> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.auterion.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.auterion.com/vehicle-operation/settings-and-maintenance/joystick-setup/keyboard-controls.md).

# Keyboard Controls

Keyboard controls function as an alternative to a traditional RC transmitter or joystick. These inputs are context-aware and vary based on your vehicle's airframe and the active UI view.

#### 1. Key Assignment Menu

In this menu, users can map specific vehicle actions to individual keys or combinations.

* Custom Mapping: Assign actions (e.g., Return to Launch, Change Flight Mode, Arm/Disarm) to any key.
* Combo Support: Supports modifier keys for advanced mapping (e.g., `Shift` + `Ctrl` + `A`).
* Action Parity: The list of available actions is identical to those found in the Joystick Buttons menu.

<figure><img src="/files/HXUk41NQ3DFlySp5Nc8Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Flight Control

Flight controls allow for manual maneuvering of the vehicle. This functionality includes a global Enable/Disable toggle to prevent accidental inputs.

This feature has an on/off toggle for safety.

| **Vehicle Type**  | **Control Mapping**           | **Primary Axes**               |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Fixed-Wing / VTOL | `W`, `A`, `S`, `D`            | Pitch and Roll                 |
| Multicopter       | `W`, `A`, `S`, `D` + `Arrows` | Pitch, Roll, Yaw, and Throttle |

<figure><img src="/files/MhpvwEGFX6lKexnHuo6b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 3. Tracker Control (For Auterion-Enabled Systems)

For vehicles equipped with Auterion Tracking capabilities, the keyboard can be used to manipulate the Video Tracker via the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) window.

* Adjustment: Use the `Arrow Keys` to shift and adjust the tracked object within the video feed.

{% hint style="info" %}
Conflict Warning: Since Tracker Control utilizes the arrow keys, they must be unassigned from flight controls (Yaw/Throttle) in multicopter setups to avoid overlapping commands.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/KVdHwZHGA048ZnwVcVDI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<div data-full-width="false"><figure><img src="/files/a1oRGsOVFyAw1GFu33j3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Operating Constraints & Rules

#### View-Based Activation

{% hint style="info" %}
To ensure the keyboard remains functional for typing and general UI navigation, control inputs are only active in the following screens: **Fly View**, **Plan View**, and **Video View.**

Keyboard controls are automatically disabled in all other menus (e.g., Settings, Setup) so that the user can interact with text boxes and input fields without triggering vehicle movements.
{% endhint %}

#### Airframe Requirements

{% hint style="info" %}
The Vehicle Identity determines the availability of Flight and Tracker control.

* Controls will only be visible/available if the connected airframe supports these specific flight profiles.
* If the airframe is not recognized as a supported type, the corresponding keyboard options will be hidden or grayed out.
  {% endhint %}