Virtual Controllers

ControllerMate can be used to create virtual controllers — controllers that exist only in software, but look real to other applications. The three types of virtual controllers that can be created are:

To create a virtual controller, select the “Virtual Controllers” button in the Editor window. Then, click on the button in the lower-left corner of the window that corresponds to the desired type of controller. The new controller will appear in the directory panel and will also appear in the Palette window as a new device.

Each type of virtual controller can (and should) be given a custom name. The other characteristics of each virtual controller that can be configured will depend on the type of controller. To change the configuration of a virtual controller, select the controller in the directory panel and make the desired changes in the Editor window. When finished, click on the “Update Device” button. If the virtual controller is enabled, it will disappear for a moment from the Palette window, then return with the new configuration. See the help pages about the individual types of virtual controllers for more information about their settings.

Each virtual controller may be enabled or disabled. Disabling a virtual controller is the equivalent of unplugging an actual controller. When a virtual controller is disabled, it will disappear from the Palette window. Other applications will see it disappear as well.

Building blocks are used to connect the controls on actual controllers to the controls on virtual controllers. When a control from a virtual controller is dragged from the Palette window to the Editor window, a building block is created that can accept a value. When a compatible building block from an actual controller is connected to the virtual control, the two are linked together. Below are a couple of examples of actual controls connected to virtual controls.

The help pages about the individual types of virtual controllers contain numerous other examples.