Guide to Keymapping with Vial (vial.rocks)

Guide to Keymapping with Vial (vial.rocks)

Overview

Vial is a user-friendly tool for remapping keys on compatible keyboards. This guide explains how to use the Vial web app to customize your keyboard’s keymap directly in your browser.

 You might also refer to the official manual from VIAL: https://get.vial.today/manual/

Steps to Remap Keys

1. Connect Your Keyboard

  1. Plug one half of your Corne keyboard (typically the half with the receiver or primary MCU) into your computer using a USB cable or USB dongle.
  2. Ensure the keyboard is powered on (batteries installed, switch ON if applicable).

2. Open the Vial Web App

  1. Go to vial.rocks in your browser.
  2. The site will prompt your browser to detect connected devices. Click "Connect" when your keyboard appears in the list.
    • If it doesn’t show up, ensure your keyboard is in bootloader mode (check your keyboard’s manual for reset instructions, e.g., pressing a specific key combo or reset button).

3. Load Your Keymap

  1. Once connected, Vial will load your keyboard’s current keymap automatically.
  2. You’ll see a visual layout of your Corne (3x6 grid + 3 thumb keys per half) with the existing key assignments.

4. Customize Your Keymap

  1. Click on a key in the layout to select it.
  2. Choose a new function from the options:
    • Basic Keys: Letters, numbers, symbols (e.g., "A," "1," "!").
    • Modifiers: Shift, Ctrl, Alt, etc.
    • Layers: Switch to another layer (e.g., MO(1) for layer 1).
    • Media: Play/pause, volume up/down, etc.
    • Special: RGB controls, reset, or custom macros (if supported).
  3. Repeat for each key you want to change.
    • Use the layer tabs (e.g., Layer 0, Layer 1) to edit different layers.

5. Save Your Changes

  1. Click the "Save" or "Apply" button in the Vial interface (exact label may vary).
  2. Your new keymap is instantly written to the keyboard’s memory—no compilation or flashing required.

6. Test Your Keymap

  1. Disconnect the USB cable (if wireless mode is desired).
  2. Type on your Corne to confirm the keys work as expected.
  3. Reconnect and adjust as needed.

Tips

  • Backup: Export your keymap (look for a "Download" or "Export" option) to save it as a JSON file for later use.
  • Layers: Use layers for extra functions (e.g., Layer 0 for letters, Layer 1 for numbers/symbols).
  • Help: Check the Vial GitHub or community forums (e.g., r/olkb) if stuck.

Troubleshooting

  • Keyboard Not Detected: Verify Vial firmware is installed (not just QMK). Reflash with a Vial .hex file if needed.
  • Changes Not Saving: Ensure the keyboard has write permissions; try a different USB port or browser.
  • Wireless Issues: Keymapping only applies via USB; wireless functionality resumes after disconnecting.
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