Setting streamdeck buttons to operate as modifier keys
Hi! I'm new to soundflow, and I just picked up a stream deck to speed up my workflow in PT. I wondered what is the easiest way to assign modifier keys (ctrl, alt, shift, and cmd specifically) to stream deck buttons. I would like to be able to, for example, duplicate a clip by holding a stream deck button then click and drag the clip to another track. Thanks!
Christian Scheuer @chrscheuer2022-09-16 06:37:52.335ZHi Toby,
I think you might have just asked for a reply to this on Facebook.
Unfortunately, since SF scripts can't know when you release a Stream Deck button, there's no way to get your Stream Deck to act like a modifier key with SoundFlow.
Christian Scheuer @chrscheuer2022-09-16 06:40:50.702ZI'd recommend thinking about this in a different way. For example use a Stream Deck key to do a copy for you, and another key to paste.
- TToby Allen @Toby_Allen
Sure, I’m open to different ideas. The main purpose I want to use such a function for is warp editing in PT. Holding cmd, ctrl, or alt and clicking to place, move, and remove warp markers.
If I can do this a different way I’m open to suggestion.
- Christian Scheuer @chrscheuer2022-09-16 06:47:43.732Z
Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with that workflow (warp editing). My guess is that you would in fact need modifier keys for that.
This is not the kind of area (directly replacing a modifier key) where SoundFlow's integration with Stream Deck shines.It works better for workflows that are "fire and forget", ie. you click the button, then SF automates a bunch of stuff for you :)
- TToby Allen @Toby_Allen
I’m just looking for a way to keep my hand on the streamdeck rather than shuttling backwards and forwards between deck and keyboard, taking me out of my editing flow.
- Christian Scheuer @chrscheuer2022-09-16 06:52:33.587Z
Gotcha, yea that makes total sense.
We do have a feature request logged about adding the ability for commands to react to Stream Deck buttons being released (this is needed for your request here, as otherwise we wouldn't know when to release the modifier key we'd be simulating). Once that feature is implemented, it would be possible to have Stream Deck keys simulate modifier keys.
However, the feature is quite complex to implement, so I can't promise it's something we'll get soon.
- TToby Allen @Toby_Allen
I kinda wish it had been made clear that this isn’t possible before I purchased a streamdeck and a soundflow sub, on the face of it, this seems like such an obviously basic and ubiquitously useful function to me.
Even a modifier lock button that works like a caps lock would be useful.
- Christian Scheuer @chrscheuer2022-09-16 07:31:26.444Z
You should be able to make a modifier lock button :)
You could useglobalStatevariables to toggle the state in a script, which could be made to then simulate either holding down a modifier key or releasing it.
With that being said, simulating modifier keys independently from keystrokes is an inherently semi unstable thing to do in any type of program automation, due to how macOS' event system operates.SoundFlow is much better aimed at doing UI automation. All of this information is public - I'd highly recommend watching our learning tutorials here for how to get started with understanding these concepts:
These are all part of our Learning SoundFlow playlist here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKWpZOwx5Z3jxnpNo_dQPhDQNRwp7DCNj