How many times have you found yourself repeating the same keystrokes and clicks to get a task done in a application? It happens often for me, and that’s when I turn to Keyboard Maestro’s Quick Record feature to save me time.
The quick record feature is a somewhat advance feature in KM, but it’s not difficult to learn.
(Here’s an introduction to Keyboard Maestro, if you’re new to the program.)
It involves using KM to record steps you take to perform a task. The steps must be something that KM can record such as keystrokes, hotkeys and/or a series of mouse clicks in an application.
The follow video, which I produced several months ago, demonstrates how to use Quick Record. What the video and then try it out for yourself. It will take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a powerful tool you can use when needed.
In the video, I mistakenly refer to the KM playback key as the asterisk key. It’s actually called the backtick key.
I use backtick key because I hardly ever use it in any other typing I do. However, you could also use a modifier key, plus another key (like Command+Shift+Backtick) to replay the recording. I like using the backtick key because it’s easy to click for repeatedly activating the replay macro. Be sure to use a key or key combination that you will not use for other activations.
Pause Between Steps
Another thing I didn’t point out in the video is that you can tap on the tiny time icon in the record button to create a slight pause between steps you apply in a task. So for example if your steps involve two or more keystrokes or menu items, you might need to click the pause button between each step. The pauses keep KM from playing back the steps too quickly. Also, if you use menu items, be sure to use the menu keyboard shortcut, instead of clicking on the actual menu items themselves.
Give It a Try
I used KM for quite a while before I discovered the Quick Record feature. And even when I read the instructions in the manual for how to use it, I was a little confused. But once I gave it a try, with a little bit of trial and error, I discovered a great handy tool that I can use for unique redundant tasks that I don’t really need to create a dedicated KM macro for.
Be sure to subscribe to this site, because I plan to produce a few more video examples of the Quick Record feature for getting things done. Here’s an example of a quick record to select buttons. (Note: if the video doesn’t play, here’s the direct link.)
And also, please post comments, feedback, and questions below about this feature.
Video seems to be unavailable on YouTube?
Oh, thanks for reminding me. I have to redo that video and post it back up. I’ll try to get it done week.
Great stuff, as usual, Bakari. Thanks for posting. I feel as though I just barely scratch the surface of all that Keyboard Mestro can do.
Hey Robert, thanks for your feedback. You’re going to going to have lots of fun with KM. The more you learn about what it can do, you’ll want to automate all your redundant tasks and steps. Keep in touch.