Map a pen button to a PenLayer action

Click Record next to an action in PenLayer’s Preferences, then press the pen button. Whatever the button sends is stored as that action’s shortcut.

Why it works this way

Tablet drivers don’t tell apps what a button is set to, so PenLayer can’t read your tablet’s configuration. What it can do is listen for whatever the button sends. Every tablet function that isn’t a mouse button is a keystroke, so recording the button captures exactly what it does.

Map a button

1. In your tablet’s settings, set the pen button to a keystroke, or leave it on one it already sends.
2. Click the pen in the menu bar and choose Preferences…
3. Go to Shortcuts.
4. Click Record next to the action you want: Start / stop drawing, Undo, Redo or Clear the canvas.
5. Press the pen button.

The action now answers to that button. The shortcuts are global, so the button works whatever app is in front.

Keystrokes that already work

Tablet setting	Sends	Works because
Undo	⌘Z	That’s PenLayer’s undo default
Redo	⇧⌘Z	That’s PenLayer’s redo default
Keystroke…	Whatever you typed	Record the same combination in Preferences

Undo, Redo and Clear the canvas only respond while you’re drawing. Start / stop drawing works all the time.

A recorded combination needs ⌃, ⌥ or ⌘, or a function key. If PenLayer says it’s already taken, pick a different keystroke in your tablet’s settings. See Keyboard shortcuts.