RRebind

05-03-26

Launch Apps with Key Chords

This Lua script for Rebind hardware input allows you to launch applications using key chords. Configure a modifier key and bind up to three applications to number keys for quick access. The script use

rebindlua scriptapp launcherkey chordhardware inputscriptsystem.exec

Question

App launcher on key chord

Rebind AI

App Launcher on Key Chord

luau
-- rebind: min_sdk=0.1.0
-- rebind: name=App Launcher

local cfg = UI.Schema({
    modifier = UI.Keybind("LAlt", { label = "Modifier Key" }),
    
    app1_key = UI.Keybind("1", { label = "App 1 Key", group = "Bindings" }),
    app1_path = UI.Text("notepad.exe", { label = "App 1 Path", group = "Bindings" }),
    
    app2_key = UI.Keybind("2", { label = "App 2 Key", group = "Bindings" }),
    app2_path = UI.Text("calc.exe", { label = "App 2 Path", group = "Bindings" }),
    
    app3_key = UI.Keybind("3", { label = "App 3 Key", group = "Bindings" }),
    app3_path = UI.Text("explorer.exe", { label = "App 3 Path", group = "Bindings" }),
})

local function launchApp(path)
    if path and path ~= "" then
        System.Exec("start " .. path)
        UI.Notify("Launching: " .. path, "info")
    else
        UI.Notify("No path configured", "warning")
    end
end

function OnDown(key)
    if not Input.IsDown(cfg.modifier) then
        return true
    end

    if key == cfg.app1_key then
        launchApp(cfg.app1_path)
        return false
    elseif key == cfg.app2_key then
        launchApp(cfg.app2_path)
        return false
    elseif key == cfg.app3_key then
        launchApp(cfg.app3_path)
        return false
    end

    return true
end

How it works

This script launches applications by pressing a modifier key (default Alt) + a number key (1, 2, or 3).

Key features:

  • Configurable modifier: Set any key as the modifier (default LAlt)
  • Three app slots: Each slot has a key binding and an executable path
  • Paths can be relative or absolute: notepad.exe, C:\path\to\app.exe, explorer C:\Users
  • Feedback: Shows a notification when launching

Usage:

  1. In the UI, configure the modifier key and up to three applications
  2. Hold the modifier and press 1, 2, or 3 to launch the corresponding app
  3. The original keys are blocked (not passed to the PC)

Tips:

  • Use full paths for executables not in the system PATH: C:\Program Files\App\app.exe
  • For folders: use explorer C:\path to open in File Explorer
  • For URLs: use start https://example.com (opens default browser)
  • Add more app slots by copying the pattern and modifying the names

Learn more