refactor(gui): refactor draw_hotkeys to improve code health (#86)

- Break down the monolithic `draw_hotkeys` method into smaller,
  focused component functions: `draw_hotkeys_header`,
  `draw_hotkeys_search`, `draw_hotkeys_table`, and
  `handle_hotkey_action`.
- Improve readability and maintainability of the `src/gui/draw.rs` file
  while preserving identical behavior.

Co-authored-by: google-labs-jules[bot] <161369871+google-labs-jules[bot]@users.noreply.github.com>

.github/workflows/flatter.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+name: Flatter
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [ main, master ]
+  release:
+    types: [ published ]
+  workflow_dispatch:
+    inputs:
+      tag_name:
+        description: "TAG (empty to build from current branch)"
+        required: false
+        type: string
+      build_branch:
+        description: "Flatpak branch to build (stable/nightly)"
+        required: true
+        type: choice
+        options:
+          - stable
+          - nightly
+        default: "stable"
+
+jobs:
+  flatter:
+    name: Flatter
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    permissions:
+      contents: read
+    container:
+      image: ghcr.io/andyholmes/flatter/freedesktop:25.08
+      options: --privileged
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          ref: ${{ inputs.tag_name || github.ref }}
+
+      - name: Setup GPG
+        id: gpg
+        uses: crazy-max/ghaction-import-gpg@v6
+        with:
+          gpg_private_key: ${{ secrets.GPG_PRIVATE_KEY }}
+          passphrase: ${{ secrets.GPG_PASSPHRASE }}
+
+      - name: Set Default Branch
+        id: set_branch
+        run: |
+          if [ "${{ github.event_name }}" == "release" ]; then
+            echo "branch=stable" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          elif [ "${{ github.event_name }}" == "workflow_dispatch" ]; then
+            echo "branch=${{ inputs.build_branch }}" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          else
+            echo "branch=nightly" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+          fi
+
+      - name: Modify Manifest
+        run: |
+          echo "branch: ${{ steps.set_branch.outputs.branch }}" >> packages/flatpak/ru.arabianq.pwsp.yaml
+          echo "default-branch: ${{ steps.set_branch.outputs.branch }}" >> packages/flatpak/ru.arabianq.pwsp.yaml
+
+      - name: Install SDK Extensions
+        run: flatpak install -y flathub org.freedesktop.Sdk.Extension.rust-stable//25.08
+          org.freedesktop.Sdk.Extension.llvm20//25.08
+
+      - name: Build Flatpak
+        uses: andyholmes/flatter@main
+        with:
+          files: packages/flatpak/ru.arabianq.pwsp.yaml
+          gpg-sign: ${{ steps.gpg.outputs.fingerprint }}
+          upload-bundles: false
+          upload-pages-artifact: true
+
+  deploy:
+    name: Deploy to GitHub Pages
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    needs: flatter
+    permissions:
+      pages: write
+      id-token: write
+    environment:
+      name: github-pages
+      url: ${{ steps.deployment.outputs.page_url }}
+
+    steps:
+      - name: GitHub Pages
+        id: deployment
+        uses: actions/deploy-pages@v4

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -174,10 +174,3 @@ jobs:
           cache: true
           branch: master
           build-bundle: true
-
-      - name: Upload Flatpak to release
-        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v2
-        with:
-          token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          tag_name: ${{ needs.prepare.outputs.tag }}
-          files: ru.arabianq.pwsp.flatpak

Cargo.toml

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 [package]
 name = "pwsp"
-version = "1.6.3"
+version = "1.7.5"
 edition = "2024"
 authors = ["arabian"]
 description = "PWSP lets you play audio files through your microphone. Has both CLI and GUI clients."
@@ -12,13 +12,13 @@ keywords = ["soundpad", "pipewire", "linux", "cli", "gui"]
 
 
 [dependencies]
-tokio = { version = "1.50.0", features = ["full"] }
+tokio = { version = "1.52.1", features = ["full"] }
 async-trait = "0.1.89"
 
 serde = { version = "1.0.228", features = ["derive"] }
 serde_json = "1.0.149"
 
-clap = { version = "4.6.0", default-features = false, features = [
+clap = { version = "4.6.1", default-features = false, features = [
     "std",
     "suggestions",
     "help",
@@ -29,11 +29,13 @@ clap = { version = "4.6.0", default-features = false, features = [
 dirs = "6.0.0"
 itertools = "0.14.0"
 
-rodio = { version = "0.22.2", default-features = false, features = [
+rodio = { git = "https://github.com/RustAudio/rodio.git", rev = "57ad9d8a9f30398f634fbf8e4e1d53dde7243c21", default-features = false, features = [
     "symphonia-all",
+    "symphonia-libopus",
     "playback",
 ] }
 pipewire = "0.9.2"
+evdev = { version = "0.13.2", features = ["tokio"] }
 rfd = { version = "0.17.2", default-features = false, features = [
     "xdg-portal",
 ] }
@@ -49,6 +51,7 @@ eframe = { version = "0.34.1", default-features = false, features = [
     "x11",
     "wayland",
 ] }
+egui_extras = "0.34.1"
 egui_material_icons = "0.6.0"
 egui_dnd = "0.15.0"
 

README.md

@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@ chats on platforms like **Discord, Zoom, or Teamspeak**.
 * **Collapsible Audio Tracks**: You can collapse every audio track to save space.
 * **Drag and Drop Directories**: Reorder your sound directories easily using drag and drop.
 * **Automatic Device Detection**: PWSP automatically detects when an input device is connected or disconnected and handles linking/unlinking.
+* **Global Hotkeys**: Assign custom keyboard shortcuts to any sound file (or action) to trigger playback instantly, even when the application is not in focus.
+
 
 # **⚙️ How It Works**
 
@@ -38,8 +40,8 @@ three main components:
     * Creating and managing virtual audio devices.
     * Linking these devices within the PipeWire graph.
     * Handling all audio playback.
+* **UnixSocket**. This is how you interact with your sound collection, control playback, and configure settings.
 * **pwsp-gui**: This is the graphical user interface. It acts as a client that communicates with pwsp-daemon via a
-  **UnixSocket**. This is how you interact with your sound collection, control playback, and configure settings.
 * **pwsp-cli**: This is the command-line interface, also acting as a client. It provides a way to control the daemon
   without a GUI, allowing for scripting or quick command-based actions.
 
@@ -50,6 +52,28 @@ three main components:
 You can download pre-built binaries and .deb packages from
 the [releases page](https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/releases).
 
+## **Flatpak**
+
+You can install PWSP via Flatpak from our custom repository hosted on GitHub Pages.
+
+Add the repository:
+
+```bash
+flatpak remote-add --user --if-not-exists arabianq-repo https://arabianq.github.io/pipewire-soundpad/index.flatpakrepo
+```
+
+Install the stable version:
+
+```bash
+flatpak install --user arabianq-repo ru.arabianq.pwsp//stable
+```
+
+Or install the nightly version (latest commit to `main`):
+
+```bash
+flatpak install --user arabianq-repo ru.arabianq.pwsp//nightly
+```
+
 ## **Fedora Linux (and derivatives)**
 
 If you're using Fedora, you can install PWSP from a dedicated repository using DNF.

packages/aur/bin/.SRCINFO

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 pkgbase = pwsp-bin
 pkgdesc = Lets you play audio files through your microphone (Pre-built binaries)
-pkgver = 1.6.3
+pkgver = 1.7.5
 pkgrel = 2
 url = https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad
 arch = x86_64
@@ -9,8 +9,8 @@ depends = pipewire
 depends = alsa-lib
 provides = pwsp
 conflicts = pwsp
-source = pwsp-bin-1.6.3.zip :: https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/releases/download/v1.6.3/pwsp-v1.6.3-linux-x64.zip
-source = pipewire-soundpad-1.6.3.tar.gz :: https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/archive/refs/tags/v1.6.3.tar.gz
+source = pwsp-bin-1.7.5.zip :: https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/releases/download/v1.7.5/pwsp-v1.7.5-linux-x64.zip
+source = pipewire-soundpad-1.7.5.tar.gz :: https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/archive/refs/tags/v1.7.5.tar.gz
 sha256sums = SKIP
 sha256sums = SKIP
 

packages/aur/bin/PKGBUILD

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Maintainer: Alexander Tarasov <a.tevg@ya.ru>
 pkgname=pwsp-bin
 _pkgname=pipewire-soundpad
-pkgver=1.6.3
+pkgver=1.7.5
 pkgrel=2
 pkgdesc="Lets you play audio files through your microphone (Pre-built binaries)"
 arch=('x86_64')

packages/aur/standart/.SRCINFO

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 pkgbase = pwsp
 	pkgdesc = Lets you play audio files through your microphone
-	pkgver = 1.6.3
+	pkgver = 1.7.5
 	pkgrel = 1
 	url = https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad
 	arch = any
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ pkgbase = pwsp
 	makedepends = cargo
 	makedepends = pipewire
 	makedepends = alsa-lib
-	source = https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/archive/refs/tags/v1.6.3.tar.gz
+	source = https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/archive/refs/tags/v1.7.5.tar.gz
 	sha256sums = SKIP
 
 pkgname = pwsp

packages/aur/standart/PKGBUILD

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # Maintainer: Alexander Tarasov <a.tevg@ya.ru>
 pkgsubn=pwsp
 pkgname=pwsp
-pkgver=1.6.3
+pkgver=1.7.5
 pkgrel=1
 pkgdesc="Lets you play audio files through your microphone"
 arch=('any')

packages/flatpak/generate-sources.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+set -e
+
+if [ ! -f "Cargo.lock" ]; then
+    echo "Error: Cargo.lock not found. Please run this script from the project root."
+    return 1
+fi
+
+echo "Downloading flatpak-cargo-generator.py..."
+curl -sLO https://raw.githubusercontent.com/flatpak/flatpak-builder-tools/master/cargo/flatpak-cargo-generator.py
+chmod +x flatpak-cargo-generator.py
+
+echo "Generating cargo-sources.json..."
+python3 flatpak-cargo-generator.py Cargo.lock -o packages/flatpak/cargo-sources.json
+
+echo "Cleaning up..."
+rm flatpak-cargo-generator.py
+
+echo "Successfully generated packages/flatpak/cargo-sources.json"

packages/flatpak/ru.arabianq.pwsp.desktop

@@ -5,5 +5,5 @@ Exec=pwsp-wrapper.py %u
 Icon=ru.arabianq.pwsp
 Terminal=false
 Type=Application
-Categories=Audio;Utility;
+Categories=AudioVideo;Audio;
 Keywords=soundpad;pipewire;audio;

packages/flatpak/ru.arabianq.pwsp.metainfo.xml

@@ -15,11 +15,17 @@
     <launchable type="desktop-id">ru.arabianq.pwsp.desktop</launchable>
     <screenshots>
         <screenshot type="default">
-            <image>
-                https://raw.githubusercontent.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/master/assets/screenshot.png</image>
+            <image>https://raw.githubusercontent.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/master/assets/screenshot.png</image>
         </screenshot>
     </screenshots>
     <url type="homepage">https://pwsp.arabianq.ru</url>
-    <developer_name>arabian</developer_name>
+    <url type="bugtracker">https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad/issues</url>
+    <url type="vcs-browser">https://github.com/arabianq/pipewire-soundpad</url>
+    <developer id="ru.arabianq">
+        <name>arabian</name>
+    </developer>
+    <releases>
+        <release version="1.7.5" date="2026-04-26" />
+    </releases>
     <content_rating type="oars-1.1" />
 </component>

packages/flatpak/ru.arabianq.pwsp.yaml

@@ -14,10 +14,9 @@ finish-args:
   - --filesystem=xdg-run/pipewire-0
   - --filesystem=xdg-run/pwsp:create
   - --filesystem=xdg-run/app/ru.arabianq.pwsp:create
-  - --filesystem=host
+  - --filesystem=home
   - --device=all
   - --device=dri
-  - --share=network
   - --talk-name=org.freedesktop.portal.Desktop
   - --talk-name=org.freedesktop.portal.Documents
 
