Key commands overview

Key commands are defined in the "Key commands" window in Cubase. These commands are stored in the corresponding "Key Commands.xml" file, and that file is read by the plugin.

If multiple versions of Cubase are installed on the computer, the plugin will automatically read the file for the highest installed Cubase version (see Advanced configuration if you want to use another version of Cubase).

Important note

This configuration file is the sole source of information for the plugin regarding key commands. If it's not updated, the plugin will remain unaware of any changes made to the key commands. The plugin tracks changes made in the file in real-time, but how the file is updated differs between Cubase versions.

  • Up to and including Cubase 12, this configuration file was updated when you closed the Key Commands window in Cubase.
  • In Cubase 13, this file isn't updated until you quit Cubase.
Unfortunately, you must restart Cubase 13 after making changes to the key commands; otherwise, the plugin will be unaware of these changes.


  • On Windows, an effort is made to have the key commands work as intended regardless of keyboard layout. Prior to version 1.5, only US keyboard layout was supported.
  • On Mac, only US keyboard layout is supported. I have yet to figure out how to handle non-US keyboards.
    This means that if you have a non-US keyboard and have a key command referencing a key that is on a different location on your keyboard than on a US keyboard, it will fail.

In MacOS the Stream Deck application is using "accessability features" in order to send keystrokes to other applications. If you intend to use the Key Command action you must allow Stream Deck to "control your computer":