https://github.com/situ2001/keyphantom
A macOS app that silently sends keyboard events to background applications via shortcuts, like a phantom.
https://github.com/situ2001/keyphantom
Last synced: 7 months ago
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A macOS app that silently sends keyboard events to background applications via shortcuts, like a phantom.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/situ2001/keyphantom
- Owner: situ2001
- License: mit
- Created: 2025-02-19T16:09:58.000Z (8 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2025-03-08T08:10:38.000Z (7 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-03-08T08:27:24.177Z (7 months ago)
- Language: Swift
- Homepage:
- Size: 1.01 MB
- Stars: 1
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# KeyPhantom
Send keyboard events silently to background applications
## Overview
KeyPhantom is a macOS utility that lets you create keyboard shortcuts that send specific keystrokes to background applications - like a phantom operating behind the scenes. Perfect for power users who need to control multiple applications simultaneously without switching contexts.
## Key Features
- **Custom Keyboard Shortcuts**: Create global shortcuts that trigger specific key presses in target applications
- **Application Targeting**: Send keystrokes to specific applications without bringing them to the foreground
- **Menu Bar Control**: Quick access to enable/disable functionality from the status menu
- **Easy-to-Use Interface**: Simple settings panel for managing your phantom key bindings
- **Launch at Login**: Option to start automatically when you log in
- **Automatic Updates**: Stay current with the latest features and improvements
## Why I Built KeyPhantom
I created KeyPhantom to solve a personal frustration. As a Minecraft player, I often found myself wanting to read e-books while playing. However, Minecraft relies heavily on mouse control, making it impossible to switch to other apps like WeChat Reading or other e-book readers to flip pages without disrupting gameplay.
KeyPhantom lets me assign some global shortcuts that send "page turn" keystrokes to my e-book reading app in the background while I remain focused on Minecraft. This way, I can continue gaming with full mouse control while still flipping my e-book, without switching apps and making my game lose focus and pause.
## Requirements
- macOS 13.5 or later
- Accessibility permissions (required to send keystrokes to applications)
## Installation
1. Download the latest release from the [Releases](https://github.com/situ2001/keyphantom/releases) page
2. Move KeyPhantom to your Applications folder
3. Launch KeyPhantom and follow the onscreen instructions to grant Accessibility permissions
## Usage
After setting up KeyPhantom, you can create phantom key bindings to send keystrokes to background applications:
1. Open KeyPhantom from your Applications folder
2. Click the keyboard icon in your menu bar to access KeyPhantom
3. Open Settings to configure your phantom key bindings
4. Create a new binding by:
- Setting a global shortcut. For example, `Control + D`
- Recording the key to be sent. For example, `Right Arrow`
- Selecting the target application
5. Enable KeyPhantom using the toggle in menu or in the settings panel
Then, whenever you press your global shortcut (For example, `Control + D`), KeyPhantom will send the recorded key (For example, `Right Arrow`) to the target application, no matter which app is currently in focus.
## Planned Features
KeyPhantom currently supports sending single keyboard events to background applications, but more features are planned for future releases:
- **Modifier Key Support**: Send complex key combinations with modifier keys
- **Scroll Wheel Events**: Control scrolling in background applications
## Privacy
KeyPhantom requires accessibility permissions to function but does not record or transmit your keystrokes. All operations happen locally on your Mac.
## Support
If you encounter any issues or have questions, please file an issue in the [GitHub repository](https://github.com/situ2001/keyphantom/issues).
## License
Copyright © 2025 situ2001. All rights reserved.