GameLoop Keymapping Guide 2026: Set Up Custom Controls for Any Game

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Quick Answer

GameLoop's keymapping editor is accessed via the keyboard icon in the right sidebar while a game is running. Click it → drag keys onto screen positions → press Save. For CODM and PUBG Mobile, default keymaps are pre-installed and activate automatically.

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What Is Keymapping in GameLoop?

Keymapping translates physical keyboard and mouse inputs into virtual touch inputs on the emulated Android screen. When you press "W" in CODM, GameLoop simulates a finger press on the game's virtual joystick — no native PC input is sent to the game.

This matters because:

• Mobile games don't have native keyboard/mouse APIs
• Emulators intercept OS inputs and convert them to touch events
• Good keymapping = better aim response, more comfortable play, no cramped fingers

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Step 1: Open the Keymapping Editor

While a game is running in GameLoop:

1. Look at the right sidebar (collapsible panel on the right edge of the screen)
2. Click the keyboard icon (looks like a keyboard/WASD)
3. The keymapping overlay appears on top of your game

Alternative shortcut: Press F3 to toggle the keymapping editor (in some GameLoop versions)

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Step 2: Understand the Keymapping Controls

The editor shows your current keybindings overlaid on the game screen. Each assigned key appears as a colored circle or icon at its screen position.

Control types available:

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Step 3: Add, Move, or Delete Keymaps

Add a new keybinding:

1. Click "+" or drag a control type from the left toolbar
2. Position it over the in-game button you want to bind
3. Click the control → type the keyboard key you want to assign
4. Press Save

Move an existing keybinding:

1. Click and drag the colored circle/icon to a new position
2. Press Save

Delete a keybinding:

1. Click the keybinding
2. Press Delete or click the trash icon
3. Press Save

Reset to default:

• Click "Restore Default" at the bottom of the editor

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Pre-Built Keymaps: CODM, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire

GameLoop ships with official pre-built keymaps for major games. These activate automatically when you launch the game.

CODM (Call of Duty Mobile) Default Layout:

PUBG Mobile Default Layout: Similar to CODM with these differences:

• Inventory: I or Tab
• Use item: E
• Pick up: F
• Lean Left/Right: Q / E

Free Fire Max Default:

• Crouch: C
• Pet ability: Q
• Special ability: T
• Parachute open: Space

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Step 4: Customize for Better Performance

The default keymaps work, but competitive players adjust several settings:

Aim Sensitivity

In GameLoop Settings (gear icon) → Controls → Mouse Sensitivity Recommended starting range: 55–70 for CODM BR, 40–55 for Multiplayer The in-game sensitivity slider (in CODM settings) stacks with emulator sensitivity — keep one high and one medium.

Joystick Size and Position

The left joystick (movement) should be large enough to activate comfortably. In keymapping editor:

• Click the WASD joystick area
• Drag the resize handle to make it larger or smaller
• Move it lower-left for a comfortable reach

Fire Button Placement

For CODM multiplayer, many players prefer Mouse1 (Left Click) = Fire and position the fire button directly over the game's on-screen fire button at the right side.

Smart Keys for Looting

In PUBG Mobile and similar games, the "F to loot" key can be unreliable with basic single-key binding. Use Smart Key type instead — it detects context and activates the nearest tappable object.

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Advanced: Import/Export Keymaps

GameLoop can save multiple keymaps per game and export them for sharing.

Save a custom layout:

1. In keymapping editor → click "Save As"
2. Name your layout (e.g., "My CODM Ranked")
3. It appears as a saved profile you can switch between

Share a keymap: Keymaps are stored at:

C:\GameLoop\Keymap\[game package name]\

Copy the .json file to share with friends.

Import a keymap: Paste a .json keymap file to the same directory → restart GameLoop → select it in the editor.

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Keymapping for Non-GameLoop Games (Sideloaded APKs)

If you sideloaded an APK not in the GameLoop game center, no pre-built keymap exists. You'll build one from scratch:

1. Launch the sideloaded game
2. Open keymapping editor (keyboard icon in sidebar)
3. Map each button by identifying where the game renders each UI element
4. Start with movement (WASD joystick) in the lower-left area
5. Add fire/action buttons matching the game's on-screen button positions
6. Test by pressing keys in-game — the overlay shows which position is being tapped

Tip: Tap each button in the real game first with your mouse pointer to identify exact positions, then assign keys.

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Fixing Common Keymapping Problems

Keys not registering in game Cause: Keymap editor is still open (keys get captured by editor, not game). Fix: Close the keymapping editor before playing — click Save, then click X to close the overlay.

Mouse cursor stuck on screen Cause: Mouse is in "desktop mode" instead of "aim mode." Fix: Press Alt+F12 to toggle between cursor mode (click UI) and aim mode (aim camera). Or click once inside the game window.

Shooting while moving doesn't work correctly Cause: Joystick and fire button areas overlap. Fix: In editor, move the fire button to the right side and reduce joystick area size so they don't conflict.

Controls disappeared after GameLoop update GameLoop updates can reset keymaps to defaults. Fix: Rebuild from saved .json export (see above). Always export keymaps after finalizing.

Some keys work but others don't Cause: Conflicting Windows hotkeys (e.g., Win+G = Xbox overlay, Win+D = desktop). Fix: Avoid Windows-modified keys in keymaps. Reassign conflicting Windows shortcuts in System Settings.

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Keymapping vs. Controller: Which Is Better?

See GameLoop Controller & Gamepad Setup Guide for detailed controller configuration.

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Tips From Competitive CODM PC Players

1. Disable auto-fire in CODM settings when using keyboard — auto-fire + manual fire key causes double-fire bugs
2. Reduce ADS sensitivity 20–30% below hip-fire sensitivity for easier snap-shots
3. Bind crouch-fire to Shift (hold to crouch + fire) for drop-shot mechanic
4. Use separate binds for Sprinting (Shift hold) vs Walking (no modifier) — WASD at normal speed, Shift+WASD to sprint
5. Scope toggle vs hold: bind to V for toggle or hold Right Click — toggle is better for snipers, hold for ARs

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FAQ

Does keymapping give an unfair advantage? Using emulators is a recognized play style in CODM and PUBG Mobile; mobile game publishers segment matchmaking by input type on some servers. GameLoop users are typically matched together.

Can I use multiple key configurations? Yes — GameLoop lets you save named layouts and switch between them in the editor.

Do keymaps transfer between GameLoop versions? Yes, as long as you export the .json file before updating. The format is stable across versions.

Is there a keymapping community for downloading configs? The GameLoop community and EmuDesk Discord share keymap .json files. Search "#keymaps" in gaming Discord servers.

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Summary

GameLoop keymapping is the main tool that makes mobile games feel native on PC. The built-in editor covers everything from basic WASD movement to advanced looting keys. For competitive play, invest 10–15 minutes dialing in aim sensitivity and joystick placement — the default configs are a starting point, not an end state.

See also:

• GameLoop Controller & Gamepad Setup 2026
• GameLoop FPS Boost Guide 2026
• How to Play Free Fire Max on PC 2026