# Paper controls
Source: https://docs.aden.space/docs/help/more/desktop-paper-controls

Print a stream deck, a two-octave keyboard or a DJ controller on paper, lay it anywhere your webcam sees, and tap it. Aden recognises each sheet by the markers in its corners and fires what each pad does on your computer, a shortcut, a media key, a link, an app or a MIDI note.
{/* Generated by `bun docs:publish` from docs/features/desktop-paper-controls.md: edit the spec, not this file. */}

## What it is [#what-it-is]

Paper controls turn a printed sheet into a controller. Print a stream
deck, a keyboard or a DJ controller, lay it on your desk, the floor or a
shelf where your webcam sees it, and tap it: Aden sees the tap and does
what that pad is set to do on your computer.

* **Stream deck**: fifteen pads. Each one presses a shortcut, plays or
  skips music, changes the volume, opens a link or an app, or sends MIDI.
  Set a pad to OBS's scene shortcut and switch scenes from paper.
* **Keys**: two octaves, C3 to C5, that play MIDI notes in your music app.
* **DJ**: two decks with four hot cues, sync, cue and play, and a
  crossfader between them, all MIDI for your DJ app to learn.

Several sheets can lie in view at once: each one has its own markers.

## Set it up [#set-it-up]

1. Search **Paper controls** in ⌘K, or **New paper stream deck**, **New
   paper keyboard** or **New paper DJ controller**.
2. Click a pad on the sheet to choose what it does. Search the list, or
   pick **Shortcut…** and press the keys.
3. **Print**. The PDF opens ready to print, and stays in Downloads. Print
   at actual size (100%).
4. Lay the sheet flat, all four corners in view, and press **Start**.

Name the sheet, switch between Letter and A4, pick the MIDI output or
delete the sheet with the settings button.

## MIDI [#midi]

MIDI pads send to the output you pick in the sheet's settings. On a Mac,
turn on the IAC Driver in **Audio MIDI Setup** (Window, Show MIDI Studio,
IAC Driver, Device is online) and pick its bus: every music and DJ app can
listen to it. A connected MIDI device works too. A key sends its note
while your finger is down; the crossfader follows your finger.

## Keys and media keys [#keys-and-media-keys]

Shortcut and media pads need your Mac to allow Aden in \*\*System Settings

> Privacy & Security > Accessibility\*\*. The window asks with **Allow**.

The camera picture never leaves your computer.