User Manual 12-Key Macro Pad

Setup, configuration, open-source software, icons, scripts, RGB lighting, live PC stats, firmware updates, and troubleshooting for the NexMacro 12-key programmable macro pad with 2 rotary knobs and display.

12 Keys 2 Knobs Display Open Source RGB Scripts
Open-source software

Built in the open. Made to improve with the community.

NexMacro software is open source, so users can follow updates, download official releases, report issues, request features, and help shape the future of the macro pad.

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Introduction

NexMacro is a 12-key programmable macro pad with 2 rotary knobs and a display. It is designed for creators, developers, gamers, streamers, students, and productivity users who want faster control over their desktop setup without relying only on menus, mouse movement, or memorised shortcuts.

This manual covers the core setup process, software use, RGB control, icon customisation, background images, scripts, firmware updates, factory reset, and troubleshooting.

Fast Workflow

Assign actions to physical keys so repeated tasks are only one tap away.

Visual Profiles

Use the display to show profiles, icons, backgrounds, shortcuts, and system information.

Open Software

Use open-source software and official GitHub releases for updates, issues, and improvements.

Hardware

Product Overview

NexMacro combines programmable mechanical keys, rotary controls, and visual display feedback in one compact control surface. The 12 keys are suited to shortcuts, text, scripts, media controls, profile changes, and app actions. The two knobs are suited to volume, scrolling, zooming, timeline movement, brush size, tab switching, and other continuous controls.

Image Placeholder Add a labelled diagram showing USB-C port, display, 12 keys, 2 knobs, and switch layout.
  • 12 programmable keys: Shortcuts, scripts, text, media, profile control, and macros.
  • 2 rotary knobs: Rotation and press actions for fast physical control.
  • Large display: Shows profiles, icons, labels, backgrounds, and live status information.
  • USB-C connection: Connects to your computer using a USB-C data cable.
  • Hot-swappable switches: Change compatible mechanical switches without soldering.
  • Open-source software: Configure, improve, and update through official NexMacro software and GitHub resources.
Device Details

Specifications

Specification Details
Product NexMacro 12-Key Programmable Macro Pad with Display
Keys 12 programmable mechanical keys
Rotary Controls 2 rotary knobs with rotation and press input
Display Large colour display for profiles, icons, labels, backgrounds, and system information
Interface USB-C data connection
Power USB bus-powered
Profiles Multiple programmable profiles supported through software
Actions Shortcuts, scripts, text input, media controls, mouse actions, profile changes, app actions, and macros
PC Status Monitoring Supported through compatible NexMacro companion software
Software Open-source NexMacro configuration software and official release tools
Operating Systems Windows, macOS, Linux, and HID-compatible systems depending on feature mode
System Support

Compatibility

NexMacro works as a USB input device. Basic keyboard, mouse, and media actions can work through standard HID-style input. Advanced features such as app launching, live PC stats, firmware updates, display syncing, and some automation features may require the NexMacro configuration app or companion software.

Windows

Recommended for the full feature set, including live PC stats, firmware updates, and app actions.

macOS

Suitable for standard shortcuts, media controls, profile use, and supported configuration features.

Linux

Suitable for HID-style inputs and supported open-source workflows depending on software support.

First Setup

Getting Started

  1. Connect NexMacro to your computer using a USB-C data cable.
  2. Wait for your computer to detect the device.
  3. Download or open the official NexMacro configuration software.
  4. On Windows, right-click the app and select Run as administrator.
  5. Select the connected NexMacro device inside the app.
  6. Create or edit your first profile.
  7. Assign simple test actions such as copy, paste, volume, mute, screenshot, or profile switching.
  8. Save or sync the profile to the device.

Recommended First Test

Start simple. Assign one key to copy, one key to paste, one knob to volume, and one key to switch profiles. Once this works, move into scripts, icons, app launching, RGB, backgrounds, and live PC stats.

Important Windows Note

Run as Administrator

On Windows, some functions require extra permissions. Run the NexMacro configuration app as administrator when using firmware updates, PC status monitoring, app launching, local file actions, or advanced system-level controls.

