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SPECIFICTION
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PadForge

padforge.org

Free plan Windows
Visit padforge.org
Spec score 7.3 #23 of 27 in Game Controller Mapper Software

What it is

PadForge is a free Windows application that maps physical input devices to the virtual controller format a game expects. It remaps gamepads, wheels, flight sticks, keyboards, mice, touchpads, MIDI devices, HOTAS, arcade sticks, and VR controllers, producing keyboard-and-mouse or virtual-controller output. Up to 16 virtual controllers can run at once, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam, VR, MIDI, and keyboard-and-mouse shapes. Per-app profiles can switch automatically when a game takes focus, and 13 starter profiles are included. Gyro tools provide calibration, smoothing, and gyro-to-stick or gyro-to-mouse mapping. Supported Steam community layouts can be imported. Razer Chroma and Logitech LIGHTSYNC lighting are supported through their local software engines. A browser on the same Wi-Fi network can serve as a controller for up to 16 phones without installing an app. Remote Link shares controllers between PadForge PCs over a network or the internet. The maker says there is no telemetry.

Spec sheet

Purpose
PadForge maps supported input devices to the virtual controller input a game expects.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Intended users
The maker identifies sim racers, DualSense owners seeking trigger and lightbar effects, accessibility users, and players whose controller does not match a game's expected input as intended users.Read 2 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
It supports Razer Chroma and Logitech LIGHTSYNC lighting, using the local Razer Synapse server and Logitech G HUB LED engine.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Security
The maker says the app has no telemetry and that its phone controller uses HTTPS with a self-signed certificate whenever possible.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
License
The source code is available under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Anti-cheat limitation
The maker says anti-cheat vendors set their own rules for virtual input devices and advises users to use judgment with games that have aggressive anti-cheat.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Motion
Gyro features include calibration, smoothing, and gyro-to-stick or gyro-to-mouse mapping.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
PC linking
Remote Link shares controllers and other input devices between PadForge PCs over a network or the internet, with feedback routed back to the physical device.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Phone controller
A browser on the same Wi-Fi network can act as a controller, with up to 16 phones connected at once and no app installation.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Profiles
Profiles can switch automatically when a game takes focus, and the app includes 13 starter profiles for different kinds of games.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Remapping
It maps gamepads, wheels, flight sticks, keyboards, and mice to virtual controllers.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Steam layouts
PadForge imports supported Steam community layouts.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
System requirements
The maker lists Windows 10 or 11 on x64 and Windows 11 on ARM64; the press page identifies ARM64 as preview.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org
Virtual controllers
It supports up to 16 virtual controllers at once, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam, VR, MIDI, and keyboard-and-mouse shapes.Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org

Plans and prices

Free Free $0 forever No paywall · no subscriptions · no paid feature packs Read 2 Oct 2026 · padforge.org

Every PadForge plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free with no subscriptions or paid feature packs
  • Supports up to 16 virtual controllers
  • Automatic per-game profile switching
  • Includes gyro calibration and motion mappings
  • Phone controller needs no app installation

Limits

  • Windows-only platform support
  • Windows 11 ARM64 is identified as preview
  • Anti-cheat vendors set their own virtual-input rules
  • Source code uses CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Who it suits

It is aimed at sim racers, DualSense owners wanting trigger or lightbar effects, accessibility users, and players whose controller does not match a game’s expected input. It runs on Windows 10 or 11 x64 and Windows 11 ARM64, with ARM64 identified as preview.

Verdict

PadForge covers many physical inputs, virtual controller shapes, profiles, motion controls, phone control, and network sharing at no cost. Users should consider each game’s anti-cheat rules before using virtual input devices.

Where Specifiction places it

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