Fl Studio's Custom Hot Keys: When Can We Expect Them?

FL Studio users have been asking for custom hotkeys for over a decade, but the software still does not have an integrated way to reassign hotkeys and shortcuts within the program. However, there are a couple of workarounds that can help users customize their FL Studio shortcut workflow. One option is to use AutoHotKey, an open-source program that allows for quick and easy keyboard automation. Another option is to use Streamdeck, a hardware solution that provides a separate shortcut keyboard where users can assign any program or command to its buttons. While FL Studio itself does not offer custom hotkeys, these solutions can help users create a more efficient and personalized workflow.

FL Studio users have been asking for custom hotkeys since at least 2010

FL Studio users have been asking for custom hotkeys for over a decade. As far back as 2010, users were requesting the ability to change or deactivate certain shortcuts, particularly those used in the piano roll. However, even after more than 10 years on the market, FL Studio still does not offer an integrated way to reassign hotkeys and shortcuts within the program. This has been a significant downside for producers, especially those who are used to the keyboard layouts of other programs like Ableton.

The lack of custom hotkeys in FL Studio can be frustrating for users, as it limits their ability to personalize their workflow and improve efficiency. Some users have suggested workarounds, such as using a gaming keyboard or mouse that allows for custom key bindings or utilizing third-party software like AutoHotKey to remap buttons and create new commands. Others have recommended hardware solutions like Streamdeck, which provide a separate shortcut keyboard for custom hotkeys.

Despite these workarounds, the absence of built-in custom hotkey functionality remains a point of contention for many FL Studio users. In 2024, one user expressed their desire for custom hotkeys, stating that it would speed up their workflow if they didn't have to move their hand across the keyboard to press specific keys. This sentiment has been echoed by other users, highlighting the importance of customizable shortcuts for a more seamless and intuitive music production experience.

There is currently no integrated way to reassign hotkeys within the program

FL Studio users have been asking for customisable hotkeys and shortcuts within the program since at least 2010, but this feature is still not available. This is a significant downside for producers accustomed to other programs, such as Ableton, or those who want to rearrange keys according to their preferences. While knowing the default keyboard shortcuts can improve the user experience, it can be frustrating for those who want to customise their setup.

Some users have suggested workarounds for this issue, including purchasing a gaming keyboard or mouse that allows for custom key bindings and macros. This enables users to perform complicated tasks with a single keystroke. For example, a user can record the inputs for switching to the cut tool, shift+clicking, and then pressing P, and assign them to a single key.

There are also software solutions, such as AutoHotKey, which is an open-source program that allows for quick and easy keyboard automation. Users can remap buttons and create new commands with its easy-to-learn built-in commands. Streamdeck is another option that provides a hardware solution for users who don't want to deal with plug-ins or automation commands. It acts as a separate shortcut keyboard, allowing users to assign any program or command to its buttons and create custom icons for each button.

Workarounds include using AutoHotKey or Streamdeck

As of March 2021, FL Studio does not support custom hotkeys. However, there are workarounds to this limitation, including the use of AutoHotKey or Stream Deck.

AutoHotKey is a free, open-source software that allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts for various applications, including FL Studio. Users can write simple scripts to automate frequently used features in FL Studio that do not have built-in keyboard shortcuts. For example, one user created a script where pressing "Alt + E" on the keyboard would "dump score log to pattern," inserting played MIDI notes into the current pattern. Another user shared a script that allowed them to zoom in and out of FL Studio using "Ctrl + Mouse Wheel Up/Down." These custom hotkeys can significantly improve workflow and reduce the need for extensive mouse usage or memorization of default keyboard shortcuts.

Stream Deck is another option for users seeking to improve their workflow in FL Studio. It is a physical device with programmable buttons that can be customized to perform specific tasks or shortcuts. One user shared their plan to map functions like the Piano Roll and quantizing to their Stream Deck. While some commenters on the user's post expressed skepticism about the usefulness of Stream Deck for music production, others defended it as a useful tool for those who are already familiar with keyboard shortcuts and seeking further efficiency. The cost of the Stream Deck was also brought up as a consideration, with one user suggesting that buying a new keyboard with FL Studio shortcuts may be a more cost-effective option.

In summary, while FL Studio does not currently support custom hotkeys, users can utilize tools like AutoHotKey and Stream Deck to create their own custom shortcuts and improve their workflow. These workarounds demonstrate the creativity and resourcefulness of the FL Studio community in overcoming limitations of the software.

A second monitor can also help

A second monitor can be a great way to improve your workflow and productivity when using FL Studio. This is especially true if you are looking to use custom hotkeys and shortcuts. While FL Studio does not have an integrated way to reassign hotkeys within the program, you can use a second monitor to streamline your setup and make the most of your customisations.

By utilising a dual-monitor setup, you can have FL Studio open on one screen and easily access other programs or resources on your second screen. This allows you to quickly refer to tutorials, documentation, or custom hotkey layouts without having to minimise or switch between windows on a single screen. The ability to view multiple windows simultaneously can greatly improve your efficiency and reduce the time spent navigating different applications.

To set up a second monitor for FL Studio, you will need to ensure your dual-monitor setup is configured correctly. Connect your extra monitor to your computer using the appropriate display port, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA. Once connected, go to your display settings and confirm that your computer has detected both monitors. You can then modify your display preferences to extend your desktop across both screens.

With your dual-monitor setup ready, you can now move FL Studio to your second monitor. Open the application, click and hold the top bar of the FL Studio window, and drag it to your second monitor. You can adjust the window position and size to suit your preferences. If you want FL Studio to always open on your second monitor, you can save your layout as the default.

By having FL Studio on one monitor and your custom hotkey setup or other resources on the other, you can easily glance at your customisations without interrupting your workflow. This setup can be particularly beneficial if you are using a hardware solution like a Streamdeck, which provides a separate shortcut keyboard for custom hotkeys. With your custom hotkeys on one screen and FL Studio on the other, you can take full advantage of your personalised setup and improve your overall efficiency.

Some users have created their own scripts to add custom hotkeys

Another user on the FL Studio forum has also shared a small improvement to the script for creating automation for the last tweaked parameter. This script sends clicks to the area where the "Add and Create Automation Clip" buttons are located. The position of these buttons may vary from screen to screen, so the user provides instructions on how to find the correct mouse coordinates to click these buttons and how to put them into the script.

Additionally, some users have suggested investing in a gaming keyboard and/or mouse, which allow users to bind functions to any key or key combination. Macros can also be set up to handle more complicated tasks. For example, one user has set up a macro to record the inputs for switching to the cut tool, then shift+clicking, and then pressing the P key, all onto just one key.

For users who are less coding-savvy, another option is to use Streamdeck, which is a hardware solution that essentially performs as a separate shortcut keyboard where you can assign any program or command to its buttons.

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