How to Run as Administrator

  1. Find the NexMacro configuration app.
  2. Right-click the app icon.
  3. Select Run as administrator.
  4. Click Yes when Windows asks for permission.
  5. Connect your NexMacro device and confirm it appears in the app.
Image Placeholder Add screenshot showing Windows “Run as administrator”.
Main Software Feature

Open-Source Software

NexMacro uses open-source software so users can access official releases, follow updates, report issues, suggest improvements, and build a stronger community around the device. Open-source tooling gives NexMacro more transparency and long-term flexibility than a closed-only configuration system.

Why Open Source Matters

  • Transparency: Users can follow software releases and update history.
  • Community: Bugs and feature requests can be tracked openly.
  • Flexibility: Advanced users can build workflows around their own setup.
  • Longevity: Open tools can keep improving as the device grows.
View NexMacro on GitHub Download Releases Report an Issue
Software Guide

Configuration App

The configuration app is used to assign keys, configure knobs, create profiles, customise icons, change RGB lighting, update firmware, sync display settings, and enable advanced features.

Image Placeholder Add a screenshot of the NexMacro configuration app interface.

Typical Workflow

  1. Open the configuration app.
  2. Select your connected NexMacro device.
  3. Choose the profile you want to edit.
  4. Select a key, knob, display setting, or lighting setting.
  5. Assign actions or adjust settings.
  6. Click save, sync, or write to device.
Lighting

How to Change RGB Light

NexMacro supports RGB lighting control through the configuration app. You can change the RGB colour, choose different lighting behaviours, and save different effects per profile depending on your setup and firmware version.

The RGB settings include different trigger modes so the lighting can behave differently depending on how you want the macro pad to look on your desk.

Available RGB Modes

Always OnThe selected RGB colour stays on continuously.
When Pressing The KeyThe light activates when a key is pressed.
BreathThe light softly fades in and out.
FlowingThe lighting animates in a flowing effect.
Always OffThe RGB lighting stays disabled.
  1. Open the NexMacro configuration app.
  2. Run as administrator on Windows if lighting settings do not save.
  3. Select your connected NexMacro device from the device list.
  4. Open the RGB, lighting, or device settings panel.
  5. Choose your colour.
  6. Select the trigger mode you want, such as Always On, Breath, or Flowing.
  7. Adjust any extra settings like brightness or effect behaviour if available.
  8. Click save or sync to apply the lighting to the device.
Image Placeholder Add screenshot showing the RGB lighting settings panel and trigger mode options.

Tip

Use different RGB colours and modes for different profiles. For example, purple in Always On for everyday use, blue in Breath for creator mode, and red in When Pressing The Key for gaming mode.

Display Visuals

How to Customise Key Icons

Custom icons make each profile easier to understand at a glance. You can use icons for apps, games, tools, shortcuts, scripts, media controls, or workflow categories.

  1. Open the NexMacro configuration app.
  2. Select the profile you want to edit.
  3. Select the key you want to customise.
  4. Choose the icon or image option.
  5. Upload or select your icon file.
  6. Preview the display layout.
  7. Save or sync the profile to the device.

Icon Recommendations

  • Use square icons where possible.
  • Use clear, high-contrast images.
  • Avoid tiny text inside icons.
  • Use consistent icon styles across each profile.
  • Keep important shortcuts visually distinct.
Image Placeholder Add examples of app icons, shortcut icons, or profile icon layouts.
Screen Layout

Customise Background Image

Background images can be used to make each profile feel different and easier to recognise. For example, you can use one background for editing, one for gaming, one for developer tools, and one for everyday desktop control.

  1. Open the configuration app.
  2. Select the profile you want to edit.
  3. Open the display or background settings.
  4. Upload or choose a background image.
  5. Preview the background on the display layout.
  6. Save or sync to the device.
Image Placeholder Add before/after examples of custom display backgrounds.
Display Data

Customise Info Bar

The info bar can be used to show useful profile or system information on the display. Depending on software support, this may include profile name, status indicators, CPU/GPU stats, network speed, clock, or other quick-reference information.

