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KeyCast

What is it?

The KeyCast tool displays keyboard and mouse inputs in real-time as an overlay in the 3D viewport. It's perfect for recording tutorials, demonstrating workflows, or learning keyboard shortcuts. The tool shows both key presses and operator names with a customizable display style.

Access and Shortcuts

  • Pie Menu: Utilities > KeyCast
  • Operator: damtools.keycast_modal
  • Modal keys:
  • None - runs in background showing all inputs
  • Toggle in Scene Properties > DAMTools > KeyCast Enabled

Workflow

Basic Usage

  1. Enable KeyCast from the pie menu
  2. KeyCast starts monitoring all inputs
  3. Keyboard and mouse actions are displayed
  4. Operator names are shown when executed
  5. Disable KeyCast to stop monitoring

Preferences

  1. Open Blender Preferences > Add-ons > DAMTools
  2. Find KeyCast section
  3. Adjust display settings:
  4. Maximum lines
  5. Text lifetime
  6. Fade time
  7. Show operators
  8. Show keys
  9. Show mouse

Parameters

  • Display Settings:
  • Maximum Lines: 1 to 20 lines
  • Text Lifetime: How long text stays visible
  • Fade Time: Duration of fade-out effect
  • Show Options:
  • Show Operators: Display operator names
  • Show Keys: Display keyboard inputs
  • Show Mouse: Display mouse actions
  • Visual Style:
  • Uses DAMTools theme colors
  • Centered text with fade effects
  • Mouse indicator in corner

Tips

  • Great for recording tutorials
  • Shows repeated actions with counter (×2, ×3, etc.)
  • Mouse actions show as colored indicators
  • Operators are displayed with their labels
  • Text fades out smoothly
  • Works in all Blender modes
  • Can be toggled on/off as needed

Known Limitations

  • Only shows in 3D viewport
  • May impact performance with many rapid inputs
  • Cannot filter specific keys or operators
  • Text lifetime is global (not per-line)
  • Mouse display position is fixed
  • May conflict with other overlays

See Also