Creating application specific hotkeys in OS X

Question

In Windows there is a program that sits in the tray and allows you to define application specific hotkeys for any program. Is there a similar program for OS X?

There is a certain program where I want to map w as the up directional key, s as the down directional key, a as the left directional key, and d as the right directional key. The application does not have this type of key mapping functionality built-in. How can it be done?

Answer 1

If you want to know about keyboard shortcuts, you can perform any menu action from System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.

However, to remap keys on the keyboard you might check out one of the following apps:

• KeyRemap4MacBook (actually works on all Macs, not just Macbooks...)
• fKeys (claims to work only in OS 10.4/Tiger)

Answer 2

Apple support article describing system method to set application-specific keyboard shortcuts.

If you're looking for a way to map no-modifier hotkeys in a specific application, don't remap keys, Keyboard Maestro should do the trick.