  1. Open the NexMacro configuration app.
  2. Select your device and active profile.
  3. Open display settings or info bar settings.
  4. Choose which information should appear.
  5. Adjust layout, visibility, and style where supported.
  6. Save or sync to the device.
Monitoring

How to Enable PC Status Monitoring

PC status monitoring lets NexMacro show live system information on the display. This is useful for gaming, streaming, editing, rendering, or monitoring your system without opening a separate app window.

Supported Stat Ideas

  • CPU temperature
  • GPU temperature
  • CPU usage
  • GPU usage
  • CPU/GPU power usage
  • Fan speed
  • Disk space
  • Network upload/download
  • System uptime

Setup Steps

  1. Open the NexMacro companion software.
  2. Run as administrator on Windows.
  3. Connect NexMacro by USB-C.
  4. Open the PC status monitoring section.
  5. Enable the stats you want to show.
  6. Select the display layout or profile that should show the stats.
  7. Save or sync to the device.

Important

Live system stats usually require the companion software to stay open in the background. Some sensors may depend on hardware support, permissions, and operating system compatibility.

Advanced Control

Script Usage

Scripts allow a key to perform a sequence of actions, such as pressing keyboard shortcuts, typing text, opening a website, clicking the mouse, moving the cursor, waiting between actions, or switching profiles. This is useful for repetitive workflows and multi-step commands.

Example: Open a Website

WINDOWS r DELAY 500 STRING www.nexmacro.com ENTER

Example: Screenshot Shortcut

WINDOWS SHIFT s

Example: Double Left Click

LMOUSE REPEAT 1

Script Safety

Test scripts slowly before using them in important workflows. Scripts can type, click, open apps, or run shortcuts quickly, so make sure each command does exactly what you expect.

Reference

Supported Script Commands

Command Function Example
DELAY Pauses script execution for a set number of milliseconds. DELAY 500
STRING Types text as keyboard input. STRING hello world
REPEAT Repeats the previous script line. REPEAT 1
MOUSE_MOVE Moves the mouse cursor by X and Y values. MOUSE_MOVE 100 -20
LMOUSE Left mouse click. LMOUSE
MMOUSE Middle mouse click. MMOUSE
RMOUSE Right mouse click. RMOUSE
GOTO_PROFILE Switches to a specific profile index. GOTO_PROFILE 5
PREV_PROFILE Switches to the previous profile. PREV_PROFILE
NEXT_PROFILE Switches to the next profile. NEXT_PROFILE
DEFAULTDURATION Sets the delay between pressing and releasing a single key. DEFAULTDURATION 35
DEFAULTCHARDELAY Sets the delay between characters when typing strings. DEFAULTCHARDELAY 35
DEFAULTDELAY Sets the delay between script lines. DEFAULTDELAY 35

Global Delay Note

Default delay settings can affect future script execution and may remain stored after powering off, depending on firmware behaviour. Avoid extremely low delay values if an app or game detects very fast input as non-human input.

Reference

Special Function Keys

Category Supported Keywords
Modifier Keys CONTROL, SHIFT, ALT, WINDOWS, COMMAND, OPTION
Navigation / Editing ESC, ENTER, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, SPACE, BACKSPACE, TAB, INSERT, DELETE, HOME, END, PAGEUP, PAGEDOWN
System Keys PRINTSCREEN, SCROLLLOCK, PAUSE, BREAK, MENU, POWER
Function Keys F1 through F24
Media Keys VOLUP, VOLDOWN, MUTE, PREV, NEXT, PP, STOP
Numeric Keypad NUMLOCK, KP_SLASH, KP_ASTERISK, KP_MINUS, KP_PLUS, KP_ENTER, KP_DOT, KP_EQUAL, KP_0 through KP_9

Common Shortcut Examples

Function Script
Copy CONTROL c
Paste CONTROL v
Task Manager CONTROL SHIFT ESC
Windows Screenshot WINDOWS SHIFT s
Open Run Dialog WINDOWS r
Updates

Upgrade Firmware

Firmware updates can add features, improve compatibility, fix bugs, and improve device behaviour. Always use official NexMacro firmware files or releases.

