Configure Your Keys

Most of the time, you only need MinimalPad Studio to change your keys. You do not need to rebuild or reflash the firmware every time you want a different shortcut.

If your MinimalPad already connects to Studio, skip straight to Step 3. Use the firmware steps when setting up a new controller, building the DIY kit, updating the base firmware, or recovering a device.

Before you start

• A USB-C data cable. A charge-only cable can power MinimalPad, but it cannot flash firmware or connect to Studio.
• Chrome or Edge. Firefox and Safari do not support the browser features Studio needs.
• A macOS, Windows, or Linux computer. No drivers are required.

Step 1: Download the base firmware

1. Open the MinimalPad firmware Actions page on GitHub. GitHub may ask you to sign in before downloading an artifact.
2. Open the most recent workflow run with a green checkmark.
3. Scroll down to Artifacts and download minimalpad_with_studio.
4. Unzip the download. Inside is the .uf2 firmware file you need.

Make sure you choose minimalpad_with_studio. The other build does not include the connection layer used by MinimalPad Studio.

Step 2: Flash the firmware

1. Connect MinimalPad to your computer with the USB-C data cable.
2. Double-click the reset button on the bottom of the MinimalPad.
3. A new removable drive appears. On a Nice!Nano V2 it is usually called NICENANO; a compatible clone may use a different name.
4. Drag the .uf2 file onto that drive.
5. Wait a few seconds. The drive disappears automatically and MinimalPad restarts with the new firmware.

This is the flashing step. Studio does not install firmware. Once this base firmware is installed, Studio handles normal key changes without another reflash.

Step 3: Connect to MinimalPad Studio

1. Open studio.minimalmacropad.com in Chrome or Edge.
2. Click Connect, then choose USB / Serial.
3. Select MinimalPad in the browser device picker and click Connect.
4. Wait for the connection status to turn green. Studio now loads the keymap stored on your device.

There is no separate unlock step. When the connection turns green, you can start editing.

Step 4: Change and save a key

1. Select the layer you want to edit.
2. Click a key in the 4×4 layout, or click the encoder press.
3. Choose an action. You can assign a single key, keyboard shortcut, media control, layer action, Bluetooth command, RGB control, or another supported ZMK behavior.
4. Click Assign to key. The change is sent to MinimalPad immediately, so you can test the physical key straight away.
5. Click the Save button in the connection bar to make the change permanent.

If you disconnect before saving, the unsaved changes are lost. Wait until Studio shows Saved before unplugging the pad.

If something does not appear

• No bootloader drive: try the reset double-click again, then try another USB port or a known data cable.
• MinimalPad is missing from Studio: confirm you are using Chrome or Edge, connect directly instead of through a hub, and close other software that may be using the serial port.
• Studio connects to nothing after flashing: confirm that you installed the minimalpad_with_studio build.

Need the detailed version?

This page covers the normal setup. The full quick-start guide, firmware installation guide, and Studio connection troubleshooting include the more detailed steps.