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PTHKD

Pro Tools Hot Key Daemon

Free Beta

A powerful background daemon for macOS that creates custom hotkey bindings for Pro Tools, Soundminer, and system automation. Control your audio workflow with precision-mapped keyboard commands.

Download v0.1.12 View Documentation

Beta Software — Free to use, provided as-is. Requires manual TOML configuration (no GUI). See configuration guide below.

Pro Tools Integration

Direct API control via gRPC for instant, reliable command execution.

Soundminer Control

Automated file spotting and database navigation with customizable parameters.

TOML Configuration

Human-readable config file. Edit once, reload instantly with a hotkey.

What It Does

PTHKD intercepts keyboard events and triggers powerful actions in Pro Tools, Soundminer, and your operating system. Built in Rust for speed and reliability, it gives you complete control over your audio post-production workflow.

  • Custom hotkey bindings for Pro Tools editing operations
  • Direct integration with Soundminer for file spotting
  • System-level automation and UI control
  • Application-specific hotkeys with window filtering
  • Multi-tap key sequences for cycling through options
  • Crossfade automation with customizable presets
  • Hot-reload configuration without restart

Configuration Guide

PTHKD is configured via a TOML file at ~/Library/Application Support/pthkd/config.toml

Basic Hotkey Structure

[[hotkey]]
keys = ["cmd", "shift", "f"]
action = "pt.edit_crossfade"
target_application = "Pro Tools"

[hotkey.params]
preset = "TF Default"
  • keys — Array of keys pressed simultaneously
  • action — Namespace.action_name format
  • target_application — Optional app filter
  • params — Action-specific parameters

OS Actions (System)

[[hotkey]]
keys = ["cmd", "option", "r"]
action = "os.reload_config"

[[hotkey]]
keys = ["cmd", "option", "p"]
action = "os.focus_protools"
  • os.reload_config
  • os.focus_protools
  • os.launch_application
  • os.click_window_button
  • os.shell_script

Pro Tools Actions

[[hotkey]]
keys = ["cmd", "shift", "s"]
action = "pt.tracks_solo_selected"
target_application = "Pro Tools"
  • pt.edit_* — Crossfades, clip trimming
  • pt.tracks_* — Solo, view, lane selection
  • pt.markers_* — Navigation, quick markers
  • pt.plugins_* — AudioSuite automation

Soundminer Actions

[[hotkey]]
keys = ["ctrl", "s"]
action = "sm.send_to_daw"
[hotkey.params]
daw = "Pro Tools"
spot_as_region = true
  • daw — "Pro Tools", "Reaper", "iZotope RX"
  • command — "Spot To DAW", "Bring into DAW"
  • reference_original — Use original files
  • spot_as_region — Create as region

Download

macOS Only

PTHKD Beta

Download the .dmg, open it, and drag PTHKD to your Applications folder. Grant Accessibility permissions when prompted. The config file will be created on first launch.

Download v0.1.12 Full Documentation

Requires macOS 10.15 or later • Apple Silicon & Intel

Installation

  1. Download the PTHKD .dmg file
  2. Open the .dmg and drag PTHKD to Applications
  3. Launch PTHKD from Applications
  4. Grant Accessibility & Input Monitoring permissions when prompted
  5. Edit ~/Library/Application Support/pthkd/config.toml
  6. Reload config with your assigned hotkey or restart PTHKD