Guide to Fixing Keyboard Macro Issues and Customizing Settings

Learn how to troubleshoot and customize keyboard macros effectively. This guide covers key mapping, layer management, and exporting settings for personalized profiles.

April 9, 2025 By Tim Moody

In this guide, we'll learn how to modify keyboard settings using key mapping and macros. The focus will be on understanding how different layers function, particularly for Windows, and how to assign macros to specific keys. We'll explore how to ensure the correct use of modifier keys to achieve desired functions, such as copy and paste. Additionally, we'll cover how to back up and restore keyboard settings, allowing for easy customization and experimentation. This guide will also touch on the potential for creating personalized profiles for different users.

Let's get started

I'll create a brief guide as I go through the process of fixing a key assignment that was accidentally changed during an innkeeper's shift. First, I'll open the software and verify the problem mentioned.

I am currently on the macro tab.

I will fix this on the key map tab, but for now, I'll show you what I mean here since we have the board diagram on the macro tab also. Look at the top left of the keyboard diagram on the screen. You'll see four different layers, and notice the layer labeled "2" has a red star beside it.

What this star symbolizes is the first layer for Windows. Think of it this way: the third layer, labeled three, is your second layer on Windows. These are the only two layers you have. Layers zero and one are for Macintosh and aren't applicable here. If you click on number two, that's our first one. This means the keys labeled on the diagram are for the keyboard as it is initially - just press the button and there it goes. You don't need to hold a modifier key down for that first layer.

Step #4: Click on "2 *" — Click on "2 *"

How to think about modifier keys - the most well-known examples include Shift or Caps Lock, which provide a second function when pressed. For example, they allow you to type a capital letter or an exclamation point. Those functions are kind of on a 2nd layer, which is activated by holding a modifier.

This second layer here does not control the shift key, though. It controls the function key, labeled FN, located two keys to the right of your space bar.

When I examine the base layer, I see that the key, FN, is labeled as M03.

That's the technical function at work. You'll notice I also set the number key to M03, mimicking the function key and essentially serving the same purpose.

This makes it easier to hold that key while pressing one of these keys.

Step #11: Click on "MO (" — Click on "MO ("

Anyway, to control what happens with those keys when you use your modifier, edit this layer.

This key here is the one you were having trouble with. It currently says M0, but it should say M5.

If you look at our macro list below, M0 types out card point, deposit, and paste.

First, I'll open a Word document, hold the number key, which acts as our modifier, and press it. That will verify whether there is an actual issue with the way it's supposed to be working before I make any changes.

Step #16: We're having the office painted tomorrow btw 😎 — We're having the office painted tomorrow btw 😎

I copied and pasted the information about moving the office furniture into the great room or my apartment. This means you're likely reading this in a freshly painted office, just the floor and the desk, though. I'm happy to have that done. Anyway, this works perfectly so I just need to change the key assignment back to M5.

To change the key, go to the key map settings.

Make sure you're editing the second layer, labeled three.

At the very bottom, click on the macro section so we can access our macros.

Step #19: Click on "Macro" — Click on "Macro"

This displays all the macro keys programmed on the macro tab. Now, I'll click the key I want to change on the diagram above.

Then, I will click on the macro I want to assign.

You notice that the key is now M5, indicating it worked correctly. It also automatically moved to the next key and highlighted it.

Step #22: Click on "Q6 HE ANSI Knob" — Click on "Q6 HE ANSI Knob"

To designate the next key highlighted in red in the image, you can simply click on what you want it to be assigned to. However I don't want to change anything else at the moment. The macros are what we wanted here but look at how many options there are - we could TOTALLY reprogram this keyboard, completely.

Step #23: There are various categories of keys available for assignment. — There are various categories of keys available for assignment.

Step #24: Click on "Lighting" — Click on "Lighting"

Now, let's see if we got our self-check-in macro back or not. If I go into my Word document, move to the line below, hold the number pad key, and press that button.....🙏

LOL - Okay, it deleted everything... 👀🧙‍♂️

The final part of the SCI macro highlights everything and deletes it. When used correctly, it moves to the email body and performs this action, deleting the table and leaving the cursor at the top of the email so we can begin typing our message right away. However, in this case, it skipped further into the document and deleted where it had pasted "self check in." This confirms to me that it's fixed. Humorous, though, when used in a word document 😂

Quick recap: First, pay attention to your layer.

Step #26: Click on "2" for the base layer — Click on "2" for the base layer

Step #27: Click on "3" for 2nd layer, activated when holding down "fn" or "num" key — Click on "3" for 2nd layer, activated when holding down "fn" or "num" key

Go to the key map area and press the key you want to change. Then, press the key you want it changed to.

Your initial problem was likely that you weren't holding down the modifier key. If you pressed the button and it didn't work as expected, that's probably the reason.

Step #29: Because M5 will be M4 (copy) unless you hold down the modifier, so, it would appear as if nothing even happened if you pressed it without holding the fn or num key at the same time. — Because M5 will be M4 (copy) unless you hold down the modifier, so, it would appear as if nothing even happened if you pressed it without holding the fn or num key at the same time.

Let me know if you have any questions about this. Also, while I'm thinking about it, I'm going to quickly address something.

I'm going to do two things. First, I meant to do this the other day. I'm going to click export.

Step #31: Click on "Export" — Click on "Export"

I will save that.

Step #32: Click on "Save" — Click on "Save"

Step #33: Next, I'll go to the key map and export it. — Next, I'll go to the key map and export it.

Step #34: Click on "Export" — Click on "Export"

Step #35: Click on "Save" — Click on "Save"

I have now backed up all the settings on this keyboard.

So especially now, you don't need to worry about it - if anything goes wrong, you can easily import the settings I exported, and everything will be back to normal instantly. As such, feel free to experiment and see what you like without fear of messing anything up, as I have these settings saved. This is one option if people want their own macros. Given how quick and easy it is to export and import settings, we could each have our own profile to import at the start of our shifts. That's an option, but let me know if you'd like any changes. I might agree and update the settings for myself as well. To be honest, I wouldn't include copy and paste, but it might make things easier for others, so I figured I would. If that turns out not to be the case and people aren't using those macros for copy and paste then I would gladly change them into something like typing out a subject line.

I have copy and paste macros on the mouse, which I use, and I could show you those as well 👀