If you are into streaming, gaming, or even just productivity and are looking for a solution for your macro and shortcut needs, then you may want to get a Streamdeck but then realize that it can be upwards of 300$ for a device with some buttons, so in this article I will tell you how you can turn any old phone, or even your current phone, into a custom macro device that is able to control your computer.
There are 2 apps that do this the best, each with their own pros and cons such as pricing, ease of use, or customizability.
TouchPortal
This app has many customizable features and comes with a free version for you to try out that allows you to create your own macros or long combinations of controls, letting you create logic statements and control pretty much anything on your computer whether it be moving your mouse or opening specific software. There is however also a paid version which allows you to create multiple pages of macros, giving you more variety on what you can control. To install it go to your phone’s app store and install the app, then go to the touch portal website on your computer and install it. Finally, follow the tutorial that pops up telling you how to connect your devices.
Pros:
- Free version with plenty of features if you aren’t looking to spend anything.
- Many customizable options with a visual coding language to allow you to create multiple actions with one button.
- You are able to choose the icon associated with each button, letting you easily remember which button does what.
- There are button presets that you can use if you don’t feel like setting it up.
- Plugins allow you to connect to apps such as Spotify, Twitch, Youtube, and Discord, however only with the paid version (only 13.99$).
- Doesn’t require wires to connect, making it easy to just take your phone away, or keep your desk neat.
Cons:
- The UI is outdated and may be hard to navigate for a new user.
- You quickly find paywalls if using the app for anything complicated.
- There are not many presets that have any good button combinations.
This is a good app whether you get it free or paid and will allow you to easily control your laptop and quickly do whatever you want on it, such as opening a specific file, an app, a note, or clicking a repetitive series of buttons.
Macro Deck 2
This app is completely free and open source and allows you to connect multiple devices using either an app or web client to make it easier to set up, however doesn’t receive as many updates or new features as TouchPortal due to the free nature of the software. To install this, search up the Macro Deck website then download the version for your operating system (either Windows or Linux) and then download the app on your phone, or open it in a website then follow the instructions to connect the devices.
Pros:
- You can connect multiple phones to your device if this is necessary, allowing you to create many different macros.
- You can use animated GIFs as Icons, giving your macros a better aesthetic and interesting to look at.
- Completely free to use and Open source, meaning you can do more with the free version of this than the free version of TouchPortal, and has more community features due to the open source nature.
- Plugins are available to let you control apps such as Spotify, Youtube, OBS, and Twitch.
- Good macro presets for windows as this is the operating system it is designed for.
- Can be used to control a Smart home.
Cons:
- Not a very intuitive UI and is quite hard to create a custom macro for someone new to the software.
- Not compatible with MacOS so cannot be easily used by someone using Apple.
This is another good app that is better for someone who has experience in macros or programming and can give you more control over it if using the free version.
Which One to Pick?
If you are new to all this and want something that is easier to use, or you are willing to spend some money, consider TouchPortal with its advanced features and plugins that let you do so much. Macro Deck is useful if you want to create a more aesthetic set up and if you are already slightly experienced in this area, allowing you to create something very effective for no cost. These are not the only two apps that allow you to do this, such as Elgato Mobile which is an app that uses the StreamDeck interface, but only allows you 6 buttons until you have to pay 50$, so the first two I discussed should be good for your setup, whether you use an old phone and create a permanent solution, or temporarily using your current phone to allow you to so much more with your computer or even streaming.