@@ -30,11 +29,8 @@ build-options:
 modules:
   - name: pwsp
     buildsystem: simple
-    build-options:
-      build-args:
-        - --share=network
     build-commands:
-      - cargo build --release
+      - export CARGO_HOME=$PWD/cargo && cargo build --release --offline
       - install -Dm755 target/release/pwsp-daemon /app/bin/pwsp-daemon
       - install -Dm755 target/release/pwsp-cli /app/bin/pwsp-cli
       - install -Dm755 target/release/pwsp-gui /app/bin/pwsp-gui
@@ -45,3 +41,4 @@ modules:
     sources:
       - type: dir
         path: ../../
+      - cargo-sources.json

packages/rpm/pwsp.spec

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 %global cargo_install_lib 0
 
 Name:            pwsp
-Version:         1.6.3
+Version:         1.7.5
 Release:         %autorelease
 Summary:         Lets you play audio files through your microphone
 
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ BuildRequires: cargo
 BuildRequires: pipewire-devel
 BuildRequires: alsa-lib-devel
 BuildRequires: clang-devel
+BuildRequires: cmake
 
 %global _description %{expand:
 PWSP lets you play audio files through your microphone. Has both CLI and

src/bin/cli.rs

@@ -68,6 +68,12 @@ enum Actions {
         #[clap(short, long)]
         id: Option<u32>,
     },
+    /// Play a sound by hotkey slot name
+    PlayHotkey { slot: String },
+    /// Remove the hotkey slot
+    ClearHotkey { slot: String },
+    /// Clear the key chord for a hotkey slot
+    ClearHotkeyKey { slot: String },
 }
 
 #[derive(Subcommand, Debug)]
@@ -101,6 +107,8 @@ enum GetCommands {
     DaemonVersion,
     /// Full player state
     FullState,
+    /// All hotkey slots
+    Hotkeys,
 }
 
 #[derive(Subcommand, Debug)]
@@ -125,6 +133,16 @@ enum SetCommands {
         #[clap(short, long)]
         id: Option<u32>,
     },
+    /// Assign a sound file to a hotkey slot
+    Hotkey { slot: String, file_path: PathBuf },
+    /// Set the key chord for a hotkey slot (e.g. "Ctrl+Alt+1")
+    HotkeyKey { slot: String, key_chord: String },
+    /// Atomically set the action and key chord for a hotkey slot
+    HotkeyActionAndKey {
+        slot: String,
+        action: String,
+        key_chord: String,
+    },
 }
 
 #[tokio::main]
@@ -146,6 +164,9 @@ async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
                 concurrent,
             } => Request::play(&file_path.to_string_lossy(), concurrent),
             Actions::ToggleLoop { id } => Request::toggle_loop(id),
+            Actions::PlayHotkey { slot } => Request::play_hotkey(&slot),
+            Actions::ClearHotkey { slot } => Request::clear_hotkey(&slot),
+            Actions::ClearHotkeyKey { slot } => Request::clear_hotkey_key(&slot),
         },
         Commands::Get { parameter } => match parameter {
             GetCommands::IsPaused => Request::get_is_paused(),
@@ -158,12 +179,28 @@ async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
             GetCommands::Inputs => Request::get_inputs(),
             GetCommands::DaemonVersion => Request::get_daemon_version(),
             GetCommands::FullState => Request::get_full_state(),
+            GetCommands::Hotkeys => Request::get_hotkeys(),
         },
         Commands::Set { parameter } => match parameter {
             SetCommands::Volume { volume, id } => Request::set_volume(volume, id),
             SetCommands::Position { position, id } => Request::seek(position, id),
             SetCommands::Input { name } => Request::set_input(&name),
             SetCommands::Loop { enabled, id } => Request::set_loop(&enabled, id),
+            SetCommands::Hotkey { slot, file_path } => {
+                Request::set_hotkey(&slot, &file_path.to_string_lossy())
+            }
+            SetCommands::HotkeyKey { slot, key_chord } => {
+                Request::set_hotkey_key(&slot, &key_chord)
+            }
+            SetCommands::HotkeyActionAndKey {
+                slot,
+                action,
+                key_chord,
+            } => Request::set_hotkey_action_and_key(
+                &slot,
+                &serde_json::from_str::<Request>(&action)?,
+                &key_chord,
+            ),
         },
     };
 

src/bin/daemon.rs

@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 use pwsp::{
-    types::socket::{Request, Response},
+    types::socket::{MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE, Request, Response},
     utils::{
         commands::parse_command,
         daemon::{
             create_runtime_dir, get_audio_player, get_daemon_config, get_runtime_dir,
-            is_daemon_running, link_player_to_virtual_mic,
+            is_daemon_running,
         },
+        global_hotkeys::start_global_hotkey_listener,
         pipewire::create_virtual_mic,
     },
 };
@@ -32,18 +33,7 @@ async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
     } // Initialize audio player
 
     tokio::spawn(async {
-        let max_retries = 60;
-        for i in 0..=max_retries {
-            match link_player_to_virtual_mic().await {
-                Ok(_) => {
-                    println!("Successfully linked player to virtual mic.");
-                    break;
-                }
-                Err(e) => println!("{e}\t{i}/{max_retries}"),
-            }
-
-            sleep(Duration::from_millis(1000)).await;
-        }
+        start_global_hotkey_listener().await;
     });
 
     let runtime_dir = get_runtime_dir();
@@ -52,11 +42,11 @@ async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
     lock_file.lock()?;
 
     let socket_path = runtime_dir.join("daemon.sock");
-    if let Err(e) = fs::remove_file(&socket_path) {
-        if e.kind() != std::io::ErrorKind::NotFound {
+    if let Err(e) = fs::remove_file(&socket_path)
+        && e.kind() != std::io::ErrorKind::NotFound
+    {
         return Err(e.into());
     }
-    }
 
     let listener = UnixListener::bind(&socket_path)?;
     fs::set_permissions(&socket_path, fs::Permissions::from_mode(0o600))?;
@@ -100,7 +90,7 @@ async fn commands_loop(listener: UnixListener) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
 
             let request_len = u32::from_le_bytes(len_bytes) as usize;
 
-            if request_len > 10 * 1024 * 1024 {
+            if request_len > MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE {
                 eprintln!(
                     "Failed to read message from client: request too large ({} bytes)!",
                     request_len
@@ -169,19 +159,25 @@ async fn commands_loop(listener: UnixListener) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
 }
 
 async fn player_loop() {
+    let mut device_check_counter: u32 = 0;
     loop {
-        match get_audio_player().await {
+        let is_idle = match get_audio_player().await {
             Ok(player_mutex) => {
                 let mut audio_player = player_mutex.lock().await;
-                audio_player.update().await;
-            }
-            Err(_err) => {
-                // To avoid spamming logs every 100ms when audio player fails to init
-                // we can just sleep, or you might prefer to print the error.
-                // Assuming it failed to initialize, no player update is possible.
-            }
+                let check_devices = device_check_counter == 0;
+                audio_player.update(check_devices).await;
+                audio_player.tracks.is_empty()
             }
+            Err(_err) => true,
+        };
 
+        if is_idle {
+            device_check_counter = 0;
+            sleep(Duration::from_secs(2)).await;
+        } else {
+            // Check devices every ~5 seconds (50 * 100ms) while playing
+            device_check_counter = (device_check_counter + 1) % 50;
             sleep(Duration::from_millis(100)).await;
         }
+    }
 }

src/gui/draw.rs

@@ -4,10 +4,15 @@ use egui::{
     Layout, RichText, ScrollArea, Sense, Slider, TextEdit, Ui, Vec2,
 };
 use egui_dnd::dnd;
+use egui_extras::{Column, TableBuilder};
 use egui_material_icons::icons::*;
+use pwsp::types::socket::Request;
 use pwsp::types::{audio_player::TrackInfo, gui::AppState};
-use pwsp::utils::gui::format_time_pair;
-use std::{error::Error, time::Instant};
+use pwsp::utils::gui::{format_time_pair, make_request_async};
+use std::{
+    path::{Path, PathBuf},
+    time::Instant,
+};
 
 enum TrackAction {
     Pause(u32),
@@ -16,6 +21,13 @@ enum TrackAction {
     Stop(u32),
 }
 
+enum HotkeyAction {
+    Remove(String),
+    Capture(String),
+    ClearChord(String),
+    Play(String),
+}
+
 impl SoundpadGui {
     fn get_volume_icon(volume: f32) -> &'static str {
         if volume > 0.7 {
@@ -29,6 +41,13 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         }
     }
 
+    pub fn draw(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
+        self.draw_header(ui);
+        self.draw_body(ui);
+        ui.separator();
+        self.draw_footer(ui);
+    }
+
     pub fn draw_waiting_for_daemon(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
         ui.centered_and_justified(|ui| {
             ui.label(
@@ -39,6 +58,32 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         });
     }
 
+    pub fn draw_hotkey_capture(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
+        ui.vertical_centered(|ui| {
+            ui.add_space(ui.available_height() / 3.0);
+            ui.label(
+                RichText::new("Press a key combination (e.g. Ctrl+Alt+1)")
+                    .size(18.0)
+                    .color(Color32::YELLOW)
+                    .monospace(),
+            );
+            ui.add_space(10.0);
+            let target = if let Some(slot) = &self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_slot {
+                format!("for slot '{}'", slot)
+            } else if let Some(path) = &self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_for_file {
+                format!(
+                    "for '{}'",
+                    path.file_name().unwrap_or_default().to_string_lossy()
+                )
+            } else {
+                String::new()
+            };
+            ui.label(RichText::new(target).size(16.0));
+            ui.add_space(10.0);
+            ui.label("Press Escape to cancel");
+        });
+    }
+
     pub fn draw_settings(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
         ui.vertical(|ui| {
             ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing.y = 5.0;
@@ -88,12 +133,287 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         });
     }
 
