Ghost Input User Manual

Ghost Input User Manual

Introduction

Ghost Input is a macOS app for recording, managing, and playing back keyboard and mouse actions. Automate repetitive tasks, create macros, and streamline your workflow with a modern, user-friendly interface.

Installation

  1. Download the latest version of Ghost Input from the official website or Mac App Store.
  2. Drag the app to your Applications folder.
  3. Double-click to launch Ghost Input.

Permissions

Ghost Input requires Accessibility permissions to record and play back input events.

  1. On first launch, you will be prompted to grant permissions.
  2. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility.
  3. Click the lock to make changes, then check the box next to Ghost Input.
If you miss the prompt, open the app's settings and click Open System Preferences under Permissions.
If you don't see Ghost Input in the Accessibility list, drag the app from your Applications folder directly into the list.

Main Window Overview

  • Sidebar: List of all your recordings. Select to view or edit details.
  • Detail View: Shows the selected recording's events and options.
  • Toolbar: Start/stop recording, import, and other quick actions.

Recording

  1. Click Start Recording or use the global shortcut.
  2. Perform the keyboard and mouse actions you want to automate.
  3. Click Stop Recording or use the shortcut again.
  4. Name your recording when prompted.
  • All keyboard and mouse events (clicks, moves, scrolls, delays) are captured.
  • You can enable/disable keyboard or mouse event recording in Settings.

Playback

  1. Select a recording from the sidebar.
  2. Click Play or use the assigned shortcut.
  3. The overlay will show playback progress and allow you to stop at any time.
  • Set Repeat Count and Playback Speed in the recording detail view.
  • Optionally, set an app to open before playback starts.
  • Configure cursor positioning options for flexible playback across different screen sizes and scenarios.

Cursor Positioning Options

Ghost Input offers two powerful cursor positioning options that give you flexibility in how mouse movements are handled during playback:

Use Relative Cursor Positioning

When enabled, mouse positions are calculated relative to screen resolution, allowing recordings to work across different screen sizes.

  • How it works: Mouse positions are stored as percentages of screen width and height.
  • Example: If you click at 50% of screen width during recording, it will click at 50% of screen width during playback, regardless of screen resolution.
  • Best for: Recordings that need to work on different monitors or screen resolutions.
This option preserves the relative position of mouse actions as a percentage of screen size, making your recordings portable across different displays.
Use Relative to Start Position

When enabled, mouse movements are applied as deltas from the cursor's position at playback start, rather than using absolute or screen-relative coordinates.

  • How it works: The first mouse event executes at the current cursor position, then subsequent movements are applied as relative deltas.
  • Example: If you recorded moving the mouse 100 pixels right and 50 pixels down, it will move 100 pixels right and 50 pixels down from wherever the cursor is when playback starts.
  • Best for: Recordings that should work regardless of where the cursor is positioned when playback begins.
This option is perfect for workflows where you want the recording to work from any starting position, such as when the cursor might be in different locations.

Combining Both Options

You can use both options together for maximum flexibility:

  • Relative Cursor Positioning + Relative to Start Position: Combines screen-relative positioning with delta-based movement for recordings that work across different screen sizes and from any starting position.
  • Neither option enabled: Uses absolute screen coordinates, which work best when recording and playing back on the same screen with the same resolution.

When to Use Each Option

  • Use Relative Cursor Positioning when:
    • You have multiple monitors with different resolutions
    • You want recordings to work on different screen sizes
    • You're creating portable macros
  • Use Relative to Start Position when:
    • You want the recording to work from any cursor starting position
    • You're automating workflows that don't depend on absolute screen positions
    • You want more flexible playback scenarios

Managing Recordings

  • Rename: Right-click or use the toolbar to rename a recording.
  • Delete: Remove unwanted recordings from the sidebar.
  • Reorder: Drag and drop to change the order of recordings.
  • Bulk Actions: Delete all mouse or keyboard events from a recording.
  • Cursor Options: Configure relative positioning options for each recording individually.

Settings

  • Recording Options: Enable/disable keyboard or mouse event recording.
  • Overlay Settings: Choose where the overlay appears during playback or disable it.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Assign global shortcuts for recording and playback.
  • About: View app version and info.

Export & Import

  • Export: Save any recording as a JSON file for backup or sharing.
  • Import: Load recordings from JSON files created by Ghost Input.

Example Use Cases

  • Automate Data Entry: Record filling out a form and play it back as needed. Use relative positioning for different form layouts.
  • Game Macros: Automate repetitive actions in games. Use relative to start position for flexible gameplay scenarios.
  • Testing: Record user flows for UI testing and QA. Use relative cursor positioning for cross-platform testing.
  • Work Environment Setup: Open apps and run setup actions with one shortcut. Use both positioning options for maximum compatibility.
  • Accessibility: Help users with limited mobility automate complex input sequences.
  • Multi-Monitor Workflows: Create recordings that work across different screen configurations using relative positioning.

Troubleshooting

  • Permissions Not Working? Reopen System Preferences and ensure Ghost Input is checked under Accessibility.
  • Overlay Not Visible? Check overlay settings and ensure it's not disabled.
  • Shortcuts Not Working? Make sure no other app is using the same shortcut.
  • Playback Issues? Ensure the target app is open and in focus if required.
  • Mouse Position Problems? Check your cursor positioning options. Try enabling "Use Relative Cursor Positioning" for different screen sizes or "Use Relative to Start Position" for flexible starting positions.
  • Recording Not Working on Different Screens? Enable "Use Relative Cursor Positioning" to make recordings work across different monitor configurations.

Support

For help, feedback, or bug reports, contact the developer at info@gtrigonakis.com or visit the official website.