Download version 1.2.0.0
Download source

This application will allow you to handle iTunes operations from your keyboard. Most keyboard combinations or OEM keys (Media buttons) can be mapped to iTunes events.

Supported basic events:

  • Play
  • Pause
  • Rewind
  • Fast Forward
  • Previous Track or Station
  • Next Track or Station
  • Volume up and down 
  • Toggle shuffle
  • Add ratings

Advanced features:

  • Show "toast" of currently playing track or station, including artist or station name, song name, album name, current track time in relation to the start and end of the track and album art, if available. The toast can also be set to display upon track changes. Toast display time is adjustable between 3 and 30 seconds.
  • Dynamically create and play a playlist of all occurrences of the artist or album (both are individually mappable) that is currently playing in the library. Upon completion of playlist, the main library will resume playing and the playlist will be removed.

Requirements:

  • Windows 98SE or greater (in theory... I've only tested on Windows XP Pro SP2)
  • .NET Framework 2.0
  • iTunes 6.0.2 or greater

Screenshots:

Using the 'Play Current Album' feature to create an inline playlist.
Using the "Play Current Album" feature to create an inline playlist.


The context menu available from ITGHK's system tray icon.
The context menu available from ITGHK's system tray icon.


ITGHK's main window, where the options are set.
ITGHK's main window, where the options are set.


The 'toast' that can be poped using a hot key or automatically when a track changes.
The "toast" that can be poped using a hot key or automatically when a track changes.

How to use:

Once installed, make sure iTunes is closed, then launch the application from your start menu. It will likely be under a folder called "Jacob Hickman" (Hi! That's me.) The application will launch iTunes and will bring up the main window of ITGHK (iTunes Global Hotkeys).

You'll need to click on Edit Hotkeys and enter a key combination in each box for the events you care to control. I suggest using a CTRL + ALT + ??? key combination, though you can use other modifiers if you wish. Just make sure to not map a combination that other programs on your computer might use. For example, some display drivers will have hotkeys to rotate your display.

Once you've set the keys, click on Save Hotkeys and then you have the option to change other options. They should be self-explanatory.

You can then minimize the ITGHK app and begin playing around.

I recommend you take a few moments and set your iTunes icon to Always Hide and the ITGHK icon to Always Show in Customize Notifications.

Version History:

Version 1.2.0.0:

  • Changed "Show iTunes" to toggle visibility.
  • Made hotkey slots for changing ratings.
  • Added Library Sync to remove dead tracks and add new tracks from specified directories (.MP3 files only).

Version 1.1.0.0:

  • Fixed SHIFT key modifier not working.
  • Merged Play/Pause into one hot key, made Trackback its own hot key.
  • Added Close To Tray, now the application will go to the tray if closed. To close application, use contexxt menu when minimized or unselect the option.
Version 1.0.0.0:
  • Initial public release.

Source:

You can download the source though I cannot help you if there is a problem. Also, please be aware that this project was created initially for private usage, so there may be a few WTFs in there.

Feedback:

Sorry, but I cannot offer support nor make any changes to this software anymore.