The physical keyboard is something that has always been part of the personal computer experience. But, when iOS was introduced, it almost seemed like the idea of a software keyboard would take over. Luckily, for those that like a real keyboard, Apple introduced support not only for physical keyboards on iOS but keyboard shortcuts.
While keyboards shortcuts might go overlooked on iOS apps, macOS users expect them. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to add shortcuts, what modifier keys are, and how to combine them with key combinations to quickly perform tasks in your app.
Getting Started
Open the starter project for this chapter. It’s best if you can run this app on a physical iOS or iPadOS device, with a physical keyboard paired with the device. Using the simulator works too, but you may notice some performance issues.
First Responders
Before you add the shortcuts, it will help to understand a little bit about the responder chain and the first responder. UIViewControllers, UIViews and UIApplication are all classes that can receive and handle events, otherwise known as responder objects.
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Adding the Commands
Keyboard shortcuts can be performed by simply pressing a single key on the keyboard or multiple keys. They can also be used in conjunction with modifiers keys, like Command, Control and Option. You’re adding three shortcuts that each use modifier keys.
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Alternate Keyboard Handling
The previous section handled adding keyboard shortcuts in a way that enabled discoverability for the user. However, you may not want to inundate your users with all the key commands you would like to support, especially if there are multiple options available.
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Key Points
Providing keyboard shortcuts is essential for macOS users, and is becoming more expected for iPadOS users.
UIKeyCommand makes setting up keyboard shortcuts easy, and works across iOS and macOS.
Ensure you handle typical shortcuts for keys that aren’t automatically supported by the operating system.
Where to Go From Here?
Your app is now set to handle shortcuts. While Catalyst will automatically handle these keyboard shortcuts, you’ll learn later, how to make sure these shortcuts are shown in the Menu bar.
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