title: Per-Key Actions
description: Customize what each swipe direction does
category: Customization
difficulty: advanced
related_spec: ../specs/customization/per-key-actions-spec.md
Per-Key Actions
Customize what happens when you swipe in each of the 8 directions from any key. Assign characters, actions, or macros to each swipe direction.
Quick Summary
| What | Description |
|---|
| Purpose | Customize subkey actions per direction |
| Access | Settings > Customization > Per-Key Actions |
| Directions | 8 directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) |
Understanding Subkeys
Each key has up to 8 subkey positions:
NW N NE
\ | /
W -- KEY -- E
/ | \
SW S SE
When you short swipe in a direction, the corresponding subkey is activated.
How to Customize
Step 1: Open Customization
- 1. Open CleverKeys Settings (gear icon)
- 2. Navigate to Customization
- 3. Select Per-Key Actions or Subkey Editor
Step 2: Select a Key
- 1. The keyboard layout is displayed
- 2. Tap the key you want to customize
- 3. A detail panel opens showing all 8 directions
Step 3: Edit a Direction
- 1. Tap the direction you want to change
- 2. Choose from:
- Character: Type a letter, symbol, or emoji
- Action: Select from built-in actions
- Remove: Clear the subkey
Step 4: Save Changes
Changes are saved automatically. Tap Done to return.
Available Actions
| Action | Description |
| Characters | Any Unicode character |
| Delete Word | Delete previous word |
| Cursor Left/Right | Move cursor |
| Home/End | Jump to line start/end |
| Tab | Insert tab character |
| Escape | Send escape key |
| Undo/Redo | Undo or redo action |
| Copy/Cut/Paste | Clipboard operations |
| Select All | Select all text |
Common Customizations
Adding Frequently Used Symbols
Place symbols you use often in easy-to-reach positions:
| Key | Direction | Suggestion |
| e | South | @ (email) |
| s | East | $ (currency) |
| p | North | % (percent) |
Programming Shortcuts
For developers:
| Key | Direction | Action |
| Shift | NW | Escape |
| Shift | SE | Tab |
| a | NW | Home |
| a | SW | End |
Navigation Optimization
Put navigation actions where you can reach them:
| Key | Direction | Action |
| Backspace | West | Delete Word |
| Space | Subkeys | Cursor movement |
Tips and Tricks
- • Start small: Customize a few keys first, learn them, then add more
- • Muscle memory: Keep frequently used actions in consistent positions
- • Backup: Export your customizations before making major changes
- • Per-layout: Customizations can be layout-specific
[!TIP]
Consider your typing patterns. If you frequently type certain symbols, put them in easy-to-swipe positions.
Resetting Customizations
To restore defaults for a key:
- 1. Open Per-Key Actions
- 2. Select the key
- 3. Tap Reset to Default
To reset all customizations:
- 1. Go to Settings > Reset
- 2. Choose Reset Customizations Only
Import/Export
Save and share your customizations:
- 1. Go to Settings > Profiles
- 2. Select Export Profile
- 3. Choose to include customizations
See Profiles for details.
Settings
| Setting | Location | Description |
| Per-Key Editor | Customization | Visual subkey editor |
| Reset Key | Per-key detail | Reset single key |
| Reset All | Settings > Reset | Reset all customizations |
Related Features
- • Short Swipes - How to trigger subkeys
- • Profiles - Save customizations
- • Extra Keys - Add custom keys to bottom row