About Keycode Info

Use Keycode Info to JS keyboard events. The tool runs in your browser for fast results and keeps your data local.

How to Use

  1. 1. Add your input or data.
  2. 2. Adjust options if needed.
  3. 3. Review the result and copy it.

What are JavaScript Keyboard Events?

JavaScript keyboard events capture user keyboard input with properties including key (character value), code (physical key position), keyCode (deprecated numeric code), which (deprecated), location (key position for duplicates), and modifiers (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Meta). Modern code uses event.key for character input and event.code for physical key position. For example, pressing "A" gives key: "a" or "A" (depending on Shift) and code: "KeyA" (always). The keyCode property is deprecated but still widely used (A = 65, Enter = 13). Understanding keyboard events is essential for implementing keyboard shortcuts, form validation, game controls, and accessibility features.

Common Use Cases

Keyboard event handling is fundamental to interactive web applications. Web developers implement keyboard shortcuts for productivity applications. Game developers capture key presses for player controls. Form developers validate input and handle Enter key submission. Accessibility developers implement keyboard navigation for screen readers. Text editors implement custom key bindings and shortcuts. Modal dialogs capture Escape key for closing. Search interfaces implement keyboard navigation for results. Rich text editors handle formatting shortcuts (Ctrl+B, Ctrl+I).

  • Keyboard shortcuts for productivity apps
  • Game controls and player input
  • Form validation and Enter key submission
  • Keyboard navigation for accessibility
  • Custom key bindings in text editors
  • Escape key handling for modal dialogs
  • Keyboard navigation in search results
  • Rich text editor formatting shortcuts

Best Practices & Tips

Use event.key for character input and event.code for physical key position. Avoid deprecated keyCode and which properties—use key or code instead. Check modifier keys (ctrlKey, shiftKey, altKey, metaKey) for shortcuts. Use event.preventDefault() to override default browser behavior. Test keyboard shortcuts on different keyboard layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ). Provide visual feedback for keyboard shortcuts and focus states. Document keyboard shortcuts for users. Handle both keydown and keyup events appropriately—keydown for actions, keyup for releases.

  • Use event.key for characters, event.code for position
  • Avoid deprecated keyCode and which properties
  • Check modifier keys for shortcuts (Ctrl, Shift, Alt)
  • Use preventDefault() to override browser defaults
  • Test on different keyboard layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY)
  • Provide visual feedback for shortcuts and focus
  • Document keyboard shortcuts for users
  • Use keydown for actions, keyup for releases

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If keyboard shortcuts do not work, check for event.preventDefault() blocking default behavior. If keys are detected incorrectly, verify you are using event.key or event.code, not deprecated keyCode. If shortcuts conflict with browser defaults, use different key combinations or preventDefault(). If international keyboards cause issues, use event.code for physical position instead of event.key. If modifier keys are not detected, check ctrlKey, shiftKey, altKey, metaKey properties. If keydown fires repeatedly, this is key repeat—use a flag to detect first press. If mobile keyboards cause issues, test with touch events as fallback.

  • Shortcuts blocked by preventDefault() elsewhere
  • Keys detected wrong using deprecated keyCode
  • Conflicts with browser default shortcuts
  • International keyboards producing wrong characters
  • Modifier keys not detected properly
  • Key repeat causing multiple triggers
  • Mobile virtual keyboards not firing events
  • Focus lost preventing keyboard events

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Keycode Info free to use?

Yes. Keycode Info is free and works directly in your browser.

Does Keycode Info upload my data?

No. Most processing happens locally. Any network requests are clearly indicated.

What formats does Keycode Info support?

Keycode Info supports the common formats described on the page. Convert uncommon formats before pasting.

How should I share results from Keycode Info?

Copy the output and review any sensitive data before sharing or publishing.