Questions
How to map a PS4 controller to keyboard keys on a Mac
A PS4 DualShock 4 works on a Mac with no driver, and native Mac games see it straight away. For everything else, the controller has to look like a keyboard and mouse. InputConfig does that for free: every button, both sticks, the analog triggers, the touchpad and the gyroscope can send the keys and mouse events you choose, in any app.
Map the buttons
- Pair the DualShock 4: hold PS and Share until the light bar flashes, then pick it in System Settings, Bluetooth. Or plug in a micro-USB cable. Connecting a PS4 controller has the fixes if it will not pair.
- Open InputConfig and allow Accessibility access.
- Start from Desktop Navigation to run the Mac, search the Smart Preset Maker for your game, or create an empty preset.
- Click Scan on a row, press the control, then choose Keyboard Key and the key. Cross, Circle, Square, Triangle, the D-pad, L1 to R3, Share, Options and the touchpad click are all mappable.
- Activate. Deactivate from the menu bar, or use the emergency stop, when you want the controller back to normal.
InputConfig is free on the Mac App Store. macOS 14 or later, no account, no tracking, open source.
What the DualShock 4 adds
- Touchpad: use it as a trackpad, with one finger moving the pointer, two fingers scrolling and a tap or press to click. See touchpad as a mouse.
- Gyroscope: tilt to aim or move the pointer. See gyro aim on a Mac.
- Light bar: each preset can set its own colour, so the controller shows which layout is live. See light bar.
- Triggers: L2 and R2 are analog, so they can click, press a key past a set point, or scroll.
Common layouts
| Goal | Start from |
|---|---|
| Run the whole Mac: pointer, scroll, clicks, shortcuts | Desktop Navigation |
| Touchpad as a trackpad | Touchpad Mouse |
| Minecraft Java | Minecraft |
| Any game with default keys | The preset library, 450+ games and apps |
Questions
Can you map a PS4 controller to keyboard keys on a Mac?
Yes, with a mapper. System Settings can only swap one controller button for another; InputConfig makes any button, stick or trigger send a key or mouse action in any app.
Does the DualShock 4 touchpad work on a Mac?
Games mostly ignore it, but InputConfig reads it and can use it as a trackpad with tap and two-finger scroll.
Is it free?
Yes. InputConfig is free and open source on the Mac App Store, with no account or subscription. It needs macOS 14 or later.
Related
Free. macOS 14 or later. No account, nothing leaves your Mac. Open source on GitHub.