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Getting Started

Controllers Lite is not responding when I connect my controller?

If you have connected and turned on your controller, and it still does not show up within the app this means you need to install a driver for your controller to work. Controllers Lite is meant for testing game controllers before you buy the full version of Controllers.

I just bought the full version of Controllers, what should I do first?

Make sure your controller is connected and turned on first! When you start the Controllers app your list of available devices will appear on the left side, and your list of layouts will be on the right side.

Make sure you create at least one layout before you start mapping out your buttons! Once you've finished setting up your layout select the connected controller, then select the layout you want to use for that controller, and select on from the "On / Off" toggle button to start using your controller.

Connecting Controllers

How do I connect controllers to the Mac?

You can connect controllers via USB or Bluetooth. If your controller does not support Bluetooth you may not be able to connect wirelessly. For example, the Xbox 360 controller does not support Bluetooth, and requires a wireless adapter in order to use it wirelessly.

Once you have connected your controller make sure it is on. Some controllers will still require you to activate them by pressing some type of activation button. For example, the PlayStation 3 controller will require you to press the PS button while connected via USB before you can start using it.

How do I set up a PlayStation controller on Mac?

PlayStation 1 & 2

A compatible PlayStation 1 & 2 controller driver comes preinstalled with Lion and up, and will work via a USB adapter.

PlayStation 3 & 4

A compatible driver comes preinstalled with Lion and up, and the PlayStation 3 and 4 controllers will work via USB or Bluetooth. To connect either controller via Bluetooth make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.

To connect the PS3 controller via Bluetooth first connect it via USB. The 4 lights on top of the controller will blink red indicating the controller is charging. Tap the PS button and then unplug the USB cable from the controller. The 4 red lights should now blink faster, indicating the controller is attempting to pair with your Mac. Enter four zeros (0000) if prompted for a password. The 4 red lights will continue to flash, and your Bluetooth preferences should indicate the controller is connected.

To connect the PS4 controller via Bluetooth hold down the PS button and the Share button on the PS4 controller until the light at the top starts blinking. This will place the controller into pairing mode. Then open your Bluetooth preferences where you should see it listed.

How do I set up an Xbox controller on Mac?

Xbox & Xbox 360

The original Xbox controller will work with the proper drivers installed and the use of a USB adapter.

The Xbox 360 controller will work both wired and wirelessly with the proper drivers installed and the use of a wired or wireless USB adapter as well.

Xbox One

The Xbox One controller uses a USB cable for connecting to the console, so no special USB adapter is required. The Xbox One controller doesn't need additional drivers to work via Bluetooth, but like previous Xbox controllers it requires installing a driver to work via USB.

How do I set up a Nintendo controller on Mac?

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con & Pro Controller

You can connect the Joy-Con and the Pro Controller via USB to charge them, but they need to be paired via Bluetooth for the controller input to work with Mac.

Each Joy-Con can be connected as two separate controllers via Bluetooth. To put them into pairing mode hold down the pairing button on the top of each Joy-Con, and you should be able to pair both the controllers via the Bluetooth preferences.

The same process works for the Pro Controller. To put the controller into pairing mode hold down the pairing button at the top of the controller until you see the lights flashing, and you should be able to pair both the controllers via the Bluetooth preferences.

What about connecting other controllers?

The same process goes for most other controllers. You'll want to connect your controller via USB or Bluetooth. You'll need to put your controller into a pairing mode in order to connect via Bluetooth.

If your controller does not connect via either of these methods then you will need some kind of wired or wireless adapter.

Then if your computer does not automatically recognize the controller once you connect it to the computer you'll want to search for a driver you can install. Just make sure you've turned the controller on once it's connected before you decide to go looking for a driver.

Other Issues

Why is my controller not working?

Depending on which macOS version you're running you may have to install a driver before certain controllers will begin to work. Some features such as vibration and motion controls may still not be functional even after a driver is installed. Only digital buttons, axis buttons, and hat switches are supported by the app.

Some controllers also need to be put into a certain mode via a switch or activated via a button before it can be used with your Mac. Check with the manufacturer of your specific controller for more details.

Make sure you're not running any other apps that perform similar operations. These apps can simulate mouse and keyboard operations at the same time and can interfere with normal operation of this app. Similar apps can also run in the background when not active, so double check this as well.

Does the app work with Big Bear (27)?

Yes. Starting with version 2.0.0, Controllers ships as a universal app that runs natively on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs. Big Bear only supports apps that run on Apple silicon, but since the latest version already runs natively on Apple silicon this change won't affect it. Just make sure you've updated to the latest version of the app.

What versions of macOS does the app support?

The latest version of Controllers (2.0.0) requires macOS 11.3 (Big Sur) or later. If you're running an older release such as Mavericks, Yosemite, Mojave, or Catalina, you'll need to use an earlier version of the app.

Why does the app need accessibility permission?

On modern versions of macOS you'll need to grant the app permission to control your computer before it can simulate mouse and keyboard input. Go to "System Preferences... > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility", and under where it says "Allow the apps below to control your computer" add the Controllers app and make sure the checkbox is checked.

Controller Layouts

How do I make a new layout?

To add a layout click the button with a plus sign in the bottom right corner of the main window. You can also use a keyboard shortcut to add layouts by pressing the "=" (equals) key.

How do I delete a layout?

To remove a layout click the button with a minus sign in the bottom right corner of the main window. You can also use a keyboard shortcut to remove layouts by pressing the "delete" key.

I accidentally deleted a layout. Is there a way to get it back?

Undo and redo are supported for the layout creation. If you accidentally remove a layout you can select undo from the Edit from the main menu at the top of the screen.

What the best way to name my layouts?

When naming layouts it is recommended you use the name of the game for the layout name. Each layout is also assigned to your controller automatically, and can also be reassigned to different types of controllers.

How do I configure a layout?

To configure a layout select the controller and then the layout. Then just press the button on your controller that you want to set up. The buttons window will pop up and you can either press a key on your keyboard or select a different button action from the menu.

How can I make a copy of a layout?

Right-click the layout you would like to duplicate, and then select the duplicate option. You can also use a keyboard shortcut to remove layouts by pressing the "D" key.

You can use this feature to quickly create new layouts from a default layout with some default controls that are already set for you controller. Then each time you need to create a new layout with similar controls you could duplicate this layout as a starting point.

How do I make a backup of my layouts?

You can back up your layouts by exporting them as JSON from the Layouts menu or the right-click menu. To restore them just import the JSON file again from the same menu.

Payment

If I make a payment will my credit card information be secure?

All credit card information is processed by Gumroad in a PCI-compliant environment, certified by an independent auditor, and your payout information will never touch our servers.

Do you accept PayPal?

We no longer accept PayPal due to their increasingly abusive policies.

Do you accept cryptocurrencies?

We currently do not accept cryptocurrencies, but we may in the future.

I don't like the app. Can I get a refund?

Sorry, due to the nature of digital goods we cannot provide refunds. We also offer Controllers Lite for free to try before buying the full version.