-    pub fn draw(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
-        self.draw_header(ui);
-        self.draw_body(ui);
+    pub fn draw_hotkeys(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
+        ui.vertical(|ui| {
+            ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing.y = 5.0;
+
+            self.draw_hotkeys_header(ui);
             ui.separator();
-        self.draw_footer(ui);
-        Ok(())
+
+            self.draw_hotkeys_search(ui);
+            ui.separator();
+            ui.add_space(5.0);
+
+            let action = self.draw_hotkeys_table(ui);
+
+            if let Some(action) = action {
+                self.handle_hotkey_action(action);
+            }
+        });
+    }
+
+    fn draw_hotkeys_header(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
+        ui.horizontal(|ui| {
+            let back_button = Button::new(ICON_ARROW_BACK).frame(false);
+            if ui.add(back_button).clicked() {
+                self.app_state.show_hotkeys = false;
+            }
+
+            ui.vertical_centered(|ui| {
+                ui.label(RichText::new("Hotkeys").color(Color32::WHITE).monospace());
+            });
+        });
+    }
+
+    fn draw_hotkeys_search(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
+        ui.horizontal(|ui| {
+            ui.menu_button(format!("{} Add Command", ICON_ADD.codepoint), |ui| {
+                let mut selected_cmd = None;
+                if ui.button("Toggle Pause").clicked() {
+                    selected_cmd = Some(("cmd_toggle_pause", Request::toggle_pause(None)));
+                }
+                if ui.button("Stop Playback").clicked() {
+                    selected_cmd = Some(("cmd_stop", Request::stop(None)));
+                }
+                if ui.button("Pause Playback").clicked() {
+                    selected_cmd = Some(("cmd_pause", Request::pause(None)));
+                }
+                if ui.button("Resume Playback").clicked() {
+                    selected_cmd = Some(("cmd_resume", Request::resume(None)));
+                }
+                if ui.button("Toggle Loop").clicked() {
+                    selected_cmd = Some(("cmd_toggle_loop", Request::toggle_loop(None)));
+                }
+
+                if let Some((slot_name, req)) = selected_cmd {
+                    make_request_async(Request::set_hotkey_action(slot_name, &req));
+                    self.app_state
+                        .hotkey_config
+                        .set_slot(slot_name.to_string(), req);
+                    self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_slot = Some(slot_name.to_string());
+                    self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active = true;
+                    ui.close();
+                }
+            });
+
+            ui.add_space(10.0);
+
+            ui.add(
+                TextEdit::singleline(&mut self.app_state.hotkey_search_query)
+                    .hint_text("Search hotkeys...")
+                    .desired_width(f32::INFINITY),
+            );
+        });
+    }
+
+    fn draw_hotkeys_table(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) -> Option<HotkeyAction> {
+        let conflicts = self.app_state.hotkey_config.find_conflicts();
+        let conflict_slots: std::collections::HashSet<&str> =
+            conflicts.into_iter().flat_map(|(a, b)| [a, b]).collect();
+
+        let search = self.app_state.hotkey_search_query.to_lowercase();
+        let mut action: Option<HotkeyAction> = None;
+
+        let slots: Vec<_> = self
+            .app_state
+            .hotkey_config
+            .slots
+            .iter()
+            .filter(|s| {
+                if search.is_empty() {
+                    return true;
+                }
+                s.slot.to_lowercase().contains(&search)
+                    || format!("{:?}", s.action).to_lowercase().contains(&search)
+                    || s.key_chord
+                        .as_deref()
+                        .unwrap_or("")
+                        .to_lowercase()
+                        .contains(&search)
+            })
+            .cloned()
+            .collect();
+
+        let available_width = ui.available_width();
+        let col_width = (available_width / 4.0).max(80.0);
+
+        TableBuilder::new(ui)
+            .striped(true)
+            .column(Column::exact(col_width).clip(true)) // Slot
+            .column(Column::exact(col_width).clip(true)) // Sound / Action name
+            .column(Column::exact(col_width).clip(true)) // Key Chord
+            .column(Column::exact(col_width).clip(true)) // Actions
+            .header(30.0, |mut header| {
+                header.col(|ui| {
+                    ui.label(
+                        RichText::new("Slot")
+                            .strong()
+                            .monospace()
+                            .color(Color32::LIGHT_GRAY),
+                    );
+                });
+                header.col(|ui| {
+                    ui.label(
+                        RichText::new("Sound")
+                            .strong()
+                            .monospace()
+                            .color(Color32::LIGHT_GRAY),
+                    );
+                });
+                header.col(|ui| {
+                    ui.label(
+                        RichText::new("Key Chord")
+                            .strong()
+                            .monospace()
+                            .color(Color32::LIGHT_GRAY),
+                    );
+                });
+                header.col(|ui| {
+                    ui.label(
+                        RichText::new("Actions")
+                            .strong()
+                            .monospace()
+                            .color(Color32::LIGHT_GRAY),
+                    );
+                });
+            })
+            .body(|mut body| {
+                if slots.is_empty() {
+                    body.row(30.0, |mut row| {
+                        row.col(|_| {});
+                        row.col(|ui| {
+                            ui.label(
+                                RichText::new("No hotkey slots configured.")
+                                    .color(Color32::GRAY),
+                            );
+                        });
+                        row.col(|_| {});
+                        row.col(|_| {});
+                    });
+                    return;
+                }
+
+                for slot in &slots {
+                    body.row(30.0, |mut row| {
+                        // Column 1: Slot
+                        row.col(|ui| {
+                            ui.horizontal(|ui| {
+                                if conflict_slots.contains(slot.slot.as_str()) {
+                                    ui.label(
+                                        RichText::new(ICON_WARNING.codepoint)
+                                            .color(Color32::from_rgb(255, 165, 0)),
+                                    )
+                                    .on_hover_text("Key chord conflict");
+                                }
+                                ui.add(
+                                    Label::new(RichText::new(&slot.slot).monospace())
+                                        .truncate(),
+                                );
+                            });
+                        });
+
+                        // Column 2: Sound / Action name
+                        row.col(|ui| {
+                            let action_name = match slot.action.name.as_str() {
+                                "play" => {
+                                    if let Some(file_path_str) =
+                                        slot.action.args.get("file_path")
+                                    {
+                                        Path::new(file_path_str)
+                                            .file_name()
+                                            .unwrap_or_default()
+                                            .to_string_lossy()
+                                            .to_string()
+                                    } else {
+                                        "Play".to_string()
+                                    }
+                                }
+                                "toggle_pause" => "Toggle Pause".to_string(),
+                                "pause" => "Pause Playback".to_string(),
+                                "resume" => "Resume Playback".to_string(),
+                                "stop" => "Stop Playback".to_string(),
+                                "toggle_loop" => "Toggle Loop".to_string(),
+                                other => other.to_string(),
+                            };
+                            ui.add(
+                                Label::new(RichText::new(action_name).monospace()).truncate(),
+                            );
+                        });
+
+                        // Column 3: Key Chord
+                        row.col(|ui| {
+                            let chord_text = slot.key_chord.as_deref().unwrap_or("(none)");
+                            ui.add(
+                                Label::new(RichText::new(chord_text).monospace().color(
+                                    if slot.key_chord.is_some() {
+                                        Color32::from_rgb(100, 200, 100)
+                                    } else {
+                                        Color32::GRAY
+                                    },
+                                ))
+                                .truncate(),
+                            );
+                        });
+
+                        // Column 4: Actions
+                        row.col(|ui| {
+                            ui.horizontal(|ui| {
+                                if ui
+                                    .add(Button::new(ICON_DELETE).frame(false))
+                                    .on_hover_text("Remove slot")
+                                    .clicked()
+                                {
+                                    action = Some(HotkeyAction::Remove(slot.slot.clone()));
+                                }
+                                if ui
+                                    .add(Button::new(ICON_KEYBOARD).frame(false))
+                                    .on_hover_text("Set key chord")
+                                    .clicked()
+                                {
+                                    action = Some(HotkeyAction::Capture(slot.slot.clone()));
+                                }
+                                if slot.key_chord.is_some()
+                                    && ui
+                                        .add(Button::new(ICON_BACKSPACE).frame(false))
+                                        .on_hover_text("Clear key chord")
+                                        .clicked()
+                                {
+                                    action = Some(HotkeyAction::ClearChord(slot.slot.clone()));
+                                }
+                                if ui
+                                    .add(Button::new(ICON_PLAY_ARROW).frame(false))
+                                    .on_hover_text("Play")
+                                    .clicked()
+                                {
+                                    action = Some(HotkeyAction::Play(slot.slot.clone()));
+                                }
+                            });
+                        });
+                    });
+                }
+            });
+
+        action
+    }
+
+    fn handle_hotkey_action(&mut self, action: HotkeyAction) {
+        match action {
+            HotkeyAction::Remove(slot) => {
+                make_request_async(Request::clear_hotkey(&slot));
+                self.app_state.hotkey_config.remove_slot(&slot);
+            }
+            HotkeyAction::Capture(slot) => {
+                self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_slot = Some(slot);
+                self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active = true;
+            }
+            HotkeyAction::ClearChord(slot) => {
+                make_request_async(Request::clear_hotkey_key(&slot));
+                self.app_state.hotkey_config.set_key_chord(&slot, None);
+            }
+            HotkeyAction::Play(slot) => {
+                self.play_hotkey_slot(&slot);
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     fn draw_header(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
@@ -103,10 +423,9 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                 return;
             }
 
-            let tracks = self.audio_player_state.tracks.clone();
             let mut action = None;
 
-            for track in tracks {
+            for track in &self.audio_player_state.tracks {
                 CollapsingHeader::new(
                     RichText::new(
                         track
@@ -139,6 +458,99 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         });
     }
 
+    fn draw_playback_controls(ui: &mut Ui, track: &TrackInfo) -> Option<TrackAction> {
+        let mut action = None;
+
+        let play_button = Button::new(if track.paused {
+            ICON_PLAY_ARROW
+        } else {
+            ICON_PAUSE
+        })
+        .corner_radius(15.0);
+
+        if ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], play_button).clicked() {
+            action = Some(if track.paused {
+                TrackAction::Resume(track.id)
+            } else {
+                TrackAction::Pause(track.id)
+            });
+        }
+
+        let loop_button = Button::new(
+            RichText::new(if track.looped {
+                ICON_REPEAT_ONE
+            } else {
+                ICON_REPEAT
+            })
+            .size(18.0),
+        )
+        .frame(false);
+
+        if ui.add_sized([15.0, 30.0], loop_button).clicked() {
+            action = Some(TrackAction::ToggleLoop(track.id));
+        }
+
+        action
+    }
+
+    fn draw_position_control(
+        ui: &mut Ui,
+        ui_state: &mut pwsp::types::gui::TrackUiState,
+        track: &TrackInfo,
+        default_slider_width: f32,
+    ) {
+        let duration = track.duration.unwrap_or(1.0);
+        let position_slider = Slider::new(&mut ui_state.position_slider_value, 0.0..=duration)
+            .show_value(false)
+            .step_by(0.01);
+
+        let position_slider_width = ui.available_width()
+            - (30.0 * 3.0)
+            - default_slider_width
+            - (ui.spacing().item_spacing.x * 6.0);
+
+        ui.spacing_mut().slider_width = position_slider_width;
+        if ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], position_slider).drag_stopped() {
+            ui_state.position_dragged = true;
+        }
+
+        let time_label =
+            Label::new(RichText::new(format_time_pair(track.position, duration)).monospace());
+        ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], time_label);
+    }
+
+    fn draw_volume_control(
+        ui: &mut Ui,
+        ui_state: &mut pwsp::types::gui::TrackUiState,
+        track: &TrackInfo,
+        default_slider_width: f32,
+    ) {
+        let volume_icon = Self::get_volume_icon(track.volume);
+        let volume_label = Label::new(RichText::new(volume_icon).size(18.0));
+        ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], volume_label)
+            .on_hover_text(format!("Volume: {:.0}%", track.volume * 100.0));
+
+        let volume_slider = Slider::new(&mut ui_state.volume_slider_value, 0.0..=1.0)
+            .show_value(false)
+            .step_by(0.01);
+
+        ui.spacing_mut().slider_width = default_slider_width - 30.0;
+        ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing.x = 0.0;
+
+        if ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], volume_slider).drag_stopped() {
+            ui_state.volume_dragged = true;
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn draw_stop_control(ui: &mut Ui, track: &TrackInfo) -> Option<TrackAction> {
+        let stop_button = Button::new(ICON_CLOSE).frame(false);
+        if ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], stop_button).clicked() {
+            Some(TrackAction::Stop(track.id))
+        } else {
+            None
+        }
+    }
+
     fn draw_track_control(
         ui: &mut Ui,
         app_state: &mut AppState,
@@ -169,93 +581,17 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         let mut action = None;
 
         ui.horizontal_top(|ui| {
-            // ---------- Play Button ----------
-            let play_button = Button::new(if track.paused {
-                ICON_PLAY_ARROW
-            } else {
-                ICON_PAUSE
-            })
-            .corner_radius(15.0);
-
-            let play_button_response = ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], play_button);
-            if play_button_response.clicked() {
-                if track.paused {
-                    action = Some(TrackAction::Resume(track.id));
-                } else {
-                    action = Some(TrackAction::Pause(track.id));
+            if let Some(act) = Self::draw_playback_controls(ui, track) {
+                action = Some(act);
             }
-            }
-            // --------------------------------
-
-            // ---------- Loop Button ----------
-            let loop_button = Button::new(
-                RichText::new(if track.looped {
-                    ICON_REPEAT_ONE
-                } else {
-                    ICON_REPEAT
-                })
-                .size(18.0),
-            )
-            .frame(false);
-
-            let loop_button_response = ui.add_sized([15.0, 30.0], loop_button);
-            if loop_button_response.clicked() {
-                action = Some(TrackAction::ToggleLoop(track.id));
-            }
-            // --------------------------------
-
-            // ---------- Position Slider ----------
-            let duration = track.duration.unwrap_or(1.0);
-            let position_slider = Slider::new(&mut ui_state.position_slider_value, 0.0..=duration)
-                .show_value(false)
-                .step_by(0.01);
 
