Evernote from a game controller
The Evernote layout is built into InputConfig, free on the Mac App Store. You don't have to make an account, there are no subscriptions, and nothing is locked. Optimized for Apple silicon.
On a Mac: Evernote reads these keys like a keyboard. The rows come from the Apple Notes layout; new note, bold and copy match, and the checklist key may differ by version.
Yes, Evernote works from a game controller on a Mac, using the Notes layout because the core shortcuts match: new note, bold and copy are the same keys. Only the checklist key may differ by version. For a library of clipped pages, Evernote is mostly scrolling and reading, and the right stick does that.
The layout, control by control
How the layout thinks
- Write. New note (Command N) on the bottom face button, bold (Command B) on the right, a checklist on the left, copy on the top.
- Read. The right stick scrolls, the left stick moves the pointer, the right trigger clicks.
- Back out. Escape on Start.
Check the checklist row
- You: Open Evernote's Format menu and read the checklist key it shows.
- InputConfig: Sends Command Shift L on the left face button, Apple Notes' checklist key, until you change it.
- Check: Press the left face button in a note. If no checkbox appears, set the row to the key from the Format menu.
One row to check, and the rest is Notes muscle memory.
Tune it for reading
- Dictation. Add a Start Dictation row on a bumper.
- Search. Press Evernote's search key from its menus, then dictate.
- Read a clipped article aloud. Select All, then Speak Selection.
- Tags and notebooks. Pointer work in the sidebar.
A long clipped article is easier heard than read, and two rows do it.
Get it in two clicks
- Get InputConfig free on the Mac App Store, open it, and click Smart Preset Maker on the welcome screen.
- Search for Evernote and pick it. The layout is created as a preset in your sidebar, named and ready.
- Press Activate. Every row can be changed afterwards: the editor's Scan button rebinds any control the moment you touch it.
Every binding, as a table
| Controller | Sends | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Left stick left | Mouse motion left (speed 16) | Cursor left |
| Left stick right | Mouse motion right (speed 16) | Cursor right |
| Left stick up | Mouse motion up (speed 16) | Cursor up |
| Left stick down | Mouse motion down (speed 16) | Cursor down |
| Right stick down | Scroll down | Scroll down |
| Right stick up | Scroll up | Scroll up |
| Right trigger | Left click | Click |
| A / Cross | Command (Left), N | New note (Cmd+N) |
| B / Circle | Command (Left), B | Bold (Cmd+B) |
| X / Square | Command (Left), Shift (Left), L | Checklist (Cmd+Shift+L) |
| Y / Triangle | Command (Left), C | Copy |
| Start / Options | Escape | Close / Esc |
Button names follow the Xbox / PlayStation pair shown in the editor, so A / Cross is the bottom face button on either pad. On a Switch Pro Controller the bottom button is labeled B; the mapping still fires on position.
Questions
Does this match the Apple Notes layout?
Yes, the same rows. Only the checklist key may differ.
Related
Completely free. You don't have to make an account, there are no subscriptions, and nothing is locked. Optimized for Apple silicon. Open source on GitHub.
Updated