Using Engine Shortcuts - ALE-Psych-Crew/ALE-Psych GitHub Wiki

ALE Psych Keyboard Shortcuts

ALE Psych includes built-in keyboard shortcuts for development, debugging, and editor tools. These shortcuts are context-sensitive and some require developer mode to function.

You can rebind these keys through ClientPrefs.controls, Controls.json, or the Options Menu, but the logic behind them stays the same.

Shortcut List

Ctrl + Shift + M

Context: Any state except during gameplay
Action: Opens the Mods Menu
Notes: Lets you swap between installed mods without restarting. Disabled if you're currently in gameplay or using a stripped mod build.

Ctrl + Shift + N

Context: Any state except during gameplay
Action: Fully resets the engine
Notes: Returns the game to the initial state defined in data.json. Clears scripts, tweens, audio, Discord RPC, and reloads the game loop.

F2 (Windows only)

Context: Anywhere
Action: Opens the native Windows console
Notes: Useful for real-time debugging. Console stays open until the game exits.

F3

Context: Anywhere
Action: Cycles the debug overlay
Notes: Switches between FPS-only, full debug stats, or hiding the overlay entirely. Uses data from assets/data/debug.json.

7 (in Gameplay, developer mode only)

Context: During gameplay
Action: Opens the Chart Editor
Notes: Only works when not paused or in cutscenes. Developer mode must be enabled.

8 (in Gameplay, developer mode only)

Context: During gameplay
Action: Opens the Character Editor
Notes: Shares the same restrictions as the Chart Editor.

7 (in Main Menu, developer mode only)

Context: Main Menu
Action: Opens the Master Editor state
Notes: Loads the state defined in data.json as masterEditorState.

R or F5

Context: During gameplay
Action: Restarts the current song
Notes: In developer mode, reloads instantly. Otherwise, triggers a normal fail + retry sequence depending on settings.

Keybinds

If you've remapped any of these actions in controls.json or Options Menu, they'll still trigger the same logic, just with your custom keys instead of the defaults listed above.