# Actions

> The built-in actions, the custom action types you can create, how Shell commands are trusted, and input-source switching.

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LLMS index: [llms.txt](/llms.txt)

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A mapping runs an action. Actions are either built in or yours. The Actions
page lists both; built-ins cannot be edited, but any of them can be mapped.

## Built-in actions {#builtin}

| Action | ID |
| --- | --- |
| Left, Right, Up, Down | `builtin.move_left`, `builtin.move_right`, `builtin.move_up`, `builtin.move_down` |
| Word Forward, Word Back | `builtin.word_forward`, `builtin.word_back` |
| Home, End | `builtin.line_start`, `builtin.line_end` |
| Up 10 Lines, Down 10 Lines | `builtin.jump_up_10`, `builtin.jump_down_10` |
| Backspace | `builtin.backspace` |
| Next Line | `builtin.new_line` |
| Insert Quotes | `builtin.insert_quotes` |
| Escape | `builtin.escape` |
| Toggle Caps Lock | `builtin.toggle_caps_lock` |
| Do Nothing | `builtin.noop` |
| Normal Key | `builtin.passthrough` |

The IDs are permanent: a mapping that refers to one keeps working across
versions.

## Custom actions {#custom}

Click **New Action…** on the Actions page, or define an action inline in the
mapping editor. The types are:

| Type | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Key combo** | Sends one key with any of ⌃ ⌥ ⇧ ⌘. |
| **Jump** | Moves the cursor several lines in one direction. |
| **Open app** | Opens or brings forward an app, chosen from Applications. |
| **Shell command** | Runs a command with `/bin/sh`. Needs your approval; see below. |
| **Hold modifier** | Keeps one modifier pressed for as long as you hold the trigger, like push-to-talk. Use it with a Caps + key trigger. |
| **Switch Input Source** | Selects one specific installed input source. Available in the mapping editor. |

The mouse, scrolling, sleep, clipboard-slot, and media actions used by the
Classic layout appear under **Mouse & system**. You can map them to other
keys, but not create new ones.

An action that a mapping uses cannot be deleted; the Actions page names the
mappings to remove first.

## Shell commands and trust {#trust}

Saving a Shell command asks **Trust this action?** A trusted command runs with
your user privileges. It can change files and use the network, and neither
Pause nor Undo can reverse what it has done. Click **Trust & Save** to keep
it. The same question appears for the Sleep Mac and Sleep Display actions.

A command is never trusted by accident:

- Editing the command text removes its trust until you approve it again.
- Every command and sleep action in an imported configuration arrives
  switched off, shown as "Off · needs review". Open it in the editor and save
  it to approve it.
- A command that is not trusted does not run, whatever the configuration file
  says.

Commands run in the background with their output discarded; Capslock does not
log what they print.

## Switching input sources {#input-sources}

The default layout's `⇪ Space` sends ⌃Space, so macOS uses whatever shortcut
you set for "Select the previous input source". To jump straight to one input
source instead, map a key to **Switch Input Source** and pick it.

Some Chinese, Japanese and Korean input sources do not take effect reliably
when switched directly. Settings › Input sources offers two workarounds for
Caps + key mappings that switch input source:

- **Simulate shortcut** presses "Select the previous input source". Reliable
  before macOS 26; it needs that shortcut turned on in System Settings.
- **Switch focus** briefly moves focus so the new input source takes hold.
  Better on macOS 26; it does not work in floating windows.

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Backlinks:

- [Keyboard editor](/docs/guide/editor/)
- [Settings, menu bar and statistics](/docs/guide/settings/)