Gamepads
You can connect one or more gamepads to your laptop and map their axes and buttons to gimbal and camera actions in Middle Control.
Mapping a Joystick Button
- Press Edit Mappings on the Motion or Camera page.
- In Middle Control, click the camera or gimbal action you want to assign.
- Move or press the desired joystick button.
- When you're done, press Save Mappings.
Mapping a Joystick Axis
A linear axis on your joystick can control functions such as pan, tilt, rudder, or any other variable input. Mapping an axis works the same way as mapping a button — but click a slider in Middle Control instead of a button, then move the joystick axis you want to assign.
- macOS
- Windows
note
- Most controllers work over USB or Bluetooth — including Xbox controllers, which now work wired over USB. A few controllers are Bluetooth-only.
- The PlayStation DualSense works over USB and Bluetooth. On macOS, Middle Control sees the two connections as separate controllers, so map the pad once for each connection you use. Over Bluetooth on recent macOS versions, it needs Middle Control 4.0.3 or later.
- You can check the supported USB gaming controllers in the compatibility section.
- Some actions are only available for buttons; others are only available for axes.
Mapping to Keyboard Shortcuts
You don't need a gamepad to get tactile control — your computer keyboard can drive Middle Control too. Map any key to a gimbal or camera action, exactly like a joystick button.
- On the Motion or Camera page, press Edit Mappings.
- Click the camera or gimbal action you want to assign.
- Press the key you'd like to use. It's bound to that action.
- Press Save Mappings when you're done.
note
- Use plain keys — letters, numbers, arrows, and F1–F12.
- ⌘ / Ctrl / ⌥ combinations and the reserved keys Space, Esc, Return, Tab, and Delete can't be mapped — they stay free for the app and for typing.