Layouts

Create and organize layouts

A layout is a named set of button bindings for one controller model. Layouts are scoped per controller model and player slot, so two identical controllers can use different layouts at the same time.

• Add a layout: the plus button, or the = key.
• Delete a layout: the minus button, or the Delete key. Deleting can be undone.
• Duplicate a layout: right-click it and choose Duplicate, or press D.
• Rename: click the layout's name and type. Naming layouts after the game or app they are for is recommended.
• Back up or share layouts by exporting them as JSON files; import the JSON on another Mac or after a reinstall.
• The app remembers the last layout used with each controller and reapplies it automatically when that controller reconnects.

Switch automatically between apps

Layouts can switch automatically based on the app in the foreground. Assign which layout each app should use, and Controllers changes layouts as you switch apps. A small on-screen notice shows when the layout changes.

Use multiple controllers

Several controllers can be connected and mapped at once, each with its own layout. Identical models are distinguished by player slot, and Switch 2 controllers are identified by hardware serial number, so two units of the same model can both be remembered and reconnect independently.

Switch with a controller button

Assign Switch to Layout to a button to change layouts without leaving your game. Switch permanently or use another layout only while the button is held.

Back up and restore

Use the Layouts menu or a layout’s right-click menu to export layouts as JSON. Keep a copy outside the app before reinstalling or moving to another Mac. Use Import from the same menu to restore a saved file.

Recover an accidental deletion

Layout deletion supports Undo. Use Edit > Undo after deleting a layout by mistake. An exported JSON backup is useful when Undo is no longer available.