Keyboard Shortcuts
DongleControl is designed to be operated entirely by keyboard during a live service. These shortcuts work globally — even when the window isn’t focused.
Essential Shortcuts
These are the three shortcuts every operator needs to know:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Space | Go Live — send the staged slide to the projector |
| ↑ / ↓ | Navigate — move between slides (changes staged slide) |
| Esc | Clear — black out the projector |
That’s it for basic operation. Press ↓ to stage the next slide, Space to send it live.
Navigation
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ↓ | Next slide |
| ↑ | Previous slide |
Live Control
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Space | Go live with staged slide |
| Esc | Clear projection (first press = content only, second = fully black) |
Clearing During Worship Songs
During worship songs, Esc works in two steps:
- First Esc — lyrics disappear, but the background image stays. The congregation still sees the worship background — just no text
- Second Esc — everything goes black
This is perfect for moments between song sections when the worship leader is praying or speaking — the screen looks intentional, not broken.
Grid Mode
When viewing slides with sub-items (song sections, scripture verses, PowerPoint slides):
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ↑ / ↓ | Navigate grid rows |
| ← / → | Navigate grid columns |
| Space | Go live with selected grid item |
Joystick / Gamepad Support
DongleControl supports USB joysticks and gamepads — great for hands-free operation or worship leaders on stage.
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| D-pad / stick up/down | Navigate slides |
| D-pad / stick left/right | Navigate grid items |
| Primary button | Go Live |
Plug in any standard USB gamepad and it works automatically — no configuration needed.
Pro Tips
- Space on a live slide: If the staged slide is already live, pressing Space automatically stages the next slide (or next section if you’re at the end). This lets you rapid-fire through slides with just Space — no need to navigate between presses
- Keep it simple: ↓ and Space are all you need 90% of the time
- Quick recovery: Made a mistake? Esc clears everything immediately
- Stage ahead: Navigate to the next slide before the speaker finishes — you’re always ready
- Practice: Run through the service order once before the service starts