             let default_slider_width = ui.spacing().slider_width;
-            let position_slider_width = ui.available_width()
-                - (30.0 * 3.0)
-                - default_slider_width
-                - (ui.spacing().item_spacing.x * 6.0);
-            ui.spacing_mut().slider_width = position_slider_width;
-            let position_slider_response = ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], position_slider);
-            if position_slider_response.drag_stopped() {
-                ui_state.position_dragged = true;
+            Self::draw_position_control(ui, ui_state, track, default_slider_width);
+            Self::draw_volume_control(ui, ui_state, track, default_slider_width);
+
+            if let Some(act) = Self::draw_stop_control(ui, track) {
+                action = Some(act);
             }
-            // --------------------------------
-
-            // ---------- Time Label ----------
-            let time_label =
-                Label::new(RichText::new(format_time_pair(track.position, duration)).monospace());
-            ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], time_label);
-            // --------------------------------
-
-            // ---------- Volume Icon ----------
-            let volume_icon = Self::get_volume_icon(track.volume);
-            let volume_label = Label::new(RichText::new(volume_icon).size(18.0));
-            ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], volume_label)
-                .on_hover_text(format!("Volume: {:.0}%", track.volume * 100.0));
-            // --------------------------------
-
-            // ---------- Volume Slider ----------
-            let volume_slider = Slider::new(&mut ui_state.volume_slider_value, 0.0..=1.0)
-                .show_value(false)
-                .step_by(0.01);
-
-            ui.spacing_mut().slider_width = default_slider_width - 30.0;
-            ui.spacing_mut().item_spacing.x = 0.0;
-
-            let volume_slider_response = ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], volume_slider);
-            if volume_slider_response.drag_stopped() {
-                ui_state.volume_dragged = true;
-            }
-            // --------------------------------
-
-            // ---------- Stop Button ---------
-            let stop_button = Button::new(ICON_CLOSE).frame(false);
-            let stop_button_response = ui.add_sized([30.0, 30.0], stop_button);
-            if stop_button_response.clicked() {
-                action = Some(TrackAction::Stop(track.id));
-            }
-            // --------------------------------
         });
 
         action
@@ -321,11 +657,11 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                             .unwrap_or_else(|| path.to_string_lossy().to_string());
 
                         let mut dir_button_text = RichText::new(name.clone());
-                        if let Some(current_dir) = &self.app_state.current_dir {
-                            if current_dir.eq(&path) {
+                        if let Some(current_dir) = &self.app_state.current_dir
+                            && current_dir.eq(&path)
+                        {
                             dir_button_text = dir_button_text.color(Color32::WHITE);
                         }
-                        }
 
                         let dir_button =
                             Button::new(dir_button_text.atom_max_width(area_size.x)).frame(false);
@@ -357,11 +693,10 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                                     ICON_OPEN_IN_BROWSER.codepoint, "Open in File Manager"
                                 ))
                                 .clicked()
+                                && let Err(e) = opener::open(&path)
                             {
-                                if let Err(e) = opener::open(&path) {
                                 eprintln!("Failed to open file manager: {}", e);
                             }
-                            }
 
                             ui.separator();
 
@@ -423,25 +758,38 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                     for entry_path in files {
                         let file_name = entry_path
                             .file_name()
-                            .unwrap()
+                            .unwrap_or_default()
                             .to_string_lossy()
                             .to_string();
 
-                        let mut file_button_text = RichText::new(file_name);
-                        if let Some(current_file) = &self.app_state.selected_file {
-                            if current_file.eq(&entry_path) {
-                                file_button_text = file_button_text.color(Color32::WHITE);
-                            }
+                        ui.horizontal(|ui| {
+                            // Hotkey badge
+                            let hotkey_badge = self.get_hotkey_badge(&entry_path);
+                            if let Some(badge) = &hotkey_badge {
+                                ui.label(
+                                    RichText::new(badge)
+                                        .small()
+                                        .monospace()
+                                        .color(Color32::from_rgb(100, 200, 100)),
+                                );
                             }
 
-                        let file_button = Button::new(file_button_text).frame(false);
+                            let mut file_button_text = RichText::new(&file_name);
+                            if let Some(current_file) = &self.app_state.selected_file
+                                && current_file.eq(&entry_path)
+                            {
+                                file_button_text = file_button_text.color(Color32::WHITE);
+                            }
+
+                            let file_button = Button::new(file_button_text).frame(false).truncate();
                             let file_button_response = ui.add(file_button);
                             if file_button_response.clicked() {
                                 ui.input(|i| {
                                     if i.modifiers.ctrl {
                                         self.play_file(&entry_path, true);
                                     } else if i.modifiers.shift
-                                    && let Some(last_track) = self.audio_player_state.tracks.last()
+                                        && let Some(last_track) =
+                                            self.audio_player_state.tracks.last()
                                     {
                                         self.stop(Some(last_track.id));
                                         self.play_file(&entry_path, true);
@@ -471,7 +819,10 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                                 }
 
                                 if ui
-                                .button(format!("{} {}", ICON_SWAP_HORIZ.codepoint, "Replace Last"))
+                                    .button(format!(
+                                        "{} {}",
+                                        ICON_SWAP_HORIZ.codepoint, "Replace Last"
+                                    ))
                                     .clicked()
                                     && let Some(last_track) = self.audio_player_state.tracks.last()
                                 {
@@ -488,18 +839,49 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                                         ICON_OPEN_IN_BROWSER.codepoint, "Show in File Manager"
                                     ))
                                     .clicked()
+                                    && let Err(e) = opener::reveal(&entry_path)
                                 {
-                                if let Err(e) = opener::reveal(&entry_path) {
                                     eprintln!("Failed to open file manager: {}", e);
                                 }
+
+                                ui.separator();
+
+                                if ui
+                                    .button(format!(
+                                        "{} {}",
+                                        ICON_KEYBOARD.codepoint, "Assign Hotkey"
+                                    ))
+                                    .clicked()
+                                {
+                                    self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_for_file =
+                                        Some(entry_path.clone());
+                                    self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active = true;
+                                    ui.close();
                                 }
                             });
+                        });
                     }
                 });
             });
         });
     }
 
+    fn get_hotkey_badge(&self, path: &PathBuf) -> Option<String> {
+        for slot in &self.app_state.hotkey_config.slots {
+            if slot.action.name == "play"
+                && let Some(file_path_str) = slot.action.args.get("file_path")
+                && Path::new(file_path_str) == path.as_path()
+            {
+                if let Some(chord) = &slot.key_chord {
+                    return Some(format!("[{}]", chord));
+                } else {
+                    return Some(format!("[{}]", slot.slot));
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        None
+    }
+
     fn draw_footer(&mut self, ui: &mut Ui) {
         ui.add_space(5.0);
         ui.horizontal(|ui| {
@@ -556,7 +938,17 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
             }
             // ------------------------------------------
 
-            ui.add_space(ui.available_width() - 18.0 - ui.spacing().item_spacing.x);
+            ui.add_space(ui.available_width() - 18.0 * 2.0 - ui.spacing().item_spacing.x * 2.0);
+
+            // ---------- Hotkeys button ----------
+            let hotkeys_button =
+                Button::new(ICON_KEYBOARD.atom_size(Vec2::new(18.0, 18.0))).frame(false);
+            let hotkeys_button_response = ui.add_sized([18.0, 18.0], hotkeys_button);
+            if hotkeys_button_response.clicked() {
+                self.app_state.show_hotkeys = true;
+            }
+            hotkeys_button_response.on_hover_text("Hotkeys (H)");
+            // --------------------------------
 
             // ---------- Settings button ----------
             let settings_button =

src/gui/input.rs

@@ -1,8 +1,85 @@
 use crate::gui::SoundpadGui;
 use egui::{Context, Id, Key, Modifiers};
+use pwsp::types::socket::Request;
+use pwsp::utils::gui::make_request_async;
 
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
+/// Convert an egui Key + Modifiers to a normalized chord string like "Ctrl+Shift+A".
+fn chord_from_event(modifiers: &Modifiers, key: &Key) -> Option<String> {
+    let key_name = key.name();
+    let is_valid = (key_name.len() == 1
+        && key_name
+            .chars()
+            .next()
+            .is_some_and(|c| c.is_ascii_alphanumeric()))
+        || (key_name.starts_with('F')
+            && key_name.len() > 1
+            && key_name[1..].chars().all(|c| c.is_ascii_digit()));
+    if !is_valid {
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    // Require at least one modifier for hotkey chords (ignoring command/Super due to Wayland/Niri bug)
+    if !modifiers.ctrl && !modifiers.alt && !modifiers.shift {
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    let mut parts = vec![];
+    if modifiers.ctrl {
+        parts.push("Ctrl");
+    }
+    if modifiers.alt {
+        parts.push("Alt");
+    }
+    if modifiers.shift {
+        parts.push("Shift");
+    }
+    // We intentionally ignore modifiers.command (Super) here to bypass a Wayland/Niri bug
+    // where the Super key modifier is constantly active.
+
+    parts.push(key_name);
+
+    Some(parts.join("+"))
+}
+
+/// Parse a chord string back to (Modifiers, Key) for matching.
+pub fn parse_chord(chord: &str) -> Option<(Modifiers, Key)> {
+    let parts: Vec<&str> = chord.split('+').collect();
+    if parts.is_empty() {
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    let mut modifiers = Modifiers::NONE;
+    for &part in &parts[..parts.len() - 1] {
+        match part {
+            "Ctrl" => modifiers.ctrl = true,
+            "Alt" => modifiers.alt = true,
+            "Shift" => modifiers.shift = true,
+            "Super" => modifiers.command = true,
+            _ => return None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    let key_name = parts[parts.len() - 1];
+    let is_valid = (key_name.len() == 1
+        && key_name
+            .chars()
+            .next()
+            .is_some_and(|c| c.is_ascii_alphanumeric()))
+        || (key_name.starts_with('F')
+            && key_name.len() > 1
+            && key_name[1..].chars().all(|c| c.is_ascii_digit()));
+
+    if !is_valid {
+        return None;
+    }
+
+    let key = Key::from_name(key_name)?;
+
+    Some((modifiers, key))
+}
+
 impl SoundpadGui {
     fn key_pressed(&self, ctx: &Context, key: Key) -> bool {
         ctx.input(|i| i.key_pressed(key))
@@ -29,12 +106,76 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
             }
         };
 
+        // Handle hotkey capture mode: listen for a key chord to assign
+        if self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active {
+            if self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::Escape) {
+                self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active = false;
+                self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_slot = None;
+                self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_for_file = None;
+                return;
+            }
+
+            // Try to capture a chord from any key press
+            let captured = ctx.input(|i| {
+                for event in &i.events {
+                    if let egui::Event::Key {
+                        key,
+                        pressed: true,
+                        modifiers: mods,
+                        ..
+                    } = event
+                        && let Some(chord) = chord_from_event(mods, key)
+                    {
+                        return Some(chord);
+                    }
+                }
+                None
+            });
+
+            if let Some(chord) = captured {
+                if let Some(slot) = self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_slot.take() {
+                    make_request_async(Request::set_hotkey_key(&slot, &chord));
+                    self.app_state
+                        .hotkey_config
+                        .set_key_chord(&slot, Some(chord));
+                } else if let Some(file_path) = self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_for_file.take() {
+                    // Auto-create a slot from the file name
+                    let slot_name = file_path
+                        .file_stem()
+                        .unwrap_or_default()
+                        .to_string_lossy()
+                        .to_string();
+                    let action = Request::play(&file_path.to_string_lossy(), false);
+
+                    make_request_async(Request::set_hotkey_action_and_key(
+                        &slot_name, &action, &chord,
+                    ));
+
+                    self.app_state
+                        .hotkey_config
+                        .set_slot(slot_name.clone(), action);
+                    self.app_state
+                        .hotkey_config
+                        .set_key_chord(&slot_name, Some(chord.clone()));
+                }
+                self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active = false;
+                self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_slot = None;
+                self.app_state.assigning_hotkey_for_file = None;
+            }
+            return;
+        }
+
         // Open/close settings
         if !search_focused && self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::I) {
             self.app_state.show_settings = !self.app_state.show_settings;
         }
 