Before Updating

  • Use a reliable USB-C data cable.
  • Connect directly to the computer where possible.
  • Run the configuration app as administrator on Windows.
  • Do not disconnect the device during the update.
  • Export or backup profiles if the software supports it.

Update Steps

  1. Open the NexMacro configuration app.
  2. Select your connected device.
  3. Open the firmware update or device update option.
  4. Select the official firmware release file or download the latest release.
  5. Start the update and wait until the app confirms completion.
  6. Reconnect the device if instructed.
Image Placeholder Add screenshot showing firmware upgrade inside the app.
Advanced Setup

How to Configure NexMacro Locally

Local configuration means editing and saving your device setup directly from your computer without relying on cloud-based configuration. This is useful for privacy, faster testing, offline setup, or developer workflows.

  1. Download the official NexMacro configuration app or release package.
  2. Connect NexMacro by USB-C.
  3. Open the app locally on your computer.
  4. Select your device from the list.
  5. Edit profiles, keys, knobs, icons, RGB, and display settings.
  6. Save the configuration to the device.
Recovery

Restore to Factory Settings

A factory reset can help when profiles, display settings, RGB settings, or scripts are not working as expected. Resetting may remove saved profiles and custom settings, so export your configuration first if possible.

  1. Open the NexMacro configuration app.
  2. Run as administrator on Windows.
  3. Select your connected device.
  4. Open device settings or maintenance options.
  5. Select factory reset or restore default settings.
  6. Confirm the reset.
  7. Wait until the app confirms completion.
  8. Reconnect the device if instructed.

Warning

Factory reset may remove custom profiles, icons, RGB settings, scripts, and display layouts. Export your setup before resetting if you want to restore it later.

Trust & Safety

Security Concern

Macro pads can send keyboard, mouse, and shortcut inputs quickly. Only download software, firmware, presets, and scripts from trusted NexMacro sources. Be careful with scripts from unknown users because scripts may type commands, open websites, launch apps, or perform repeated actions.

  • Download software only from official NexMacro links or GitHub releases.
  • Review scripts before importing or running them.
  • Do not run unknown scripts that open system tools or execute commands.
  • Use administrator mode only when needed.
  • Keep firmware and software updated from official releases.
Fixes

Troubleshooting

Device Not Recognised

  1. Try a different USB-C data cable.
  2. Use a different USB port.
  3. Connect directly to the computer instead of a hub.
  4. Restart your computer.
  5. Open the app as administrator.
  6. Refresh the device list.

Keys Not Working

  1. Check the active profile.
  2. Confirm the key has an assigned action.
  3. Save or sync the profile again.
  4. Test with a simple shortcut before using scripts.
  5. If switches were changed, confirm the switch is seated correctly.

RGB Not Changing

  1. Check RGB settings in the app.
  2. Confirm brightness is not set to zero.
  3. Save or sync lighting settings again.
  4. Try a different RGB mode.
  5. Update firmware if lighting options do not work.

PC Stats Not Showing

  1. Keep the companion software open.
  2. Run the app as administrator on Windows.
  3. Enable the correct stats in the app.
  4. Check hardware sensor support.
  5. Reconnect the device and restart the app.

Firmware Update Fails

  1. Use a direct USB connection.
  2. Use a different USB-C data cable.
  3. Close other device software.
  4. Run the app as administrator.
  5. Try again with the latest official firmware file.
Help

Support

Use official NexMacro channels for software downloads, GitHub releases, presets, firmware updates, setup guides, troubleshooting, and community help.

NexMacro Website GitHub Join Discord
Thank you for choosing NexMacro.
This manual is for the NexMacro 12-Key Programmable Macro Pad with 2 Knobs and Display. Features, software, firmware, and interface details may change as the open-source software improves.