How to set up Stream Deck Hotkeys

Hotkeys are one of the simplest ways to control your favorite apps with Stream Deck.

Instead of reaching for a keyboard shortcut like Ctrl + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool on Windows, or Command + Shift + 5 to open the screenshot toolbar on Mac, you can assign that shortcut to a Stream Deck key and activate it with one tap.

Hotkeys work across many apps and are especially useful when you want Stream Deck control without installing a dedicated plugin. If you are not sure when it's better to use hotkeys or plugins, check out Stream Deck Hotkeys vs. Plugins: What's the difference?.

1. Open Stream Deck app.

2. In the action list, find System.

3. Drag Hotkey onto a key.

4. Click the Hotkey field in the property inspector to set your custom hotkey. Click the Actions field to set a preset shortcut.

5. Tap the key on your Stream Deck to test it.

Many shortcuts use multiple keys, such as Ctrl + Shift + S or Command + Option + Esc.

To enter a shortcut, click the Hotkey field, then press the shortcut keys one at a time. Stream Deck will combine them into one hotkey.

For example, to create Alt + F4, press Alt, release it, then press F4. Stream Deck will display the shortcut as Alt + F4.

If you want one key to switch between two shortcuts, use Hotkey Switch. You could use Hotkey Switch to turn a setting on and off, toggle between two views, etc.

To add a Hotkey Switch:

1. Open Stream Deck app.
2. In the action list, find System.
3. Drag Hotkey Switch onto a key.
4. Enter the first hotkey in the first hotkey field. Enter the second hotkey in the second field.
5. Tap the key on your Stream Deck to test it.

Stream Deck +, Stream Deck + XL, and GALLEON 100 SD include dials that also support hotkeys.

This can be useful when you want to trigger keyboard shortcuts from the dial area instead of taking up a regular key.

To add a hotkey to a dial:

1. Open Stream Deck app.
2. Switch to Dials.
3. Under System, drag Hotkey onto a dial.

4. In the property inspector, set the hotkey you want to use. You can set the hotkey to activate on different conditions:

• Press / Tap
• Rotate Clockwise
• Rotate Counterclockwise

Press or turn the dial depending on how the hotkey is configured.

If a hotkey is not working, check a few things:

• Make sure the correct app is open or active
• Confirm the keyboard shortcut works when you press it manually
• Check whether the app uses a different shortcut on Mac or Windows
• Make sure another app is not intercepting the same shortcut
• On Mac, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility and make sure Stream Deck is enabled
• After changing permissions, quit and relaunch the Stream Deck app
  

Some apps also need to be in focus before they will respond to hotkeys. If the shortcut works only when the app window is active, that is usually expected behavior.

Create keys for copy, paste, undo, redo, screenshots, app switching, or opening search.

Set up hotkeys for tools you use often in apps like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, DaVinci Resolve, Figma, or Blender.

For example, you could assign keys to cut, split, export, save as, toggle panels, or switch tools.

Use hotkeys to trigger commands in streaming software, switch scenes, mute audio, start recording, or control overlays if those shortcuts are already assigned in your app.

Assign keys for push-to-talk, clipping software, recording controls, overlays, or any in-game shortcut you want to reach without moving your hands across the keyboard.

Before creating a hotkey, look up the app's keyboard shortcuts. Many apps let you customize their shortcuts, making them easier to use with Stream Deck.

The same hotkey can do different things in different apps. Make sure your shortcut works as expected in the app you are using.

If you use different hotkeys for different apps, Smart Profiles can help. A Smart Profile automatically switches your Stream Deck layout when a specific app is open, so your keys can change based on what you are doing. To find premade Profiles, check out Elgato Marketplace.

If one workflow requires several keyboard shortcuts in a row, add them to a Multi Action. This lets one Stream Deck key run multiple hotkeys and other actions together.

Hotkeys are one of the fastest ways to get value out of Stream Deck. Start with the shortcuts you use most, then build out as you discover new ones. If you want a head start, browse pre-made profiles on Elgato Marketplace with hotkeys already mapped for popular apps and games.