NEWS!
Added support for the detection of key combinations and sequences see: Quickstart - Detecting Key Combinations and Sequences
What it does?
This library allows you to tap the keyboard and mouse, to detect and record their activity even when an application is inactive and runs in the background.
Prerequisites
- Windows: .NET Framework 4.0+
Installation and sources
nuget install MouseKeyHook
Usage
private IKeyboardMouseEvents m_GlobalHook;
public void Subscribe()
{
// Note: for the application hook, use the Hook.AppEvents() instead
m_GlobalHook = Hook.GlobalEvents();
m_GlobalHook.MouseDownExt += GlobalHookMouseDownExt;
m_GlobalHook.KeyPress += GlobalHookKeyPress;
}
private void GlobalHookKeyPress(object sender, KeyPressEventArgs e)
{
Console.WriteLine("KeyPress: \t{0}", e.KeyChar);
}
private void GlobalHookMouseDownExt(object sender, MouseEventExtArgs e)
{
Console.WriteLine("MouseDown: \t{0}; \t System Timestamp: \t{1}", e.Button, e.Timestamp);
// uncommenting the following line will suppress the middle mouse button click
// if (e.Buttons == MouseButtons.Middle) { e.Handled = true; }
}
public void Unsubscribe()
{
m_GlobalHook.MouseDownExt -= GlobalHookMouseDownExt;
m_GlobalHook.KeyPress -= GlobalHookKeyPress;
//It is recommened to dispose it
m_GlobalHook.Dispose();
}
(also have a look at the Demo app included with the source)
How does it work?
This library attaches to windows global hooks, tracks keyboard and mouse clicks, movements and raises common .NET events with KeyEventArgs and MouseEventArgs, so you can easily retrieve any information you need:
- Mouse coordinates
- Mouse buttons clicked
- Mouse drag actions
- Mouse wheel scrolls
- Key presses and releases
- Special key states
Additionally, there are MouseEventExtArgs
and KeyEventExtArgs
which provide further options:
- Input suppression
- Timestamp
- IsMouseDown/Up
- IsKeyDown/Up.
Troubleshooting and support
- Usage or programming-related questions? Post it on StackOverflow using the tag mousekeyhook
- Found a bug or missing a feature? Feed the issue tracker
Current project build status
The CI builds are generously hosted and run on the Travis and AppVeyor infrastructures.
Travis-CI | AppVeyor | |
---|---|---|
master | ||
vNext |
History
Year | URL |
---|---|
2000 - 2008 | http://www.codeproject.com/KB/cs/globalhook.aspx |
2008 - 2015 | https://globalmousekeyhook.codeplex.com/ |
2015 - now | https://github.com/gmamaladze/globalmousekeyhook |
Quick contributing guide
- Fork and clone locally
- Create a topic specific branch. Add some nice feature.
- Send a Pull Request to spread the fun!
License
The MIT license see: LICENSE.txt