How to achieve a backward cycle hotkey in mpv?

mpv is a popular open-source media player that offers a wide range of features and customization options. One useful feature is the ability to assign hotkeys to perform various actions. In this article, we will focus on achieving a backward cycle hotkey in mpv, allowing you to easily go back to the previous video or audio file.

Step 1: Install mpv

The first step is to install mpv on your computer. mpv is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. You can download the latest version of mpv from the official website mpv.io. Follow the instructions provided on the website to install mpv on your specific operating system.

Step 2: Create a Configuration File

mpv uses a configuration file to store all the settings and keybindings. If you don't have a configuration file already, you need to create one. The configuration file should be named mpv.conf and placed in the appropriate directory based on your operating system:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\mpv
• macOS: ~/.config/mpv
• Linux: ~/.config/mpv

Open a text editor and create a new file. Save it as mpv.conf in the correct directory for your operating system.

Step 3: Configure the Hotkey

Now, let's configure the hotkey for the backward cycle action. Open the mpv.conf file in your text editor and add the following line:

This line tells mpv to assign the "ALT+LEFT" key combination to the backward cycle action. You can customize the hotkey by replacing "ALT+LEFT" with any other key combination you prefer. Save the mpv.conf file after making the changes.

Step 4: Test the Hotkey

Restart mpv for the changes to take effect. Open mpv and play a video or audio file. Now, press the hotkey you assigned (ALT+LEFT by default) and mpv should cycle back to the previous file in the playlist. If you have only one file in the playlist, it will restart the current file.

That's it! You have successfully achieved a backward cycle hotkey in mpv. You can now easily go back to the previous video or audio file with a simple key press.

Additional Customization

mpv offers a wide range of customization options to enhance your media playback experience. Here are a few additional configurations you can try:

• Change the hotkey: If you want to change the hotkey for the backward cycle action, simply modify the line in the mpv.conf file to your preferred key combination.
• Add more hotkeys: mpv allows you to assign hotkeys for various other actions. You can refer to the official mpv documentation for a complete list of available commands and their syntax.
• Modify other settings: The mpv.conf file is a powerful tool to customize mpv according to your preferences. You can explore the official documentation to learn more about the available options and settings.

Remember to save the mpv.conf file after making any changes and restart mpv for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

Configuring a backward cycle hotkey in mpv allows you to easily navigate through your media files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can assign a hotkey of your choice and enjoy a more convenient media playback experience. Don't hesitate to explore further customization options and settings to tailor mpv to your specific needs.

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