Workflow

Maps from a game controller

Download InputConfig on the Mac App StoreThe Maps Navigation 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: Apple Maps pans on the arrow keys and zooms on Command Plus and Minus. Google Maps in a browser pans on the arrows but zooms on plain plus and minus, so change two rows there.

Yes, you can explore Apple Maps or Google Maps on a Mac with a game controller: one stick pans, the other points, the bumpers zoom, and the trigger clicks a pin. Apple Maps takes every row as shipped. Google Maps in a browser zooms on different keys, so change two rows there.

The layout, control by control

Click a control. Labels:

How the layout thinks

  • Pan. The left stick pans the map with the arrow keys.
  • Point and click. The right stick moves the pointer, the right trigger clicks.
  • Zoom. Out and in (Command Minus and Command Plus) on the bumpers.
  • Search. Command F on the bottom face button, Escape on Start.

Fix zoom for Google Maps

  • You: Change the two bumper rows from Command Minus and Command Plus to plain minus and plus.
  • InputConfig: Sends the keys Google Maps uses for map zoom, instead of the browser's page zoom.
  • Check: Press the right bumper on a Google map. The map zooms and the page text stays the same size.

In a browser, Command Plus zooms the page, while plain plus zooms the map.

Tune it

  • Search by voice. Press Search, then a Start Dictation row, and say the place.
  • Rotate. In Apple Maps, Option and the arrows rotate the map. Put them behind a chord on the left stick.
  • Directions. Put Command R in Apple Maps on a face button.

A map on a big screen and a controller in your hand is a good way to plan a trip.

Get it in two clicks

  1. Get InputConfig free on the Mac App Store, open it, and click Smart Preset Maker on the welcome screen.
  2. Search for Maps Navigation and pick it. The layout is created as a preset in your sidebar, named and ready.
  3. 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

The Maps Navigation preset in InputConfig, drawn on a DualSense Edge with each control labeled with the key or action it sends.
Figure 1. The Maps Navigation preset drawn on a DualSense Edge in InputConfig's Live Visualizer. For example, Right trigger is labeled Click, and LB / L1 is labeled Zoom out. Any other controller shows the same layout on its own drawing.
ControllerSendsWhat it does
Left stick leftLeftPan left
Left stick rightRightPan right
Left stick upUpPan up
Left stick downDownPan down
Right stick leftMouse motion left (speed 16)Cursor left
Right stick rightMouse motion right (speed 16)Cursor right
Right stick upMouse motion up (speed 16)Cursor up
Right stick downMouse motion down (speed 16)Cursor down
Right triggerLeft clickClick
LB / L1Command (Left), -Zoom out
RB / R1Command (Left), =Zoom in
A / CrossCommand (Left), FSearch (Cmd+F)
Start / OptionsEscapeClose / 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 it work in Google Maps?

In a browser, yes. The arrow keys pan, and plain plus and minus zoom once you change the bumper rows.

Download InputConfig on the Mac App StoreCompletely 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