The Stream Deck can be great for productivity, but you might find its software rather limited. That’s where plugins come in. Stream Deck plugins allow the device to integrate with apps and services, extending its functionality. These Stream Deck plugins can all help to increase your productivity.
1Win Tools
Win Tools, as the name suggests, is a Windows-based plugin for the Stream Deck that puts built-in Windows functionality at your fingertips. These include:
The plugin unearths settings that are buried deep within Windows and makes them available via your Stream Deck. Instead of trawling through menus and apps, you can assign these actions to a button that’s always ready to go.
2SuperMacro
SuperMacro is a macro plugin for the Stream Deck that can simulate both your mouse and keyboard. It has some advanced functions that let you create fairly complex macros.
Macros are a great way of saving time when carrying out repetitive tasks as they can bind multiple keystrokes to one key. SuperMacro has five available options for you to choose between:
Some basic usage examples of macros include:
Macros can get a little complicated once you start working with them. However, the plugin comes with ratherwell-laid-out documentationthat details all the commands, variables, and functions you can use. It also includes usage examples to get you started.
3Windows Mover & Resizer
If you find yourself struggling to move around and resize windows during work, this one’s going to be a lifesaver. During a hectic workday, it’s easy to lose track of windows as you keep opening and closing multiple programs. Windows Mover & Resizer can help with that.
The plugin lets you set specific desktop coordinates and window sizes at the press of a button. you may also resize, minimize, maximize, or make the current window the topmost on your desktop, across multiple monitors.
For example, before I start an OBS recording, I like having OBS and Notepad side by side on my second monitor, and Windows automatic snapping doesn’t quite do the trick. With this plugin, I can set both the coordinates and sizes of windows at the press of a button.
Figuring out the X and Y coordinates and window sizes can be a bit of a hassle when you’re first trying to use the plugin. Thankfully, it reports the location and size of the current window you’re trying to place at the click of a button, so you don’t have to count pixels by hand. Theplugin documentationalso details a step-by-step tutorial to help you out.
4Tomato Timer
One of the best ways of staying productive for longer isto use the Pomodoro method. However, it generally requires a timer so you may track the time you spend working and taking breaks.
This is where the Tomato Timer comes in. It’s a simple, configurable timer for your work and breaks that you can map to a key on your Stream Deck. It features three built-in clock sounds, but you can use your own MP3 files instead. The plugin also lets you swap between seven color palette themes.
It’s quick and easy to set up and you can even configure the timer behavior based on how you press the timer key. Tomato Timer is cross-platform, meaning you can use it with your Stream Deck on both Windows and macOS.
Slack is one of the most important messaging apps that many workplaces use. However, in bigger organizations, where you can have dozens of channels and even more DMs, it can be hard to keep track of things. Navigation can also be a big challenge.
If you’re struggling tokeep track of important information in Slack, the Slack plugin for Stream Deck can be quite helpful. you’re able to assign DMs, group DMs, and Channels to individual keys, making for quick navigation. You can also pause notifications and see online notification statuses at a glance.
Of course, you still get all the customization benefits the Stream Deck offers, meaning you can set custom alerts and assign custom icons and labels for easy identification.
6Windows Gizmos
Windows Gizmos is a collection of quality-of-life actions for Windows 10 onward. Combined with Win Tools, it can give you near complete control of Windows straight from your Stream Deck.
At the press of a button, you may do things like:
Similar to Win Tools, Windows Gizmos doesn’t require much setup, so you should be up and running in no time. Just get the plugin from Elgato’s online marketplace, set the keys wherever you like, add some customization, and you’re good to go.
If you like using HWiNFO to keep an eye on your system resources, temps, and all the other information the program provides, this is the perfect companion plugin for you. The plugin lets you read sensor data from HWiNFO and display it on your Stream Deck. Keep in mind that this is a third-party plugin and not associated with the official HWiNFO64 app.
You’ll need to ensure HWiNFO is running in the background, and there’s a small setup process, but theplugin’s documentationclearly details what to do, so it’s not a lot of work. Once set up, you can choose any sensor, any reading, and even a temperature range to be displayed on your Stream Deck.
