> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.minimalmacropad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use Layers in the MinimalPad Browser Configurator

> Add, rename, and remove MinimalPad layers in the browser configurator, and assign keys that switch between them.

Think of layers like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. Each sheet has its own key assignments. Only one layer is active at a time — the bottom layer is always on, and higher layers override it when activated. With layers, your 16 physical keys can do many more than 16 things.

MinimalPad has room for 16 named layers. The default keymap uses two, **Default** and **Connections & LEDs**, so you can add up to 14 more. You manage them directly in the browser configurator without reflashing.

## Inspect a layer

Click any layer tab at the top of the layout view. The key grid updates to show the assignments for that layer. You can click individual keys to view or change their actions.

## Rename a layer

Double-click a layer tab, or click the pencil icon next to the layer name, type the new name, and confirm. Descriptive names like "Media", "Shortcuts", or "Windows" make it easier to navigate your layout later.

## Add a layer

Click the **New layer** button. A new empty layer is created and added as a tab. Keys on a new layer default to a transparent (pass-through) state, which means they fall through to the layer below unless you assign something.

## Remove a layer

Click the trash icon next to the layer tab you want to delete. You must have at least two layers — you can't remove the last remaining one.

<Warning>
  Before removing a layer, make sure you still have a way to reach any content you care about, and that no other layer depends on it. If you delete a layer that other layers reference, or remove the only key that activates it, you lose access to those assignments. Save your layout before making structural changes.
</Warning>

## Activate layers from keys

Assign a layer activation action to any key to switch layers while you use your MinimalPad. Choose from the **Layers** category in the action picker.

| Behavior           | How it works                                                                                                                                 |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Momentary (MO)** | The layer is active only while you hold the key — release it and the previous layer returns. Works like Shift on a standard keyboard.        |
| **Toggle (TG)**    | Tap once to activate the layer; tap the same key again to deactivate it. The layer stays on between key presses.                             |
| **Layer-Tap (LT)** | Hold the key to activate the layer momentarily; tap it briefly to send a regular keypress instead. Lets one key serve two purposes.          |
| **To (TO)**        | Switches to that layer and stays there until another layer activation key is pressed. Useful for locked modes like a gaming or numpad layer. |

<Tip>
  Start by creating one layer per context — for example, a Media layer, a Shortcuts layer, and a system-specific layer for macOS or Windows. Assign a Momentary key at the bottom of your base layer to reach each one. See [Shortcuts](/configure/key-actions) for ideas on what to put on those layers.
</Tip>

<Note>
  On a Mac, [Studio for Mac](/mac/profiles) can drive a layer for you: make it an **app profile** and the pad switches to it whenever that app comes forward, with no key to press.

  If you rename or delete a layer here that a Mac profile uses, Studio for Mac flags that profile as needing repair the next time it reads the pad.
</Note>