Skip to main content

Global Hotkeys

Set up keyboard shortcuts to control your meetings from anywhere.

Overview​

Hotkeys make it even easier to manage your meetings by setting up keyboard shortcuts for actions, like muting your microphone or turning off your camera, without needing a Stream Deck, Loupedeck, or any other external device.

With Hotkeys, you can also make any device that's capable of sending a keyboard shortcut, to control your meetings as well. Customizable keyboard macro keys, for example.

Setting up a Hotkey​

To set up Hotkeys, follow these steps:

  1. Open the MuteDeck app
  2. Click the settings icon to open the settings window
  3. In the Hotkeys section, click the input box of the action you want to create a hotkey for
  4. Type the keyboard shortcut you want (e.g., Ctrl+Shift+M)
  5. See your keyboard shortcut appear in the input box
  6. Try it out! - The hotkey is active immediately

Video Walkthrough​

Available Actions​

Core Meeting Controls​

  • Mute/Unmute: Toggle microphone on/off
  • Video Toggle: Turn camera on/off
  • Screen Share: Start/stop screen sharing
  • Record Toggle: Start/stop meeting recording
  • Leave Meeting: End your participation in the meeting

Custom Actions​

Hotkeys are currently only available for the core meeting controls. Custom Actions are not supported yet.

Windows​

  • Mute/Unmute: Ctrl+Shift+M
  • Video Toggle: Ctrl+Shift+V
  • Screen Share: Ctrl+Shift+S
  • Record: Ctrl+Shift+R

macOS​

  • Mute/Unmute: Cmd+Shift+M
  • Video Toggle: Cmd+Shift+V
  • Screen Share: Cmd+Shift+S
  • Record: Cmd+Shift+R

Best Practices​

Choose Unique Combinations​

  • Avoid common shortcuts: Don't use Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, etc.
  • Use modifier keys: Combine Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + letter
  • Test conflicts: Make sure your shortcuts don't conflict with other apps

Easy to Remember​

  • Logical associations: M for Mute, V for Video, S for Share
  • Consistent patterns: Use the same modifiers for all MuteDeck actions
  • Muscle memory: Practice the combinations you choose

Accessibility Considerations​

  • One-handed shortcuts: Consider users with limited mobility
  • Avoid complex combinations: Keep it simple with 2-3 keys maximum
  • Alternative options: Remember devices like Stream Deck are available

Removing a Hotkey​

To remove a hotkey, follow these steps:

  1. Open the MuteDeck app
  2. Click the settings icon to open the settings window
  3. In the Hotkeys section, click the trashcan icon of the action you want to clear the hotkey for
  4. Done! - The hotkey is immediately removed

Troubleshooting Hotkeys​

Hotkey Not Working​

  1. Check if MuteDeck is running: Hotkeys only work when MuteDeck is active
  2. Verify the combination: Make sure you're pressing the exact combination you set
  3. Test with simple combo: Try a basic combination like Ctrl+Shift+M first
  4. Check for conflicts: Another app might be using the same shortcut

Hotkey Conflicts​

  • System shortcuts: Some combinations are reserved by your OS
  • App-specific shortcuts: Other apps might intercept your hotkey
  • Solution: Choose a different combination or close conflicting apps

Hotkeys Not Appearing​

  • Update MuteDeck: Ensure you have the latest version
  • Restart app: Close and reopen MuteDeck settings
  • License check: Hotkeys require a valid MuteDeck license

Advanced Usage​

Multiple Devices​

Hotkeys work great in combination with:

  • General usage: Use hotkeys when Stream Deck isn't available
  • Macro keyboards: Program hotkeys into dedicated macro keys
  • Presentation remotes: Some remotes can send keyboard shortcuts

Home Automation​

Use hotkeys with home automation systems:

  • Home Assistant: Trigger hotkeys via automation
  • IFTTT: Connect web services to keyboard shortcuts
  • Voice assistants: "Hey Google, trigger mute shortcut"

Gaming Applications​

  • OBS Studio: Mute when switching scenes
  • Discord: Coordinate with gaming and meeting audio
  • Streaming: Quick mute during live streams

System-Wide Shortcuts​

These hotkeys work from any application:

  • When you're presenting in PowerPoint
  • While typing in a document
  • During full-screen applications
  • Even when MuteDeck window is minimized

Security Note​

Hotkeys use system-level keyboard monitoring to work globally. This is:

  • Safe: MuteDeck only listens for your configured combinations
  • Private: No keylogging or data collection
  • Local: All processing happens on your computer
  • Optional: You can use MuteDeck without hotkeys if preferred

Platform Differences​

Windows Specifics​

  • Windows key combinations: Can be used but may trigger Start menu
  • Alt combinations: Be careful not to conflict with Alt+Tab
  • Function keys: F1-F12 work well for hotkeys

macOS Specifics​

  • Command key: Preferred modifier for Mac-style shortcuts
  • Function keys: May require holding Fn key depending on settings
  • Accessibility: Requires MuteDeck to have Accessibility permissions

Need help setting up hotkeys? Check our installation guide for permission setup or contact support.