-        if !self.app_state.show_settings {
+        // Toggle hotkeys view
+        if !search_focused && self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::H) {
+            self.app_state.show_hotkeys = !self.app_state.show_hotkeys;
+        }
+
+        if !self.app_state.show_settings && !self.app_state.show_hotkeys {
             // Pause / resume audio on space
             if !search_focused && self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::Space) {
                 self.play_toggle();
@@ -57,8 +198,9 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
             }
 
             // Play selected file on Enter
-            if self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::Enter) {
-                if let Some(path) = self.app_state.selected_file.clone() {
+            if self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::Enter)
+                && let Some(path) = self.app_state.selected_file.clone()
+            {
                 if modifiers.ctrl {
                     self.play_file(&path, true);
                 } else if modifiers.shift
@@ -70,14 +212,13 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                     self.play_file(&path, false);
                 }
             }
-            }
 
             // Iterate through dirs and files with Ctrl + Up/Down
             let arrow_up_pressed = self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::ArrowUp);
             let arrow_down_pressed = self.key_pressed(ctx, Key::ArrowDown);
             if modifiers.ctrl && (arrow_up_pressed || arrow_down_pressed) {
                 if modifiers.shift && !self.app_state.dirs.is_empty() {
-                    let mut dirs: Vec<PathBuf> = self.app_state.dirs.iter().cloned().collect();
+                    let mut dirs: Vec<PathBuf> = self.app_state.dirs.to_vec();
                     dirs.sort();
 
                     let current_dir_index = self
@@ -123,6 +264,25 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
                     self.app_state.selected_file = Some(files[new_files_index].clone());
                 }
             }
+
+            // Check for hotkey chord triggers
+            let slots_to_play: Vec<String> = ctx.input(|i| {
+                let mut result = vec![];
+                for slot in &self.app_state.hotkey_config.slots {
+                    if let Some(chord) = &slot.key_chord
+                        && let Some((mods, key)) = parse_chord(chord)
+                        && i.modifiers == mods
+                        && i.key_pressed(key)
+                    {
+                        result.push(slot.slot.clone());
+                    }
+                }
+                result
+            });
+
+            for slot in slots_to_play {
+                self.play_hotkey_slot(&slot);
+            }
         }
         // });
     }

src/gui/mod.rs

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ use pwsp::{
     types::{
         audio_player::PlayerState,
         config::GuiConfig,
+        config::HotkeyConfig,
         gui::{AppState, AudioPlayerState},
         socket::Request,
     },
@@ -24,8 +25,8 @@ use std::{
     sync::{Arc, Mutex},
 };
 
-const SUPPORTED_EXTENSIONS: [&str; 11] = [
-    "mp3", "wav", "ogg", "flac", "mp4", "m4a", "aac", "mov", "mkv", "webm", "avi",
+const SUPPORTED_EXTENSIONS: [&str; 13] = [
+    "mp3", "wav", "ogg", "flac", "mp4", "m4a", "aac", "mov", "mkv", "mka", "webm", "avi", "opus",
 ];
 
 struct SoundpadGui {
@@ -52,6 +53,7 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         };
 
         soundpad_gui.app_state.dirs = config.dirs;
+        soundpad_gui.app_state.hotkey_config = HotkeyConfig::load().unwrap_or_default();
 
         soundpad_gui
     }
@@ -148,6 +150,10 @@ impl SoundpadGui {
         make_request_async(Request::stop(id));
     }
 
+    pub fn play_hotkey_slot(&mut self, slot: &str) {
+        make_request_async(Request::play_hotkey(slot));
+    }
+
     pub fn get_filtered_files(&self) -> Vec<PathBuf> {
         let mut files: Vec<PathBuf> = self.app_state.files.iter().cloned().collect();
         files.sort();

src/gui/update.rs

@@ -77,10 +77,13 @@ impl App for SoundpadGui {
 
         // Sync audio player state
         {
-            let guard = self
+            let mut guard = self
                 .audio_player_state_shared
                 .lock()
                 .unwrap_or_else(|e| e.into_inner());
+            if let Some(config) = guard.hotkey_config.take() {
+                self.app_state.hotkey_config = config;
+            }
             self.audio_player_state = guard.clone();
         }
 
@@ -107,12 +110,22 @@ impl App for SoundpadGui {
                 return;
             }
 
+            if self.app_state.hotkey_capture_active {
+                self.draw_hotkey_capture(ui);
+                return;
+            }
+
             if self.app_state.show_settings {
                 self.draw_settings(ui);
                 return;
             }
 
-            self.draw(ui).ok();
+            if self.app_state.show_hotkeys {
+                self.draw_hotkeys(ui);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            self.draw(ui);
         });
 
         // Request repaint

src/types/audio_player.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ use crate::{
     types::pipewire::{DeviceType, Terminate},
     utils::{
         daemon::get_daemon_config,
-        pipewire::{create_link, get_device},
+        pipewire::{create_link, get_device, link_player_to_virtual_mic},
     },
 };
 use rodio::{Decoder, DeviceSinkBuilder, MixerDeviceSink, Player, Source};
@@ -53,11 +53,12 @@ pub struct PlayingSound {
 }
 
 pub struct AudioPlayer {
-    pub stream_handle: MixerDeviceSink,
+    stream_handle: Option<MixerDeviceSink>,
     pub tracks: HashMap<u32, PlayingSound>,
     pub next_id: u32,
 
     input_link_sender: Option<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>>,
+    player_link_sender: Option<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>>,
     pub input_device_name: Option<String>,
 
     pub volume: f32, // Master volume
@@ -68,14 +69,13 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
         let daemon_config = get_daemon_config();
         let default_volume = daemon_config.default_volume.unwrap_or(1.0);
 
-        let stream_handle = DeviceSinkBuilder::open_default_sink()?;
-
         let mut audio_player = AudioPlayer {
-            stream_handle,
+            stream_handle: None,
             tracks: HashMap::new(),
             next_id: 1,
 
             input_link_sender: None,
+            player_link_sender: None,
             input_device_name: daemon_config.default_input_name.clone(),
 
             volume: default_volume,
@@ -88,16 +88,56 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
         Ok(audio_player)
     }
 
+    fn ensure_stream(&mut self) -> Result<&MixerDeviceSink, Box<dyn Error>> {
+        if self.stream_handle.is_none() {
+            let mut sink = DeviceSinkBuilder::open_default_sink()?;
+            sink.log_on_drop(false);
+            self.stream_handle = Some(sink);
+        }
+        Ok(self.stream_handle.as_ref().unwrap())
+    }
+
+    fn drop_stream(&mut self) {
+        if self.stream_handle.is_some() {
+            self.stream_handle = None;
+            self.abort_player_link_thread();
+        }
+    }
+
     fn abort_link_thread(&mut self) {
         if let Some(sender) = &self.input_link_sender {
-            match sender.send(Terminate {}) {
-                Ok(_) => {
-                    println!("Sent terminate signal to link thread");
+            if sender.send(Terminate {}).is_ok() {
+                println!("Sent terminate signal to input link thread");
                 self.input_link_sender = None;
+            } else {
+                eprintln!("Failed to send terminate signal to input link thread");
             }
-                Err(_) => eprintln!("Failed to send terminate signal to link thread"),
         }
     }
+
+    fn abort_player_link_thread(&mut self) {
+        if let Some(sender) = &self.player_link_sender {
+            if sender.send(Terminate {}).is_ok() {
+                println!("Sent terminate signal to player link thread");
+                self.player_link_sender = None;
+            } else {
+                eprintln!("Failed to send terminate signal to player link thread");
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    async fn link_player(&mut self) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
+        if self.player_link_sender.is_some() {
+            return Ok(());
+        }
+
+        match link_player_to_virtual_mic().await {
+            Ok(sender) => {
+                self.player_link_sender = Some(sender);
+                Ok(())
+            }
+            Err(_) => Ok(()),
+        }
     }
 
     async fn link_devices(&mut self) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
@@ -179,6 +219,9 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
         } else {
             self.tracks.clear();
         }
+        if self.tracks.is_empty() {
+            self.drop_stream();
+        }
     }
 
     pub fn is_paused(&self) -> bool {
@@ -211,12 +254,12 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
     pub fn get_volume(&mut self, id: Option<u32>) -> Option<f32> {
         if let Some(id) = id {
             if let Some(sound) = self.tracks.get_mut(&id) {
-                return Some(sound.sink.volume());
+                Some(sound.sink.volume())
             } else {
-                return None;
+                None
             }
         } else {
-            return Some(self.volume);
+            Some(self.volume)
         }
     }
 
@@ -299,12 +342,16 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
                     self.tracks.clear();
                 }
 
+                self.ensure_stream()?;
+                self.link_player().await.ok();
+
                 let id = self.next_id;
                 self.next_id += 1;
 
                 let duration = source.total_duration().map(|d| d.as_secs_f32());
 
-                let sink = Player::connect_new(self.stream_handle.mixer());
+                let mixer = self.stream_handle.as_ref().unwrap().mixer();
+                let sink = Player::connect_new(mixer);
                 sink.set_volume(self.volume); // Default volume is 1.0 * master
                 sink.append(source);
                 sink.play();
@@ -358,11 +405,12 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
         tracks
     }
 
-    pub async fn update(&mut self) {
+    pub async fn update(&mut self, check_devices: bool) {
+        if check_devices {
             if let Some(input_device_name) = &self.input_device_name {
                 // Unlink devices if selected input device was removed
-            if self.input_link_sender.is_some() && get_device(input_device_name).await.is_err() {
-                // Selected input device was removed
+                if self.input_link_sender.is_some() && get_device(input_device_name).await.is_err()
+                {
                     eprintln!(
                         "Selected input device {} was removed, unlinking devices",
                         input_device_name
@@ -375,6 +423,11 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
                 }
             }
 
+            if self.stream_handle.is_some() && self.player_link_sender.is_none() {
+                self.link_player().await.ok();
+            }
+        }
+
         // Handle looped sounds
         let mut restarts = vec![];
 
