> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mrkai77/loop/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Trigger key configuration

> Set up and customize your Loop trigger key

The trigger key is the core of Loop's functionality. It must be held down or pressed to activate Loop's features, including the radial menu and keyboard shortcuts.

## Understanding the trigger key

Loop uses a trigger key to function:

* **For radial menu**: Hold down the trigger key and move the cursor in the desired direction
* **For keyboard shortcuts**: Press the trigger key together with another key to activate specific actions
* **Configuration**: Set in the **Behavior** tab of Loop's settings
* **Flexibility**: Can consist of one or multiple modifier keys

<Info>
  Many users prefer remapping their Caps Lock key to function as their Loop trigger, as it's easily accessible and rarely used for its original purpose.
</Info>

## Setting Caps Lock as your trigger key

Caps Lock is an ideal trigger key because of its prominent location and infrequent use. There are multiple methods to configure Caps Lock as your trigger key:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="System Settings (recommended)">
    This method remaps Caps Lock at the system level using macOS's built-in keyboard settings.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open System Settings">
        Go to **System Settings** → **Keyboard** → **Keyboard Shortcuts...**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Access Modifier Keys">
        In the Keyboard Shortcuts window, select the **Modifier Keys** tab at the bottom of the sidebar.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Remap Caps Lock">
        Find `Caps Lock (⇪) key` in the list and change its action to `(^) Control`.

        <Warning>
          This remaps Caps Lock system-wide, not just for Loop.
        </Warning>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Repeat for all keyboards">
        If you have multiple keyboards connected (built-in, external, etc.), repeat this remapping process for each keyboard. Use the keyboard selector dropdown to switch between keyboards.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure Loop">
        In Loop's settings, go to the **Behavior** tab and select **Right Control** as your trigger key.

        <Tip>
          Using Right Control allows you to still use Left Control for normal keyboard shortcuts.
        </Tip>
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Why Right Control?

    By remapping Caps Lock to Right Control (instead of Left Control), you maintain the ability to use standard Control-based shortcuts with your left hand while using your remapped Caps Lock key for Loop.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Hyperkey app">
    [Hyperkey](https://hyperkey.app/) is a dedicated app for remapping Caps Lock to a combination of all modifier keys at once, creating a "super" modifier that won't conflict with existing shortcuts.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install Hyperkey">
        Download and install [Hyperkey](https://hyperkey.app/) from its official website.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure Hyperkey">
        Launch Hyperkey and follow its setup wizard to remap Caps Lock to the Hyper key (⌃⌥⇧⌘).
      </Step>

      <Step title="Set Loop trigger">
        In Loop's settings (**Behavior** tab), set your trigger key to match the Hyperkey configuration (typically all modifiers: ⌃⌥⇧⌘).
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Benefits of Hyperkey

    * Single key acts as all modifiers combined
    * Virtually no conflicts with existing shortcuts
    * Easy to set up and manage
    * Works across all applications
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Karabiner Elements">
    [Karabiner Elements](https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/) is a powerful keyboard customization tool that offers advanced remapping capabilities.

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Install Karabiner Elements">
        Download and install [Karabiner Elements](https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/) from its official website.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Grant permissions">
        Follow the prompts to grant Karabiner Elements the necessary system permissions.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create a simple modification">
        1. Open Karabiner Elements
        2. Go to the **Simple Modifications** tab
        3. Click **Add item**
        4. Set **From key** to `caps_lock`
        5. Set **To key** to `right_control` (or your preferred modifier)
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure Loop">
        In Loop's settings (**Behavior** tab), select the modifier key you chose in Karabiner (e.g., **Right Control**).
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    ### Why use Karabiner?

    Karabiner Elements is ideal if you:

    * Want more complex key remapping options
    * Already use Karabiner for other customizations
    * Need per-application key remapping
    * Want to create advanced key combinations
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Alternative trigger keys

While Caps Lock is popular, you can use any modifier key or combination as your trigger:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Single modifier keys">
    Common single modifier options:

    * **Right Control** (⌃): Good if you've remapped Caps Lock
    * **Right Option** (⌥): Accessible but may conflict with some shortcuts
    * **Right Command** (⌘): Easy to reach but conflicts with many system shortcuts
    * **Function (Fn)**: Available on most Mac keyboards

    <Warning>
      Avoid using Left modifiers as they're commonly used in standard keyboard shortcuts.
    </Warning>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Multiple modifier combinations">
    Combining multiple modifiers reduces conflicts with existing shortcuts:

    * **⌃⌥** (Control + Option)
    * **⌃⇧** (Control + Shift)
    * **⌥⇧** (Option + Shift)
    * **⌃⌥⇧⌘** (All modifiers - Hyper key)

    <Tip>
      Multi-key combinations are less convenient to press but virtually eliminate shortcut conflicts.
    </Tip>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Testing your trigger key

After configuring your trigger key:

1. Open any application window
2. Hold down your trigger key
3. Move your cursor to see if the radial menu appears
4. Try moving in different directions to test responsiveness

<Check>
  If the radial menu appears and responds to your cursor movement, your trigger key is configured correctly!
</Check>

<Warning>
  If the radial menu doesn't appear, verify that:

  * Loop has accessibility permissions enabled
  * Your trigger key is properly set in Loop's **Behavior** settings
  * Your keyboard remapping tool (if using one) is running and configured correctly
</Warning>

## Next steps

Now that your trigger key is configured, explore Loop's features:

<Card title="Explore Loop features" icon="sparkles" href="/features">
  Learn about radial menu, keyboard shortcuts, cycles, and more
</Card>