Support Global Keyboard Shortcuts & Global Modifier Key Events (Shift/Ctrl/Alt) in UXP

Photoshop UXP Plugin API
1

I would like to submit a feature request for UXP (Unified Extensibility Platform):

It would be extremely helpful if UXP could support global keyboard shortcuts, or at the very least, enable global event listening for modifier keys including Shift, Ctrl, and Alt.

Currently, these key events can only be captured when the panel has focus. It is often necessary for plugins to detect the pressed state of these modifier keys even when the panel is not focused, to implement better interaction logic and user experience.

2

Not sure if Adobe team plans to allow this.

I made my own app to do this — Spell Book.
Works in Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
It allows to register shortcuts globally and also accounts for shortcut conflict with a host app, so it is not possible to register shortcut that is already used by a host app.

There is API for developers to add Spell Book support for their extensions.

Here is the overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS4YyJbZjkk

3

I find this plugin interesting. In the video you talk about a free version. Is it possible to try it? If so, can you post a download link?

4

To test free version, download free product, e.g Portal (it works in multiple Adobe hosts).
Spell Book will be installed alongside.

To test implementation with your tools, write me to support@knightsoftheeditingtable.com, I will send you dev license.

5

I’ll keep you updated.

Thanks.

6

I downloaded Portal and also found the Spell Book inside.
Unfortunately, from what I see, it’s cep and not uxp.
Do you have the uxp version?

7

I think it worked in XD, but did not anywhere else. Honestly, I think your best bet would be to create a custom hybrid plugin rather than waiting for Adobe, since we’ve wanted it for years, and as far as I know, UXP still does not even have a product manager person.

8

Portal indeed uses only CEP, so it won’t have CEP version of Spell Book.

I’ve sent you link to both versions.

9

You should create a Hybrid Plugin instead of waiting for Adobe’s support. I’ve built one myself and it works brilliantly. The thing you need to watch out for is that since Hybrid Plugins use C/C++, they listen to all key events; you’ll have to figure out how to intercept all the keys that have been hijacked by Photoshop.