@@ -390,11 +443,11 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
             if let Some(sound) = self.tracks.get(&id) {
                 let path = sound.path.clone();
                 let handle = tokio::task::spawn_blocking(move || {
-                    if let Ok(file) = fs::File::open(&path) {
-                        if let Ok(source) = Decoder::try_from(file) {
+                    if let Ok(file) = fs::File::open(&path)
+                        && let Ok(source) = Decoder::try_from(file)
+                    {
                         return Some((id, source));
                     }
-                    }
                     None
                 });
                 restart_futures.push(handle);
@@ -402,16 +455,21 @@ impl AudioPlayer {
         }
 
         for handle in restart_futures {
-            if let Ok(Some((id, source))) = handle.await {
-                if let Some(sound) = self.tracks.get_mut(&id) {
+            if let Ok(res) = handle.await
+                && let Some((id, source)) = res
+                && let Some(sound) = self.tracks.get_mut(&id)
+            {
                 sound.sink.append(source);
                 sound.sink.play();
             }
         }
-        }
 
         self.tracks
             .retain(|_, sound| !sound.sink.empty() || sound.looped);
+
+        if self.tracks.is_empty() {
+            self.drop_stream();
+        }
     }
 
     pub async fn set_current_input_device(&mut self, name: &str) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {

src/types/commands.rs

@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 use crate::{
     types::{
         audio_player::{FullState, PlayerState},
-        socket::Response,
+        config::HotkeyConfig,
+        socket::{Request, Response},
     },
     utils::{
+        commands::parse_command,
         daemon::get_audio_player,
         pipewire::{get_all_devices, get_device},
     },
@@ -90,6 +92,41 @@ pub struct GetDaemonVersionCommand {}
 
 pub struct GetFullStateCommand {}
 
+pub struct GetHotkeysCommand {}
+
+pub struct SetHotkeyCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+    pub file_path: Option<PathBuf>,
+}
+
+pub struct SetHotkeyActionCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+    pub action: Option<Request>,
+}
+
+pub struct SetHotkeyKeyCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+    pub key_chord: Option<String>,
+}
+
+pub struct SetHotkeyActionAndKeyCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+    pub action: Option<Request>,
+    pub key_chord: Option<String>,
+}
+
+pub struct PlayHotkeyCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+}
+
+pub struct ClearHotkeyCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+}
+
+pub struct ClearHotkeyKeyCommand {
+    pub slot: Option<String>,
+}
+
 #[async_trait]
 impl Executable for PingCommand {
     async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
@@ -481,3 +518,208 @@ impl Executable for GetFullStateCommand {
         }
     }
 }
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for GetHotkeysCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(config) => match serde_json::to_string(&config) {
+                Ok(json) => Response::new(true, json),
+                Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to serialize hotkeys: {}", err)),
+            },
+            Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for SetHotkeyCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+        let Some(file_path) = &self.file_path else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing file path");
+        };
+
+        let mut config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        config.set_slot(
+            slot.clone(),
+            Request::play(&file_path.to_string_lossy(), false),
+        );
+
+        match config.save() {
+            Ok(_) => Response::new(true, format!("Hotkey slot '{}' set", slot)),
+            Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to save hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for SetHotkeyActionCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+        let Some(action) = &self.action else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing or invalid action");
+        };
+
+        let mut config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        config.set_slot(slot.clone(), action.clone());
+
+        match config.save() {
+            Ok(_) => Response::new(true, format!("Hotkey slot '{}' set", slot)),
+            Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to save hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for SetHotkeyKeyCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+        let Some(key_chord) = &self.key_chord else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing key chord");
+        };
+
+        let mut config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        if !config.set_key_chord(slot, Some(key_chord.clone())) {
+            return Response::new(false, format!("Slot '{}' not found", slot));
+        }
+
+        match config.save() {
+            Ok(_) => Response::new(
+                true,
+                format!("Key chord for slot '{}' set to '{}'", slot, key_chord),
+            ),
+            Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to save hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for SetHotkeyActionAndKeyCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+        let Some(action) = &self.action else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing or invalid action");
+        };
+        let Some(key_chord) = &self.key_chord else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing key chord");
+        };
+
+        let mut config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        // Set the action and then the key chord
+        config.set_slot(slot.clone(), action.clone());
+        if !config.set_key_chord(slot, Some(key_chord.clone())) {
+            return Response::new(
+                false,
+                format!("Slot '{}' not found after setting action", slot),
+            );
+        }
+
+        match config.save() {
+            Ok(_) => Response::new(
+                true,
+                format!(
+                    "Hotkey slot '{}' set with action and key chord '{}'",
+                    slot, key_chord
+                ),
+            ),
+            Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to save hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for PlayHotkeyCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+
+        let config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        let Some(hotkey_slot) = config.find_slot(slot) else {
+            return Response::new(false, format!("Slot '{}' not found", slot));
+        };
+
+        let action = hotkey_slot.action.clone();
+
+        if let Some(cmd) = parse_command(&action) {
+            cmd.execute().await
+        } else {
+            Response::new(false, "Unknown command in hotkey slot")
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for ClearHotkeyCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+
+        let mut config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        if config.remove_slot(slot) {
+            match config.save() {
+                Ok(_) => Response::new(true, format!("Hotkey slot '{}' cleared", slot)),
+                Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to save hotkeys: {}", err)),
+            }
+        } else {
+            Response::new(false, format!("Slot '{}' not found", slot))
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[async_trait]
+impl Executable for ClearHotkeyKeyCommand {
+    async fn execute(&self) -> Response {
+        let Some(slot) = &self.slot else {
+            return Response::new(false, "Missing slot name");
+        };
+
+        let mut config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+            Ok(c) => c,
+            Err(err) => return Response::new(false, format!("Failed to load hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        };
+
+        if !config.set_key_chord(slot, None) {
+            return Response::new(false, format!("Slot '{}' not found", slot));
+        }
+
+        match config.save() {
+            Ok(_) => Response::new(true, format!("Key chord for slot '{}' cleared", slot)),
+            Err(err) => Response::new(false, format!("Failed to save hotkeys: {}", err)),
+        }
+    }
+}

src/types/config.rs

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-use crate::utils::config::get_config_path;
+use crate::{types::socket::Request, utils::config::get_config_path};
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
-use std::{error::Error, fs, path::PathBuf};
+use std::{collections::HashMap, error::Error, fs, path::PathBuf};
 
 #[derive(Default, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 #[serde(default)]
@@ -13,11 +13,11 @@ impl DaemonConfig {
     pub fn save_to_file(&self) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
         let config_path = get_config_path()?.join("daemon.json");
 
-        if let Some(config_dir) = config_path.parent() {
-            if !config_path.exists() {
+        if let Some(config_dir) = config_path.parent()
+            && !config_path.exists()
+        {
             fs::create_dir_all(config_dir)?;
         }
-        }
 
         let config_json = serde_json::to_string_pretty(self)?;
         fs::write(config_path, config_json.as_bytes())?;
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ impl GuiConfig {
     pub fn save_to_file(&mut self) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
         let config_path = get_config_path()?.join("gui.json");
 
-        if let Some(config_dir) = config_path.parent() {
-            if !config_path.exists() {
+        if let Some(config_dir) = config_path.parent()
+            && !config_path.exists()
+        {
             fs::create_dir_all(config_dir)?;
         }
-        }
 
         // Do not save scale factor if user does not want to
         if !self.save_scale_factor {
@@ -93,3 +93,113 @@ impl GuiConfig {
         }
     }
 }
+
+#[derive(Clone, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct HotkeySlot {
+    pub slot: String,
+    pub action: Request,
+    pub key_chord: Option<String>,
+}
+
+#[derive(Default, Clone, Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct HotkeyConfig {
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub slots: Vec<HotkeySlot>,
+}
+
+impl HotkeyConfig {
+    pub fn config_path() -> Result<PathBuf, Box<dyn Error>> {
+        Ok(get_config_path()?.join("hotkeys.json"))
+    }
+
+    pub fn load() -> Result<HotkeyConfig, Box<dyn Error>> {
+        let path = Self::config_path()?;
+        if !path.exists() {
+            return Ok(HotkeyConfig::default());
+        }
+        let bytes = fs::read(&path)?;
+        match serde_json::from_slice::<HotkeyConfig>(&bytes) {
+            Ok(config) => Ok(config),
+            Err(e) => Err(e.into()),
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn save(&self) -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
+        let path = Self::config_path()?;
+        if let Some(dir) = path.parent()
+            && !dir.exists()
+        {
+            fs::create_dir_all(dir)?;
+        }
+        let json = serde_json::to_string_pretty(self)?;
+        fs::write(path, json.as_bytes())?;
+        Ok(())
+    }
+
+    pub fn find_slot(&self, slot: &str) -> Option<&HotkeySlot> {
+        self.slots.iter().find(|s| s.slot == slot)
+    }
+
+    pub fn find_slot_mut(&mut self, slot: &str) -> Option<&mut HotkeySlot> {
+        self.slots.iter_mut().find(|s| s.slot == slot)
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_slot(&mut self, slot: String, action: Request) {
+        if let Some(existing) = self.find_slot_mut(&slot) {
+            existing.action = action;
+        } else {
+            self.slots.push(HotkeySlot {
+                slot,
+                action,
+                key_chord: None,
+            });
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_key_chord(&mut self, slot: &str, key_chord: Option<String>) -> bool {
+        if let Some(existing) = self.find_slot_mut(slot) {
+            existing.key_chord = key_chord;
+            true
+        } else {
+            false
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn remove_slot(&mut self, slot: &str) -> bool {
+        let len = self.slots.len();
+        self.slots.retain(|s| s.slot != slot);
+        self.slots.len() != len
+    }
+
+    /// Returns pairs of slot names that share the same key chord.
+    pub fn find_conflicts(&self) -> Vec<(&str, &str)> {
+        let mut conflicts = vec![];
+        let mut chord_map: HashMap<&str, Vec<&str>> = HashMap::new();
+
+        for s in &self.slots {
+            if let Some(chord) = &s.key_chord {
+                chord_map.entry(chord.as_str()).or_default().push(&s.slot);
+            }
+        }
+
+        for slots in chord_map.values() {
+            if slots.len() > 1 {
+                for i in 0..slots.len() {
+                    for j in (i + 1)..slots.len() {
+                        conflicts.push((slots[i], slots[j]));
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        conflicts
+    }
+
+    /// Find which slot(s) have the given key chord.
+    pub fn slots_for_chord(&self, chord: &str) -> Vec<&HotkeySlot> {
+        self.slots
+            .iter()
+            .filter(|s| s.key_chord.as_deref() == Some(chord))
+            .collect()
+    }
+}

src/types/gui.rs

@@ -1,4 +1,7 @@
-use crate::types::audio_player::{PlayerState, TrackInfo};
+use crate::types::{
+    audio_player::{PlayerState, TrackInfo},
+    config::HotkeyConfig,
+};
 
 use egui::Id;
 
@@ -42,6 +45,13 @@ pub struct AppState {
 
     pub selected_file: Option<PathBuf>,
     pub files: HashSet<PathBuf>,
+
+    pub show_hotkeys: bool,
+    pub hotkey_config: HotkeyConfig,
+    pub hotkey_search_query: String,
+    pub assigning_hotkey_slot: Option<String>,
+    pub assigning_hotkey_for_file: Option<PathBuf>,
+    pub hotkey_capture_active: bool,
 }
 
 #[derive(Default, Debug, Clone)]
@@ -58,4 +68,6 @@ pub struct AudioPlayerState {
     pub all_inputs_sorted: Vec<(String, String)>,
 
     pub is_daemon_running: bool,
+
+    pub hotkey_config: Option<HotkeyConfig>,
 }

src/types/socket.rs

@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
-#[derive(Default, Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub const MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE: usize = 128 * 1024;
+
+#[derive(Default, Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize, PartialEq)]
 pub struct Request {
     pub name: String,
     pub args: HashMap<String, String>,
@@ -173,6 +175,53 @@ impl Request {
     pub fn get_full_state() -> Self {
         Request::new("get_full_state", vec![])
     }
+
+    pub fn get_hotkeys() -> Self {
+        Request::new("get_hotkeys", vec![])
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_hotkey(slot: &str, file_path: &str) -> Self {
+        Request::new("set_hotkey", vec![("slot", slot), ("file_path", file_path)])
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_hotkey_key(slot: &str, key_chord: &str) -> Self {
+        Request::new(
+            "set_hotkey_key",
+            vec![("slot", slot), ("key_chord", key_chord)],
+        )
+    }
+
+    pub fn clear_hotkey(slot: &str) -> Self {
+        Request::new("clear_hotkey", vec![("slot", slot)])
+    }
+
+    pub fn play_hotkey(slot: &str) -> Self {
+        Request::new("play_hotkey", vec![("slot", slot)])
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_hotkey_action(slot: &str, action: &Request) -> Self {
+        let action_json = serde_json::to_string(action).unwrap_or_default();
+        Request::new(
+            "set_hotkey_action",
+            vec![("slot", slot), ("action", &action_json)],
+        )
+    }
+
+    pub fn clear_hotkey_key(slot: &str) -> Self {
+        Request::new("clear_hotkey_key", vec![("slot", slot)])
+    }
+
+    pub fn set_hotkey_action_and_key(slot: &str, action: &Request, key_chord: &str) -> Self {
+        let action_json = serde_json::to_string(action).unwrap_or_default();
+        Request::new(
+            "set_hotkey_action_and_key",
+            vec![
+                ("slot", slot),
+                ("action", &action_json),
+                ("key_chord", key_chord),
+            ],
+        )
+    }
 }
 
