Which Windows apps are supported by CheatKeys and how do I use it?

Updated

CheatKeys is a Windows utility that shows the active keyboard shortcuts for whatever app you're currently using. Hold the CTRL key a little longer than usual and a list of shortcuts appears; release it and the list disappears. It ships with pre-loaded shortcut sets for a range of popular Windows applications, and you can add your own shortcuts for any app, even ones that aren't officially supported. This guide covers what's supported, how to get started, and the settings worth knowing.

Supported apps

CheatKeys comes with shortcut lists ready out of the box for a variety of popular Windows applications. The site names these specifically:

  • Slack
  • Evernote
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

The list is described as "and many more," so other apps may also have pre-loaded sets. If your favorite app isn't covered, you have two options:

  1. Request it — click to request new app support directly from CheatKeys, and it may be added in a future release.
  2. Add it yourself — manually enter and manage your own shortcut list for any application, supported or not.

How to use it

Prerequisites

  • A Windows PC (the tool is a Windows app).
  • The CheatKeys installer. The current download listed on the site is v1.1.29 beta, and release notes are available from the download page.

Step by step

  1. Download and install CheatKeys from the site.
  2. Open the app you want shortcuts for — for example, Slack or Visual Studio Code.
  3. Hold the CTRL key a bit longer than a normal tap. A window listing the active shortcuts for the current app appears.
  4. Release CTRL to hide the list.
  5. Customize as needed (see below) — change the trigger key, add your own shortcuts, or set a toggle hotkey.

Expected result: while you hold the trigger key, you see the shortcut list for the foreground app; when you let go, it's gone. No menu digging required.

Customization options

Feature What it does
Trigger key and duration Change which key shows the list (not just CTRL) and how long you hold it
Global hotkey Set a hotkey to toggle the CheatKeys window on and off instead of holding a key
Add your own shortcuts Enter and manage shortcuts for any app, including unsupported ones
Customize any shortcut Add or change shortcuts for supported apps to match your workflow
Themes System Default, Light, or Dark
Automatic updates In-app notification when an update is available; apply with a click

Common snags

  • Nothing appears when you hold CTRL. Make sure CheatKeys is running, and check that the hold duration in preferences isn't set longer than you're holding the key.
  • Your app isn't in the list. Use "Add Your Own Shortcuts" to build the list manually, or submit a request for official support.
  • The list feels intrusive. Switch to the global hotkey toggle so it only shows when you ask for it.

Pricing note

The site includes a Purchase link, which suggests the software is paid rather than free. The available material doesn't state the price or any trial terms, so check the purchase page before installing if cost matters to you.