use the [[trigger:USB_Device_Key]] trigger to detect modifier key presses as well as other button presses like the mouse buttons or keys on non-standard keyboards like the XK-24.