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Keyboard, triggers and remotes in the modes

Use the keyboard, a big USB button or a presentation remote with each mode, navigate the launcher without a mouse, and avoid the pitfalls.

New modes being rolled out. The keys described here are those of guest mode; depending on your version, some recent modes may not support all of them yet.

This article complements Keyboard shortcuts. It explains how the keyboard and triggers (big USB button, presentation remote, foot pedal) work in each mode, and how to navigate BoothX without a mouse.

The principle: two keys for guests

In guest mode (event launched), BoothX listens to only a few keys, so that no guest can mess up the booth's settings:

Key	Effect
`Space` or `Enter`	Advance: start a session, go to the next screen, confirm the highlighted choice.
`Esc`	Request to exit the event (the unlock code is then required).

Any off-the-shelf trigger that sends Space or Enter therefore works with no configuration.

What “Advance” does in each mode

Mode	Effect of `Space` / `Enter`
Photobooth	Starts the session (countdown, then photos).
Videobooth	Starts recording after the countdown.
Game booth	Starts the highlighted game; during a game, the touch screen is still needed to answer.
Mosaic	Starts the photo session, like the photobooth.
Digital guestbook	Starts the journey; writing and signing are then done on the screen.
Photo wall	None: the wall accepts no input.

On the mode selection screen (multi-mode event), depending on your version, Advance opens the default mode or the highlighted mode. Guests who want another mode tap its tile.

Choosing a trigger

Trigger	What for	Watch out
Big USB button (“buzzer”)	Self-service photobooth and mosaic.	Choose one that sends `Space` or `Enter`; some are programmable.
Presentation remote	A host triggering from a distance.	Many send `Page Down`: check that it can send `Enter`, or use it only in the editor.
USB foot pedal	Booths where guests' hands are full (props).	Secure it to the floor.
Wireless keyboard	Troubleshooting and settings.	Don't leave it within guests' reach.

Connect the trigger directly to the computer, without a hub. A wireless trigger should have fresh batteries for the event.

Testing a trigger

Open the system's text editor and press the trigger: you should see a space or a line break.
Launch a test event and press it: the session should start.
Press it several times quickly: only one session starts, and further presses during the session are ignored or advance the current screen.

Navigating without a mouse (organizer)

Launcher: Tab moves from one mode card to the next, Enter opens the selected mode.
Everywhere: Ctrl+B shows or hides the sidebar, Ctrl+, opens the settings, F11 switches to full screen.
List of shortcuts: Ctrl+/.

On a Mac, replace Ctrl with ⌘.

Common pitfalls

The trigger does nothing: it sends another key (Page Down, F5, a letter). Reprogram it or switch models.
The session starts on its own: an object is pressing the button or the keyboard, or the remote has a stuck button.
The trigger acts on the wrong screen: the guest window doesn't have focus. Tap the guest screen once, or relaunch the event.
Esc is blocked: in kiosk mode, system shortcuts are blocked, but Esc still requests to exit the event; the code is still required.

Security

The app's shortcuts are disabled during an event and on the lock screen. Even with a keyboard connected, a guest can only start a session or request to exit, which is protected by a code. See Kiosk mode and security and Lock with a PIN code or pattern.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the keys? The guest mode keys are fixed. Program the trigger to send Space or Enter.

Can a trigger replace the touch screen? For the photobooth, the mosaic and the videobooth, yes. The guestbook and the games require the touch screen.

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