VSCO Keys-Features, History, Alternatives, & More

Adobe Lightroom is one of the most powerful photo editing tools, but its lack of customizable shortcuts and quick-access tools can make workflows tedious, especially for photographers working with large batches of images. This inefficiency was addressed by a revolutionary tool—VSCO Keys—that introduced customizable keyboard shortcuts, enabling users to speed up the editing process and improve overall efficiency. Despite its discontinuation, VSCO Keys remains a significant part of photography editing history, inspiring modern tools. Let’s dive into its features, history, reasons for discontinuation, alternatives, and more.

The History of VSCO Keys

Launch and Early Reception

VSCO Keys, developed by Visual Supply Company in 2012, was a game-changer for photographers struggling with Lightroom’s repetitive workflows. Priced at $125, the software targeted professional photographers and advanced hobbyists, offering customizable keyboard shortcuts for editing tasks such as exposure, contrast, and white balance adjustments. Its minimalist interface and flexibility made it a popular choice among photographers seeking efficiency.

Although some criticized its steep price, many considered it a worthwhile investment because of the time it saved in processing hundreds of images. It quickly gained a loyal user base that appreciated its ability to simplify complex editing workflows.

Evolution and Improvements

Over time, VSCO Keys underwent several updates based on user feedback. New features included:

• Pre-Made Layouts: Simple and Standard layouts catered to both beginners and advanced users.
• Custom Key Mapping: Allowed granular control over Lightroom sliders and presets.
• Compatibility Enhancements: Supported both macOS and Windows platforms.

These updates expanded its user base, but technical issues began surfacing as Lightroom and operating systems evolved.

Discontinuation

In 2015, VSCO announced the discontinuation of Keys due to a strategic shift toward their mobile app. Maintaining and updating Keys became challenging with Adobe Lightroom’s frequent updates and macOS’s stricter security protocols. By August 2015, VSCO stopped selling Keys, and support officially ended later that year, leaving photographers searching for alternatives.

Why Photographers Loved VSCO Keys

Enhanced Efficiency

VSCO Keys addressed the inefficiencies of Lightroom’s mouse-driven interface. By mapping commonly used tools to keyboard shortcuts, photographers could edit faster and with greater precision. This was especially beneficial for professionals handling large batches of photos, such as wedding and event photographers.

Reduced Fatigue

The tool minimized repetitive mouse movements, reducing editing fatigue and allowing photographers to focus on creativity instead of technicalities. This was a game-changer for anyone processing hundreds of photos daily.

Streamlined Workflows

VSCO Keys offered pre-made layouts and customization options, enabling users to adapt the tool to their specific needs. Whether you were a beginner or a seasoned professional, the software catered to your workflow preferences.

Key Features of VSCO Keys

1. Customizable Shortcuts

Photographers could assign Lightroom functions—such as exposure adjustments, white balance tweaks, and vibrance control—to specific keys. This flexibility allowed users to create workflows tailored to their unique editing styles.

2. Pre-Made Keyboard Layouts

• Simple Layout: Retained default Lightroom shortcuts with minimal additions, ideal for beginners.
• Standard Layout: Offered advanced options for power users, providing access to a wide range of tools and functions.

3. Slider Control

Adjusting sliders like contrast, highlights, or temperature became seamless with keyboard commands, eliminating the need for precise mouse movements. Incremental adjustments ensured accuracy and speed.

4. Preset Integration

Applying Lightroom presets with a single keystroke was one of the most appreciated features. This was particularly useful for photographers using presets for consistent color grading.

5. Cross-Platform Compatibility

VSCO Keys supported both macOS and Windows, making it accessible to a diverse user base.

6. Time-Saving Benefits

The tool significantly reduced time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing photographers to dedicate more time to shooting or interacting with clients.

Functionalities of VSCO Keys

Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts

Users could map frequently used Lightroom tools to keyboard shortcuts, eliminating repetitive mouse movements and streamlining their workflows. This feature was a boon for professionals handling large photo libraries.

Pre-Made Layouts

The tool included two layouts—Simple and Standard—to cater to different skill levels. The Simple layout was beginner-friendly, while the Standard layout offered advanced functionalities.

Improved Workflow Efficiency

By reducing reliance on the mouse, VSCO Keys accelerated editing processes and improved overall workflow efficiency.

The Open-Source Era

Open-Sourcing VSCO Keys

After its discontinuation, VSCO made Keys open-source, allowing developers and enthusiasts to modify and maintain the software. This decision ensured that the tool could still be used by those who valued its functionality.

Community Contributions

The photography community has kept VSCO Keys alive by:

• Fixing compatibility issues with newer Lightroom and macOS versions.
• Sharing guides for installation, configuration, and customization.
• Creating new layouts and improving existing ones.

How to Access and Use Open-Source VSCO Keys

1. Download Files: Access the open-source code on GitHub.
2. Uninstall Previous Versions: Remove any older installations to avoid conflicts.
3. Install the Software: Follow the setup instructions, ensuring compatibility with your Lightroom version.
4. Customize Shortcuts: Edit configuration files to map tools to your preferred keys.
5. Test and Troubleshoot: Ensure all shortcuts function as expected.

Challenges of Using VSCO Keys

Compatibility Issues

With Lightroom and macOS updates, compatibility became a significant challenge. For example, macOS Catalina introduced stricter security protocols, disrupting the functionality of older versions of Keys.

Common Bugs

Users reported bugs like incorrect slider adjustments and unresponsive shortcuts. These issues often required reverting to older software versions or applying community-developed fixes.

Workarounds

Despite these challenges, the community devised workarounds, such as granting macOS accessibility permissions and modifying the open-source code to address compatibility issues.

Alternatives to VSCO Keys

1. Power Keys

A modern replacement for VSCO Keys, Power Keys offers customizable shortcuts and enhanced functionalities for Lightroom Classic on macOS. Its intuitive interface and regular updates make it a reliable choice.

2. Paddy for Lightroom

Paddy is a Windows-based tool that allows users to create custom shortcuts and map Lightroom functions to MIDI controllers, providing a unique editing experience.

3. LrControl

This tool lets users connect external devices, like MIDI controllers, to Lightroom, enabling precise adjustments and streamlined workflows.

4. MIDI2LR

An open-source plugin that maps Lightroom adjustments to MIDI controllers, offering an alternative for users seeking customizable shortcuts.

Best Practices for Using VSCO Keys or Alternatives

1. Start Simple: Begin with default layouts and gradually introduce customizations.
2. Prioritize Frequently Used Tools: Assign shortcuts to tools you use most often.
3. Regularly Update Configurations: Adapt shortcuts as your workflow evolves.
4. Back Up Configurations: Save copies of your customized layouts for future use.

Conclusion

VSCO Keys revolutionized photo editing by introducing customizable keyboard shortcuts, significantly improving Lightroom workflows. Although discontinued, its legacy lives on through open-source contributions and modern alternatives like Power Keys and Paddy. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, understanding and leveraging tools like VSCO Keys can help you edit smarter and faster, ensuring efficiency and creativity in your work.