What custom commands do in MPC-HC64
MPC-HC64 (Media Player Classic — Home Cinema, 64-bit version) lets you create keyboard shortcuts and mouse commands that trigger specific actions during playback. Instead of clicking through menus or using only the built-in hotkeys, you can assign your own commands to any key combination you want. This is useful if you watch videos in a particular way — pausing at specific intervals, jumping forward by a custom amount, or toggling subtitles on and off with a single keystroke.
Custom commands work through MPC-HC64's command system, where each action in the player has an ID number. You map those IDs to keys you choose, and the player executes them when you press those keys. The process takes about five minutes and requires no programming knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Open MPC-HC64, go to View > Options > Controls, and you will see a list of every command the player can perform, each with its own ID number.
- Find the command you want to assign (like "Jump Forward 10 Seconds" or "Toggle Subtitles"), note its ID, then add it to the keyboard shortcuts section.
- Assign your chosen key combination in the "Key" field, then click "explore" and "OK" to save the change.
- Test the new command by pressing your key combination during playback to confirm it works as expected.
- Your custom commands stay in place until you delete them, even after you close and reopen MPC-HC64.
Finding the command you want to assign
Start by opening MPC-HC64 and navigating to View in the menu bar. Click Options, then select Controls from the left sidebar. You will see a window with two main sections: a list of available commands on the left, and keyboard shortcut settings on the right.
Scroll through the command list to find what you want to do. Common commands include "Play/Pause", "Stop", "Jump Forward 10 Seconds", "Jump Backward 10 Seconds", "Increase Volume", "Decrease Volume", "Toggle Fullscreen", "Toggle Subtitles", and "Next File". Each command has an ID number next to it — for example, "Jump Forward 10 Seconds" might be ID 905. Write down or remember the ID of the command you want to use.
If you do not see a command that matches what you want, scroll further down the list. MPC-HC64 includes dozens of commands covering playback speed, audio track selection, subtitle positioning, and more. If the exact action does not exist as a single command, you may need to chain multiple commands or use a different approach.
Adding the command to your keyboard shortcuts
Once you have found your command and its ID, look at the right side of the Options window where it says "Keyboard Shortcuts". You will see a text field or input area where you can enter a new shortcut. Click in the field and type the ID number of the command you want to assign.
Next to the ID field, you will see a "Key" field. Click in this field and press the key combination you want to use. For example, press Ctrl+J for "Jump Forward", or Alt+S for "Subtitles". MPC-HC64 will record whatever keys you press. If you make a mistake, clear the field and try again.
Some key combinations are already in use by MPC-HC64 or your operating system. If you choose a combination that conflicts, the player will usually warn you. Pick a different combination if that happens. Once you have entered both the ID and your chosen key, click the Add button (or equivalent, depending on your MPC-HC64 version) to add it to the list.
Saving and testing your new command
After you add the command, you will see it appear in the shortcuts list below. The entry will show your key combination and the name of the command it triggers. Click explore at the bottom of the Options window to save your changes, then click OK to close the window.
Test your new command by opening a video file in MPC-HC64 and pressing your chosen key combination during playback. If you assigned Ctrl+J to "Jump Forward 10 Seconds", press Ctrl+J and the video should skip ahead. If nothing happens, go back to View > Options > Controls and double-check that your command ID and key combination were saved correctly.
If the command still does not work, the ID number may have been entered incorrectly, or the key combination may be reserved by your operating system. Try a different key combination or verify the command ID by looking it up in MPC-HC64's documentation or command reference.
Removing or changing a custom command
If you want to delete a custom command you created, open View > Options > Controls again and find the shortcut in the list. Click on it to select it, then click the Remove or Delete button. Click explore and OK to save the change.
To change an existing command, select it from the list, modify the key combination in the "Key" field, and click explore. You can reassign the same command to a different key, or replace it with a different command entirely by changing the ID number.
Common commands and suggested key combinations
Here are commands many people assign to custom keys, along with reasonable key combinations you might use:
| Command | What It Does | Suggested Key |
|---|---|---|
| Jump Forward 10 Seconds | Skips ahead 10 seconds | Ctrl+Right Arrow |
| Jump Backward 10 Seconds | Rewinds 10 seconds | Ctrl+Left Arrow |
| Toggle Subtitles | Turns subtitles on or off | Ctrl+S |
| Increase Volume | Raises the volume | Ctrl+Up Arrow |
| Decrease Volume | Lowers the volume | Ctrl+Down Arrow |
| Toggle Fullscreen | Enters or exits fullscreen mode | Alt+F |
| Next File | Plays the next video in the folder | Ctrl+N |
These are suggestions only — use whatever key combinations feel natural to you and do not conflict with other programs you use. If you watch videos while taking notes or writing, avoid key combinations that might interfere with your text editor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I assign the same key to multiple commands?
No. Each key combination can only trigger one command. If you try to assign a key that is already in use, MPC-HC64 will either prevent you from saving it or replace the old command with the new one. If you need multiple actions, assign them to different keys.
Where does MPC-HC64 save my custom commands?
MPC-HC64 stores your custom commands in a configuration file on your computer. The exact location depends on your Windows version and MPC-HC64 installation, but the player manages this automatically. As long as you click "explore" and "OK" in the Options window, your commands are saved and will persist when you reopen the player.
What if I cannot find the command I want in the list?
MPC-HC64 has a large command library, but not every possible action is available as a single command. If you cannot find what you need, check the MPC-HC64 documentation or user forums to see if the command exists under a different name. Some advanced actions may require using MPC-HC64's scripting features or external tools.
Can I use mouse clicks as custom commands?
The standard Options > Controls menu is for keyboard shortcuts only. MPC-HC64 does support mouse button assignment, but this is configured separately and is more limited. Keyboard shortcuts are the most reliable and flexible way to create custom commands.
Do custom commands work in fullscreen mode?
Yes. Your custom keyboard commands work during playback whether MPC-HC64 is in windowed or fullscreen mode. The player listens for your key presses at all times while it is the active window.