If you’re a photographer who spends hours culling and sorting through hundreds—or even thousands—of images in Adobe Lightroom, you know how repetitive and time-consuming it can be. What if you could turn your Xbox controller into a productivity tool? Yes, you read that right. By mapping a few keys on your Xbox gamepad, you can streamline your workflow and make culling a much more ergonomic experience.
Thanks to a small Python script and some clever key mapping, I can now use the “A” and “B” buttons on your Xbox controller to flag or reject photos, and the left/right arrows to navigate between them. Let’s dive in!
Best of all, it works on my Mac without needing to invest in Joystick Mapper app which costs 10$ and is not available in Europe (so I can not buy it).
Why Use an Xbox Controller with Lightroom?
Traditional keyboard shortcuts work, but they’re not always the most comfortable—especially when you’re hunched over your desk clicking through hundreds of photos. Gamepads offer:
- Comfortable hand positioning
- Tactile, responsive buttons
- Fewer distractions (you can lean back while culling!)
With just a few simple mappings, the Xbox controller can become your new best friend in Lightroom.
🎮 Controls Overview
| Controller Button | Lightroom Action |
|---|---|
| A | Flag as Pick (P) |
| B | Flag as Reject (X) |
| Left Arrow | Previous Photo (←) |
| Right Arrow | Next Photo (→) |
This setup keeps your thumbs working and your brain focused—perfect for fast-paced selection sessions.
🛠️ How It Works
This solution uses a Python script in combination with the inputs and pynput libraries to monitor the Xbox controller and send the correct keystrokes to Lightroom.
You can find the full code in this GitHub Gist:
👉 Xbox Controller for Lightroom – Gist by maxcharlier
Key Steps:
- Install dependencies:
pip install inputs pynput - Run the script:Just execute the script while Lightroom is open and in focus. It will listen to your controller and simulate keyboard presses accordingly.
- Cull your photos:Use “A” to pick, “B” to reject, and the D-pad to move left or right through your images.
This article is mainly about macOS Users
Unfortunately, macOS doesn’t provide a built-in, free way to easily read Xbox controller input and simulate keystrokes like Windows does. Most GUI-based solutions for macOS either don’t support full controller input or come with a price tag.
Accessibility on MacOS: here I had to allow “Pycharm” to run the script.
That said, this Python script is still your best bet on macOS. You will have to “Allow the application to control your computer” in order for the key mapper to work.
Things to Keep in Mind
- This script may require administrator privileges on Mac OS to allow controller input.
- It was only tested on macOS
- The key mapper applies on all apps (not only Lightroom).
The script might interfere with other applications when active, and you should toggle it on/off as needed.
Final Thoughts
This is a brilliant example of how a bit of scripting and outside-the-box thinking can make a big difference in your creative workflow. If you’re already sitting with a controller on your desk, why not put it to good use?
Whether you’re a wedding photographer with 3,000 shots to sift through, or a hobbyist looking to speed things up, using an Xbox gamepad with Lightroom can save you time and keep the process feeling smooth and natural.
Have you tried using a controller with Lightroom or other creative tools? Share your setup in the comments below!