 #[derive(Default, Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]

src/utils/commands.rs

@@ -72,6 +72,138 @@ pub fn parse_command(request: &Request) -> Option<Box<dyn Executable + Send>> {
         "toggle_loop" => Some(Box::new(ToggleLoopCommand { id })),
         "get_daemon_version" => Some(Box::new(GetDaemonVersionCommand {})),
         "get_full_state" => Some(Box::new(GetFullStateCommand {})),
+        "get_hotkeys" => Some(Box::new(GetHotkeysCommand {})),
+        "set_hotkey" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            let file_path = request
+                .args
+                .get("file_path")
+                .and_then(|s| s.parse::<PathBuf>().ok());
+            Some(Box::new(SetHotkeyCommand { slot, file_path }))
+        }
+        "set_hotkey_key" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            let key_chord = request.args.get("key_chord").cloned();
+            Some(Box::new(SetHotkeyKeyCommand { slot, key_chord }))
+        }
+        "clear_hotkey" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            Some(Box::new(ClearHotkeyCommand { slot }))
+        }
+        "play_hotkey" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            Some(Box::new(PlayHotkeyCommand { slot }))
+        }
+        "set_hotkey_action" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            let action = request
+                .args
+                .get("action")
+                .and_then(|s| serde_json::from_str::<Request>(s).ok());
+            Some(Box::new(SetHotkeyActionCommand { slot, action }))
+        }
+        "clear_hotkey_key" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            Some(Box::new(ClearHotkeyKeyCommand { slot }))
+        }
+        "set_hotkey_action_and_key" => {
+            let slot = request.args.get("slot").cloned();
+            let action = request
+                .args
+                .get("action")
+                .and_then(|s| serde_json::from_str::<Request>(s).ok());
+            let key_chord = request.args.get("key_chord").cloned();
+            Some(Box::new(SetHotkeyActionAndKeyCommand {
+                slot,
+                action,
+                key_chord,
+            }))
+        }
         _ => None,
     }
 }
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use crate::types::socket::Request;
+    use std::collections::HashMap;
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_parse_set_volume_valid() {
+        let mut args = HashMap::new();
+        args.insert("volume".to_string(), "0.5".to_string());
+        args.insert("id".to_string(), "1".to_string());
+        let request = Request {
+            name: "set_volume".to_string(),
+            args,
+        };
+
+        let cmd = parse_command(&request);
+        assert!(cmd.is_some());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_parse_set_volume_missing_volume() {
+        let mut args = HashMap::new();
+        args.insert("id".to_string(), "1".to_string());
+        let request = Request {
+            name: "set_volume".to_string(),
+            args,
+        };
+
+        let cmd = parse_command(&request);
+        assert!(cmd.is_some());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_parse_set_volume_invalid_volume() {
+        let mut args = HashMap::new();
+        args.insert("volume".to_string(), "not-a-float".to_string());
+        let request = Request {
+            name: "set_volume".to_string(),
+            args,
+        };
+
+        let cmd = parse_command(&request);
+        assert!(cmd.is_some());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_parse_set_volume_missing_id() {
+        let mut args = HashMap::new();
+        args.insert("volume".to_string(), "0.5".to_string());
+        let request = Request {
+            name: "set_volume".to_string(),
+            args,
+        };
+
+        let cmd = parse_command(&request);
+        assert!(cmd.is_some());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_parse_set_volume_invalid_id() {
+        let mut args = HashMap::new();
+        args.insert("id".to_string(), "not-an-int".to_string());
+        args.insert("volume".to_string(), "0.5".to_string());
+        let request = Request {
+            name: "set_volume".to_string(),
+            args,
+        };
+
+        let cmd = parse_command(&request);
+        assert!(cmd.is_some());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_parse_set_volume_empty_args() {
+        let request = Request {
+            name: "set_volume".to_string(),
+            args: HashMap::new(),
+        };
+
+        let cmd = parse_command(&request);
+        assert!(cmd.is_some());
+    }
+}

src/utils/daemon.rs

@@ -1,11 +1,9 @@
-use crate::{
-    types::{
+use crate::types::{
     audio_player::AudioPlayer,
     config::DaemonConfig,
-        socket::{Request, Response},
-    },
-    utils::pipewire::{create_link, get_device},
+    socket::{MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE, Request, Response},
 };
+
 use std::os::unix::fs::PermissionsExt;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use std::{error::Error, fs};
@@ -38,44 +36,6 @@ pub fn get_daemon_config() -> DaemonConfig {
     })
 }
 
-pub async fn link_player_to_virtual_mic() -> Result<(), Box<dyn Error>> {
-    let pwsp_daemon_output;
-    if let Ok(device) = get_device("pwsp-daemon").await {
-        pwsp_daemon_output = device;
-    } else {
-        return Err(
-            "Could not find alsa_playback.pwsp-daemon device, skipping device linking".into(),
-        );
-    }
-
-    let pwsp_daemon_input;
-    if let Ok(device) = get_device("pwsp-virtual-mic").await {
-        pwsp_daemon_input = device;
-    } else {
-        return Err("Could not find pwsp-virtual-mic device, skipping device linking".into());
-    }
-
-    let output_fl = pwsp_daemon_output
-        .clone()
-        .output_fl
-        .expect("Failed to get pwsp-daemon output_fl");
-    let output_fr = pwsp_daemon_output
-        .clone()
-        .output_fr
-        .expect("Failed to get pwsp-daemon output_fl");
-    let input_fl = pwsp_daemon_input
-        .clone()
-        .input_fl
-        .expect("Failed to get pwsp-daemon input_fl");
-    let input_fr = pwsp_daemon_input
-        .clone()
-        .input_fr
-        .expect("Failed to get pwsp-daemon input_fr");
-    create_link(output_fl, output_fr, input_fl, input_fr)?;
-
-    Ok(())
-}
-
 pub fn get_runtime_dir() -> PathBuf {
     dirs::runtime_dir().unwrap_or(PathBuf::from("/run/pwsp"))
 }
@@ -135,6 +95,14 @@ pub async fn make_request(request: Request) -> Result<Response, Box<dyn Error +
     }
     let response_len = u32::from_le_bytes(len_bytes) as usize;
 
+    if response_len > MAX_MESSAGE_SIZE {
+        eprintln!(
+            "Failed to read response from daemon: response too large ({} bytes)!",
+            response_len
+        );
+        return Err("Response too large".into());
+    }
+
     let mut buffer = vec![0u8; response_len];
     if stream.read_exact(&mut buffer).await.is_err() {
         return Err("Failed to read response".into());

src/utils/global_hotkeys.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,201 @@
+use crate::{types::config::HotkeyConfig, utils::commands::parse_command};
+use evdev::{Device, EventStream, EventSummary, KeyCode};
+
+struct ModifierState {
+    ctrl: bool,
+    alt: bool,
+    shift: bool,
+    meta: bool,
+}
+
+impl ModifierState {
+    fn new() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            ctrl: false,
+            alt: false,
+            shift: false,
+            meta: false,
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn update(&mut self, key: KeyCode, pressed: bool) {
+        match key {
+            KeyCode::KEY_LEFTCTRL | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTCTRL => self.ctrl = pressed,
+            KeyCode::KEY_LEFTALT | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTALT => self.alt = pressed,
+            KeyCode::KEY_LEFTSHIFT | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTSHIFT => self.shift = pressed,
+            KeyCode::KEY_LEFTMETA | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTMETA => self.meta = pressed,
+            _ => {}
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn any_active(&self) -> bool {
+        self.ctrl || self.alt || self.shift || self.meta
+    }
+
+    fn is_modifier(key: KeyCode) -> bool {
+        matches!(
+            key,
+            KeyCode::KEY_LEFTCTRL
+                | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTCTRL
+                | KeyCode::KEY_LEFTALT
+                | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTALT
+                | KeyCode::KEY_LEFTSHIFT
+                | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTSHIFT
+                | KeyCode::KEY_LEFTMETA
+                | KeyCode::KEY_RIGHTMETA
+        )
+    }
+}
+
+fn evdev_key_name(key: KeyCode) -> Option<&'static str> {
+    match key {
+        KeyCode::KEY_A => Some("A"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_B => Some("B"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_C => Some("C"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_D => Some("D"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_E => Some("E"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F => Some("F"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_G => Some("G"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_H => Some("H"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_I => Some("I"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_J => Some("J"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_K => Some("K"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_L => Some("L"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_M => Some("M"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_N => Some("N"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_O => Some("O"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_P => Some("P"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_Q => Some("Q"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_R => Some("R"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_S => Some("S"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_T => Some("T"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_U => Some("U"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_V => Some("V"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_W => Some("W"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_X => Some("X"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_Y => Some("Y"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_Z => Some("Z"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_1 => Some("1"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_2 => Some("2"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_3 => Some("3"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_4 => Some("4"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_5 => Some("5"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_6 => Some("6"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_7 => Some("7"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_8 => Some("8"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_9 => Some("9"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_0 => Some("0"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F1 => Some("F1"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F2 => Some("F2"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F3 => Some("F3"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F4 => Some("F4"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F5 => Some("F5"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F6 => Some("F6"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F7 => Some("F7"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F8 => Some("F8"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F9 => Some("F9"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F10 => Some("F10"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F11 => Some("F11"),
+        KeyCode::KEY_F12 => Some("F12"),
+        _ => None,
+    }
+}
+
+fn build_chord(modifiers: &ModifierState, key_name: &str) -> String {
+    let mut parts = Vec::with_capacity(5);
+    if modifiers.ctrl {
+        parts.push("Ctrl");
+    }
+    if modifiers.alt {
+        parts.push("Alt");
+    }
+    if modifiers.shift {
+        parts.push("Shift");
+    }
+    if modifiers.meta {
+        parts.push("Super");
+    }
+    parts.push(key_name);
+    parts.join("+")
+}
+
+fn is_keyboard(device: &Device) -> bool {
+    device
+        .supported_keys()
+        .is_some_and(|keys| keys.contains(KeyCode::KEY_A) && keys.contains(KeyCode::KEY_Z))
+}
+
+async fn handle_device_events(mut stream: EventStream) {
+    let mut modifiers = ModifierState::new();
+
+    loop {
+        match stream.next_event().await {
+            Ok(event) => {
+                if let EventSummary::Key(_, key, value) = event.destructure() {
+                    // 0 = released, 1 = pressed, 2 = repeat
+                    if value == 0 || value == 1 {
+                        modifiers.update(key, value == 1);
+                    }
+
+                    // Only trigger on press, skip modifiers and bare keys
+                    if value != 1 || ModifierState::is_modifier(key) || !modifiers.any_active() {
+                        continue;
+                    }
+
+                    let Some(key_name) = evdev_key_name(key) else {
+                        continue;
+                    };
+
+                    let chord = build_chord(&modifiers, key_name);
+
+                    let config = match HotkeyConfig::load() {
+                        Ok(c) => c,
+                        Err(_) => continue,
+                    };
+
+                    let slots = config.slots_for_chord(&chord);
+                    for slot in slots {
+                        if let Some(cmd) = parse_command(&slot.action) {
+                            cmd.execute().await;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+            Err(e) => {
+                eprintln!("Global hotkeys: device read error: {e}");
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+pub async fn start_global_hotkey_listener() {
+    let keyboards: Vec<_> = evdev::enumerate()
+        .filter(|(_, dev)| is_keyboard(dev))
+        .collect();
+
+    if keyboards.is_empty() {
+        eprintln!(
+            "Global hotkeys: no keyboard devices found. \
+             Make sure your user is in the 'input' group."
+        );
+        return;
+    }
+
+    println!(
+        "Global hotkeys: found {} keyboard device(s)",
+        keyboards.len()
+    );
+
+    for (path, device) in keyboards {
+        match device.into_event_stream() {
+            Ok(stream) => {
+                println!("Global hotkeys: listening on {}", path.display());
+                tokio::spawn(handle_device_events(stream));
+            }
+            Err(e) => {
+                eprintln!("Global hotkeys: failed to open {}: {}", path.display(), e);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}

src/utils/gui.rs

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use crate::{
     types::{
         audio_player::FullState,
-        config::GuiConfig,
+        config::{GuiConfig, HotkeyConfig},
         gui::AudioPlayerState,
         socket::{Request, Response},
     },
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ use crate::{
 use std::{
     error::Error,
     sync::{Arc, Mutex},
+    time::Instant,
 };
 use tokio::time::{Duration, sleep};
 
