Standard software offers "Layer 1" and "Layer 2." GIM offers up to 32 virtual layers. You can set specific layers for specific applications. For example:
Switching between these layers can be triggered by momentary holds, taps, or even application focus detection.
If you cannot afford a $300 force-feedback wheel, GIM is your best friend. By mapping "W" and "S" to the analog triggers of a virtual controller, you gain progressive throttle and braking. Combine this with mouse steering (mapping mouse X-axis to steering wheel), and you can lap competitively in Assetto Corsa or iRacing using only your laptop keyboard.
A software engineer uses GIM to remap their 60% keyboard.
Result: They never move their hands from the home row, increasing coding speed by an estimated 18%.
GIM can apply different layouts per foreground app. gim keyboard software
[Global] ; Default for all apps CapsLock = Ctrl_L[App: notepad.exe] ; Inside Notepad only CapsLock = Esc
[App: chrome.exe] ; In Chrome, CapsLock becomes Ctrl+W (close tab) CapsLock = ^w
Note: App matching uses exact executable name (case-insensitive).
Save as programmer.gim:
[Global]
; Make CapsLock a modifier layer
CapsLock = Layer1Hold
; Right Alt becomes Compose key (for special chars)
Alt_R = Compose
[Layer1]
; Navigation layer
I = Up
J = Left
K = Down
L = Right
U = Home
O = End
H = Prior ; Page Up
N = Next ; Page Down
Y = Ctrl+Z ; Undo
P = Ctrl+Y ; Redo
; Symbols
[ =
] = ( )
; = =
' = "
/ = Backspace
Space = Delete
; Number row becomes F-keys
1 = F1
2 = F2
3 = F3
4 = F4
5 = F5
6 = F6
7 = F7
8 = F8
9 = F9
0 = F10
Now hold CapsLock and you have a full editing layer without moving your hands.
GIM uses a simple INI-like syntax. Example: Standard software offers "Layer 1" and "Layer 2
[Global]
; Global settings (no layer)
CapsLock = Ctrl_L
; Remap Right Alt to F13 (useful for unused keys)
Alt_R = F13
Save as my.gim and load via File → Load Layout in GUI, or drag-drop onto gim.exe.
GIM comes in two flavors:
[Base]
F13 = Run:calc.exe
F14 = Run:notepad