Spreadsheets from a game controller
The Spreadsheet 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: Works in Numbers, Excel, and Google Sheets in a browser. Nothing to enable.
Yes, you can move through Numbers, Excel or Google Sheets on a Mac from a game controller, with nothing to enable. A spreadsheet is a grid, and a controller has two things that move in a grid: the D-pad and the stick, so both move between cells. The right stick is a pointer for what a grid cannot reach, and Return, Tab, copy, paste, undo and save are on buttons.
The layout, control by control
How the layout thinks
- Cells. The D-pad and the left stick send the arrow keys to move between cells.
- Pointer. The right stick moves the pointer at speed 16, and the right trigger clicks.
- Face buttons. Return on the bottom, Tab on the right, copy on the left (Command C), paste on the top (Command V).
- Shoulders. Undo on the left bumper (Command Z), save on the right (Command S).
- Back and Start. Backspace on Back, Escape on Start.
Return and Tab sit under your thumb, so entering a row of data is a rhythm, not a reach.
Make it yours
- Dictation. Both stick clicks are empty. Give one the Start Dictation output, say the number, and press Return.
- Big jumps. Add Command plus an arrow as chord rows on the D-pad, to reach the edges of a sheet.
- Digits on buttons. The Numpad Entry layout puts digits on the buttons.
With dictation on a stick click, data entry never needs a keyboard.
Check that it works
- You: Open a sheet, then press Activate on this preset.
- InputConfig: Sends the arrow keys, shortcuts and clicks in the table to the app in front.
- Check: Press D-pad right and the selection moves one cell. Press the bottom button and Return confirms.
If the D-pad moves the selection, the shortcuts reach the app too.
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 Spreadsheet Navigation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| D-pad up | Up | Cell up |
| D-pad down | Down | Cell down |
| D-pad left | Left | Cell left |
| D-pad right | Right | Cell right |
| Left stick left | Left | Cell left |
| Left stick right | Right | Cell right |
| Left stick up | Up | Cell up |
| Left stick down | Down | Cell down |
| Right stick right | Mouse motion right (speed 16) | Cursor right |
| Right stick left | Mouse motion left (speed 16) | Cursor left |
| Right stick down | Mouse motion down (speed 16) | Cursor down |
| Right stick up | Mouse motion up (speed 16) | Cursor up |
| Right trigger | Left click | Click |
| A / Cross | Return | Confirm (Enter) |
| B / Circle | Tab | Next cell (Tab) |
| X / Square | Command (Left), C | Copy (Cmd+C) |
| Y / Triangle | Command (Left), V | Paste (Cmd+V) |
| LB / L1 | Command (Left), Z | Undo (Cmd+Z) |
| RB / R1 | Command (Left), S | Save (Cmd+S) |
| Back / Share / Select | Backspace | Delete (Backspace) |
| Start / Options | Escape | Cancel (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
Can I type numbers from the controller?
With dictation, yes, and the Numpad Entry layout gives you digits on the buttons.
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