Native GUI Behaviors vs Custom Defined Behaviors

When setting up your MoErgo keyboard, there are two ways to define key behaviors: using the built-in (native) GUI behaviors or writing your own DTS (Device Tree Source) code in the Custom Defined Behaviors field. Both methods ultimately achieve the same goal—defining what happens when you press a key—and both result in a ZMK keymap file.

For example, if you want to set a key to perform a Hold-Tap Behavior (e.g., tap to type a letter, hold to activate a modifier), the GUI lets you do that by simply selecting the option from a list. The GUI then translates this into the appropriate DTS code without you needing to manually write the syntax.

What About Custom Defined Behaviors?

With Custom Defined Behaviors, you're directly writing DTS code to create key actions. This is typically for advanced users who want to leverage the latest ZMK features that might not yet be available in the GUI.

This method offers greater flexibility, allowing you to design any behavior, layer, or action (as supported by the MoErgo firmware). However, it requires a deeper understanding of DTS syntax and how to structure the code properly.  Build errors can be difficult to troubleshoot due to the limited feedback provided by ZMK during the build process.

One of the powerful features of the MoErgo Layout Editor is its flexibility—you can easily mix and match native and custom behaviors.
This allows you to focus on creating new or specific behaviors in the custom dialog using code, while still seamlessly integrating them with GUI-based native behaviors. 

Advantages of using the built-in (native) GUI behaviors?

The GUI is perfect for most users because it simplifies the process and ZMK configuration. MoErgo is constantly adding new capabilities to the Layout Editor, so the list of advantages below is current as of April 2025.

⭐ZMK Made Easy: A pure "plug-and-play" experience. The GUI generates perfect DTS code for you, giving you pro-level customization with zero coding required.

⭐One-Click Cloud Builds: Forget the headache of GitHub or complex coding environments. The built-in compiler does the hard work for you—just click "Build" and instantly download your finished firmware file.

⭐Error-Free Builds: Since the GUI only generates valid configurations, you eliminate the risk of syntax-related build failures.

⭐Live Visual Feed: See your keymap update in real-time. It’s much easier to visualize physical placement than reading a text file.

⭐International Support:  "What you see is what you get." Characters are displayed as they will actually appear based on your locale.

⭐Built-in Assistants: Features like visual key selectors, combo builders, and Hold-Tap wizards make advanced functions simple — even for beginners.

⭐Effortless Portability: Seamlessly copy entire layers and associated behaviors between layouts without the risk of manual errors. This makes it easy to integrate complex setups like Home-row mods into your layout or keep your configuration synchronized across both Glove80 and Go60.

⭐Simplified Management: The GUI automates the organization of your configuration for a faster workflow:

• Dependency Handling: Rename or move layers and behaviors without manually updating every reference; the editor maintains these links automatically.

• Layer Portability: Copy layers and associated behaviors between different layouts without the risk of syntax or structural errors.

• Visual Organization: Reorder your keymap through a point-and-click interface to keep your logic clear and accessible.
  
  

The GUI makes it fast and easy to customize your MoErgo keyboard, offering a smooth, hassle-free experience regardless of your technical background.

MoErgo Layout Editor: Unleash the Full Power of ZMK, Simplified

The MoErgo Layout Editor unlocks the true potential of your MoErgo keyboard. It is the most powerful, fast, and flexible browser-based tool for creating your perfect ergonomic layout—effortless for beginners, limitless for experts.

Accessible instantly via my.moergo.com, the editor is a seamless web application. Design your layout with an intuitive graphical interface, bypass complex setup, and start customizing immediately—no coding, installation, or command line required.

The Ultimate in Customization and Flexibility
Beyond standard remapping, the Layout Editor puts advanced keyboard features at your fingertips:

• Layer Management: Create and switch between multiple layers with ease.

• Advanced Behaviours: Define powerful functions like Hold-Tap, Mod-Morph, and Macros directly through the GUI.

• Unmatched Hybrid Flexibility: Users can freely mix and match native GUI features with custom ZMK code. Craft new, specialized functions using custom code, and seamlessly integrate them alongside GUI-defined layers and modifiers for a truly tailored, hybrid experience.

Lightning-Fast Results
When a custom layout is complete, the editor instantly builds a ready-to-flash .uf2 firmware file in seconds. Forget GitHub repositories and complex build environments. Simply download the file, load it onto both halves of the keyboard, and start typing with the ideal configuration.

Whether exploring the basics of ergonomic layering or a power user fine-tuning advanced home row mods, the MoErgo Layout Editor gives you the full, uncompromising power of ZMK—fully simplified for everyone.


Key Highlights

• Hybrid Customization: Seamlessly blends GUI-based features with custom ZMK code for maximum power.

• 100% Browser-Based: Zero installation, always accessible, and built for speed.

• Lightning-Fast Builds: Get a ready-to-flash .uf2 firmware file in approx 5 seconds.

• Expert Power, Simplified: Full ZMK feature support, made intuitive for beginners.

• Feature Rich: Intuitive management for layers, macros, modifiers, and easy layout sharing and cloning.
  
  

MoErgo Layout Editor — The fastest, easiest, and most flexible way to master your MoErgo keyboard.