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Gamepads / Game Controllers

BetterTouchTool can turn a game controller into a remote control for your Mac. Run any BetterTouchTool action from its buttons, move the mouse pointer or scroll with its sticks, use the touchpad of a PlayStation controller like a trackpad, and give every controller its own setup.

This is a new feature

Gamepad support is new and still evolving. Some details may change between versions. Feedback is very welcome, especially if a controller doesn't behave the way you expect.

The Live view of a gamepad profile

What you can do​

  • Assign actions to every button, trigger, d-pad direction, stick click and back paddle, with separate actions for press, long press, double press and release.
  • Move the mouse pointer, scroll or zoom with the sticks. Buttons can act as real mouse buttons, so you can also drag things (window snapping included).
  • Press two or three buttons together for extra actions, or use hold layers: while one button is held, the other buttons and the sticks do something else, like a Shift key.
  • Use the touchpad of DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers like a Mac trackpad, or for taps and swipes.
  • Configure several controllers differently, e.g. one controls media playback while another drives a presentation, and change what a controller does in specific apps.
  • Set everything up visually: click a button on the controller picture, or just press it on your controller.
  • Pause all gamepad mappings automatically while you play a game.

Requirements​

BetterTouchTool only starts using game controllers once you add a gamepad profile. If you don't use the feature, nothing runs in the background.

In this section​

  • Supported Controllers - which controllers work and what each of them can do.
  • Getting Started - add a profile, assign actions, set up several controllers.
  • Buttons & Combinations - press variants, analog triggers, mouse clicks and button combinations.
  • Sticks - mouse pointer, scrolling, zoom or direction triggers.
  • Touchpad - trackpad mode, taps and swipes on PlayStation controllers.
  • Hold Layers - a second set of functions while a button is held.
  • Games - how BetterTouchTool stays out of the way while you play.
  • Generic Gamepads - fixing mixed-up buttons on third-party pads.
  • Actions & Variables - rumble, light bar, stick modes and gamepad variables.