VIA

Spec sheet

Purpose

VIA lets users configure, test, and design for compatible keyboards.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Compatibility

The site says VIA is compatible with 1400+ keyboards and can be added to other QMK keyboards.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Compatibility requirement

Using VIA with a keyboard requires compatible firmware and a matching keyboard definition; users can load a manufacturer-provided definition through the Design tab if needed.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Connection

VIA communicates with compatible keyboard firmware over USB.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Current application

The VIA web app is the supported and recommended way to use VIA; the existing official desktop application is deprecated.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Custom controls

Keyboard definitions can add custom UI controls, including buttons, toggles, ranges, dropdowns, colors, and keycode controls.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Encoders

VIA can display and remap rotary encoders in the keymap UI when the keyboard firmware and definition support them.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Key testing

VIA includes a key tester with sound effects.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Keyboard compatibility

The homepage says VIA is compatible with 1400+ keyboards and can be added to other QMK keyboards.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Keyboard menus

Depending on the keyboard definition and firmware, VIA provides Keymap, Layouts, Macros, and Save + Load menus.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Keyboard support requirements

Official keyboard support requires the keyboard implementation in QMK Firmware, a VIA keymap in VIA’s external QMK userspace, and a definition in VIA Keyboards.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Keymaps and macros

VIA stores dynamic keymaps and macros in the keyboard’s non-volatile memory.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Keymaps and settings

VIA communicates with compatible firmware over USB and stores dynamic keymaps, macros, layout options, and other supported settings in the keyboard’s non-volatile memory.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Layers

VIA provides four dynamic layers by default; changing the layer count can affect memory use.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Layout options

VIA can present physical layout choices and store those choices on the keyboard.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Lighting

VIA definitions can provide built-in controls for supported QMK lighting features such as RGB Matrix and RGBLight.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Lighting and audio

VIA documents built-in QMK menus for audio, backlight, RGB lighting, and RGB matrix controls.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Macro features

VIA supports macro recording, delays, and an indicator showing macro memory usage; delays require compatible firmware.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Macro support

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · caniusevia.com

Maker attribution

The homepage attributes VIA to the VIA team.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Onboard device memory

YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · caniusevia.com

Supported keyboards list

The supported-keyboards page says its compatibility list is current as of 9/19/2026.Read 9 Oct 2026 · caniusevia.com

Supported operating systems

cross-platformRead 20 Sep 2026 · caniusevia.com

Where Specifiction places it

• Gaming Peripheral Software#31 of 396.8
• Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software#96 of 1057.1