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Every key on every layer is configurable. Change one in under a minute, test it immediately, and save when you’re happy.
1

Connect your pad

Open Studio and connect over USB or Bluetooth — see Connect. When the indicator turns green, you can edit.
2

Pick the layer

Click a layer tab at the top. The grid updates to show that layer’s assignments.
3

Click the key

Click any key in the 4×4 grid, or the dial’s press button, to open the action picker.
4

Choose a category, or search

The picker opens with six categories and a search bar:
  • Shortcut — several keys together, such as ⌘C or Ctrl+Shift+Left
  • Single key — one letter, number, arrow, symbol, or function key
  • Media & apps — playback, volume, brightness, browser and app controls
  • Layers — hold, toggle, or switch to another layer
  • Device controls — Bluetooth profiles, lighting, USB output, system actions
  • Advanced — dual-action behaviours, sticky keys, and every ZMK behaviour in your firmware
Search by name if you’d rather — try “tap hold”, “brightness”, or “Bluetooth”.
5

Configure the action

Set its parameters: which key to send, which layer to target, which Bluetooth profile, which lighting adjustment. Some actions need nothing extra.
6

Click Assign to key

Studio sends the change to your pad immediately and the key label updates.
7

Save

Click Save in the connection bar to write it to the pad’s memory so it survives a reboot.
Test the key right after assigning it, before you save. If it isn’t right, adjust it and assign again — only save once you’re happy.
Disconnecting before you save loses unsaved changes, and the pad reverts to its last saved configuration. See Save & discard.

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What each category is for

For what each action actually does on the pad, see What a key can do.

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Advanced behaviours

The Advanced category exposes every ZMK behaviour your firmware was built with. The ones people reach for most:
These aren’t available in Studio for Mac, which keeps to shortcuts, keys, media, layers, Open app keys, and the pad’s own commands.

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The dial

The dial’s button is a normal key position — click it and assign it like any other. What the dial does when you turn it is set in the firmware and shows as read-only here. Changing it means rebuilding the firmware; see Advanced customization.