Simulating a key pressed outside MMF

[Brovic]

Is there some way to simulate a key pressed outside a MMF application (with MMF dev) ?
There are some solutions around to read while the mmf exe has not the focus but not to "type".

At least I would need Shift, Ctrl and Alt. Shift an Ctrl are OK with ControlX (the "key pressed" action works over the exe !) but ControlX doesn't handle the left Alt key and I need that very one.

With a dll perhaps ?

Edit : By the way, if you "press" Ctrl or Shift via ControlX don't forget to put an event or a button to "release" the key before closing the app or you will be stuck like an idiot (ahem). Just try to use Windows with Ctrl pressed you will see the point.

[jayklik]

do you mean you want to be able to type in a text box while the application is out of focus, or do you mean you want buttons inside MMF to send key-press signals to other programs?

[Brovic]

The second one : "buttons inside MMF to send key-press signals to other programs", sorry if I was not clear enough.
I need that because I use a tabletPC and I need a software solution to simulate key inputs (rather than pluging a bulky keyboard). Of course there are already some existing solutions but I'd like to tweak something more aimed at graphists.

The fact is ControlX does it with "Shift" and "Ctrl" (the signal is caught by other programs) but I don't know for "Alt" (doesn't work at all) and the other keys of course can't work that way.

BTW, MMF2 is nice working with Tablet PCs (no need of the keyboard!). [color:#FF0000]I think there is an plain interesting market here for the Clickteam[/color] : MMF the only dev tool you can use with just a stylus. As far as I tested it, that's true (I should create a thread about my experiment).

[jayklik]

Okay. Just one thing left to clarify before I give an answer. You mean your program will simulate key presses like the on-screen keyboard windows application (should be in the accessories folder on your start menu if you have XP)?

[jayklik]

(start menu ->accessories ->accessibility)

[Brovic]

Yep and the Windows XP Tablet Edition even has a better one than the one you talk about. But I don't need a full invading virtual keyboard while using some softwares, only a few essential keys like "Shift", "alt" and "Ctrl". There are some alternative solutions for tablet users like "Clickaid" or "miniscroller". They are good but I find they lack of ergonomy when used with most creative tools and some softwares need specific shortcuts so customizing my own tools would be nice (and of course releasing them for other users).

[jayklik]

Okay. I will see if what i am thinking will work before I say anything... I will post it in the file archives if it works. I'll link you to it from here.

[jayklik]

This might work, but if not, your best bet would be to request an extension that has such an ability. Wait for me to finish, though, please. I think I can do this...

[Brovic]

Very nice from you to give a try.

[Dines]

"There are some solutions around to read while the mmf exe has not the focus" - Brovic

What are some of the ways you can use to read key inputs without MMF's focus? I'm trying to make an app which pops up when the user presses a key combination.