@@ -49,6 +50,7 @@ pub fn format_time_pair(position: f32, duration: f32) -> String {
 pub fn start_app_state_thread(audio_player_state_shared: Arc<Mutex<AudioPlayerState>>) {
     tokio::spawn(async move {
         let sleep_duration = Duration::from_secs_f32(1.0 / 60.0);
+        let mut last_hotkey_poll = Instant::now();
 
         loop {
             let is_running = is_daemon_running().unwrap_or(false);
@@ -105,6 +107,22 @@ pub fn start_app_state_thread(audio_player_state_shared: Arc<Mutex<AudioPlayerSt
                 guard.is_daemon_running = true;
             }
 
+            // Poll hotkey config at a lower frequency (~every 2 seconds)
+            if last_hotkey_poll.elapsed() >= Duration::from_secs(2) {
+                let hotkey_res = make_request(Request::get_hotkeys())
+                    .await
+                    .unwrap_or_default();
+                if hotkey_res.status
+                    && let Ok(config) = serde_json::from_str::<HotkeyConfig>(&hotkey_res.message)
+                {
+                    let mut guard = audio_player_state_shared
+                        .lock()
+                        .unwrap_or_else(|e| e.into_inner());
+                    guard.hotkey_config = Some(config);
+                }
+                last_hotkey_poll = Instant::now();
+            }
+
             sleep(sleep_duration).await;
         }
     });

src/utils/mod.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 pub mod commands;
 pub mod config;
 pub mod daemon;
+pub mod global_hotkeys;
 pub mod gui;
 pub mod pipewire;

src/utils/pipewire.rs

@@ -9,6 +9,13 @@ use tokio::{
     time::{Duration, timeout},
 };
 
+pub fn setup_pipewire_context() -> Result<(MainLoopRc, ContextRc), String> {
+    pipewire::init();
+    let main_loop = MainLoopRc::new(None).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
+    let context = ContextRc::new(&main_loop, None).map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
+    Ok((main_loop, context))
+}
+
 fn parse_global_object(
     global_object: &GlobalObject<&DictRef>,
 ) -> (Option<AudioDevice>, Option<Port>) {
@@ -56,12 +63,13 @@ fn parse_global_object(
                 (None, None)
             };
             // Check if the object is a port
-        } else if props.get("port.direction").is_some() {
-            if let (Some(node_id), Some(port_id), Some(port_name)) = (
+        } else if props.get("port.direction").is_some()
+            && let (Some(node_id), Some(port_id), Some(port_name)) = (
                 props.get("node.id").and_then(|id| id.parse::<u32>().ok()),
                 props.get("port.id").and_then(|id| id.parse::<u32>().ok()),
                 props.get("port.name"),
-            ) {
+            )
+        {
             let port = Port {
                 node_id,
                 port_id,
@@ -71,17 +79,21 @@ fn parse_global_object(
             return (None, Some(port));
         }
     }
-    }
     (None, None)
 }
 
 async fn pw_get_global_objects_thread(
     main_sender: mpsc::Sender<(Option<AudioDevice>, Option<Port>)>,
     pw_receiver: pipewire::channel::Receiver<Terminate>,
+    init_sender: std::sync::mpsc::SyncSender<Result<(), String>>,
 ) {
-    pipewire::init();
-
-    let main_loop = MainLoopRc::new(None).expect("Failed to initialize pipewire main loop");
+    let (main_loop, context) = match setup_pipewire_context() {
+        Ok(res) => res,
+        Err(e) => {
+            let _ = init_sender.send(Err(e));
+            return;
+        }
+    };
 
     // Stop main loop on Terminate message
     let _receiver = pw_receiver.attach(main_loop.loop_(), {
@@ -89,13 +101,24 @@ async fn pw_get_global_objects_thread(
         move |_| _main_loop.quit()
     });
 
-    let context = ContextRc::new(&main_loop, None).expect("Failed to create pipewire context");
-    let core = context
-        .connect(None)
-        .expect("Failed to connect to pipewire context");
-    let registry = core
-        .get_registry()
-        .expect("Failed to get registry from pipewire context");
+    let core = match context.connect(None) {
+        Ok(core) => core,
+        Err(e) => {
+            let _ = init_sender.send(Err(format!("Failed to connect to pipewire context: {}", e)));
+            return;
+        }
+    };
+
+    let registry = match core.get_registry() {
+        Ok(registry) => registry,
+        Err(e) => {
+            let _ = init_sender.send(Err(format!(
+                "Failed to get registry from pipewire context: {}",
+                e
+            )));
+            return;
+        }
+    };
 
     let _listener = registry
         .add_listener_local()
@@ -111,6 +134,11 @@ async fn pw_get_global_objects_thread(
         })
         .register();
 
+    // Signal successful initialization
+    if init_sender.send(Ok(())).is_err() {
+        return;
+    }
+
     main_loop.run();
 }
 
@@ -118,10 +146,17 @@ pub async fn get_all_devices() -> Result<(Vec<AudioDevice>, Vec<AudioDevice>), B
     // Channels to communicate with pipewire thread
     let (main_sender, mut main_receiver) = mpsc::channel(10);
     let (pw_sender, pw_receiver) = pipewire::channel::channel();
+    let (init_sender, init_receiver) = std::sync::mpsc::sync_channel(0);
 
     // Spawn pipewire thread in background
-    let _pw_thread =
-        tokio::spawn(async move { pw_get_global_objects_thread(main_sender, pw_receiver).await });
+    let _pw_thread = tokio::spawn(async move {
+        pw_get_global_objects_thread(main_sender, pw_receiver, init_sender).await
+    });
+
+    // Wait for initialization to complete
+    if let Err(e) = init_receiver.recv()? {
+        return Err(e.into());
+    }
 
     let mut input_devices: HashMap<u32, AudioDevice> = HashMap::new();
     let mut output_devices: HashMap<u32, AudioDevice> = HashMap::new();
@@ -146,9 +181,7 @@ pub async fn get_all_devices() -> Result<(Vec<AudioDevice>, Vec<AudioDevice>), B
             }
             Ok(None) | Err(_) => {
                 // Pipewire thread is finished and we can collect our devices
-                pw_sender
-                    .send(Terminate {})
-                    .expect("Failed to terminate pipewire thread");
+                let _ = pw_sender.send(Terminate {});
 
                 for port in ports {
                     let node_id = port.node_id;
@@ -222,15 +255,24 @@ pub async fn get_device(device_name: &str) -> Result<AudioDevice, Box<dyn Error>
 
 pub fn create_virtual_mic() -> Result<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>, Box<dyn Error>> {
     let (pw_sender, pw_receiver) = pipewire::channel::channel::<Terminate>();
+    let (init_sender, init_receiver) = std::sync::mpsc::sync_channel(0);
 
     let _pw_thread = thread::spawn(move || {
-        pipewire::init();
-
-        let main_loop = MainLoopRc::new(None).expect("Failed to initialize pipewire main loop");
-        let context = ContextRc::new(&main_loop, None).expect("Failed to create pipewire context");
-        let core = context
-            .connect(None)
-            .expect("Failed to connect to pipewire context");
+        let (main_loop, context) = match setup_pipewire_context() {
+            Ok(res) => res,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ = init_sender.send(Err(e));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
+        let core = match context.connect(None) {
+            Ok(core) => core,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ =
+                    init_sender.send(Err(format!("Failed to connect to pipewire context: {}", e)));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
 
         let props = properties!(
             "factory.name" => "support.null-audio-sink",
@@ -242,9 +284,13 @@ pub fn create_virtual_mic() -> Result<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>, Box<
             "object.linger" => "false", // Destroy the node on app exit
         );
 
-        let _node = core
-            .create_object::<pipewire::node::Node>("adapter", &props)
-            .expect("Failed to create virtual mic");
+        let _node = match core.create_object::<pipewire::node::Node>("adapter", &props) {
+            Ok(node) => node,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ = init_sender.send(Err(format!("Failed to create virtual mic: {}", e)));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
 
         let _receiver = pw_receiver.attach(main_loop.loop_(), {
             let _main_loop = main_loop.clone();
@@ -252,12 +298,57 @@ pub fn create_virtual_mic() -> Result<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>, Box<
         });
 
         println!("Virtual mic created");
+        if init_sender.send(Ok(())).is_err() {
+            return;
+        }
         main_loop.run();
     });
 
+    if let Err(e) = init_receiver.recv()? {
+        return Err(e.into());
+    }
+
     Ok(pw_sender)
 }
 
+pub async fn link_player_to_virtual_mic()
+-> Result<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>, Box<dyn Error>> {
+    let pwsp_daemon_output = match get_device("pwsp-daemon").await {
+        Ok(device) => device,
+        Err(_) => {
+            return Err(
+                "Could not find alsa_playback.pwsp-daemon device, skipping device linking".into(),
+            );
+        }
+    };
+
+    let pwsp_daemon_input = match get_device("pwsp-virtual-mic").await {
+        Ok(device) => device,
+        Err(_) => {
+            return Err("Could not find pwsp-virtual-mic device, skipping device linking".into());
+        }
+    };
+
+    let output_fl = match pwsp_daemon_output.output_fl {
+        Some(port) => port,
+        None => return Err("Failed to get pwsp-daemon output_fl".into()),
+    };
+    let output_fr = match pwsp_daemon_output.output_fr {
+        Some(port) => port,
+        None => return Err("Failed to get pwsp-daemon output_fr".into()),
+    };
+    let input_fl = match pwsp_daemon_input.input_fl {
+        Some(port) => port,
+        None => return Err("Failed to get pwsp-virtual-mic input_fl".into()),
+    };
+    let input_fr = match pwsp_daemon_input.input_fr {
+        Some(port) => port,
+        None => return Err("Failed to get pwsp-virtual-mic input_fr".into()),
+    };
+
+    create_link(output_fl, output_fr, input_fl, input_fr)
+}
+
 pub fn create_link(
     output_fl: Port,
     output_fr: Port,
@@ -265,15 +356,24 @@ pub fn create_link(
     input_fr: Port,
 ) -> Result<pipewire::channel::Sender<Terminate>, Box<dyn Error>> {
     let (pw_sender, pw_receiver) = pipewire::channel::channel::<Terminate>();
+    let (init_sender, init_receiver) = std::sync::mpsc::sync_channel(0);
 
     let _pw_thread = thread::spawn(move || {
-        pipewire::init();
-
-        let main_loop = MainLoopRc::new(None).expect("Failed to initialize pipewire main loop");
-        let context = ContextRc::new(&main_loop, None).expect("Failed to create pipewire context");
-        let core = context
-            .connect(None)
-            .expect("Failed to connect to pipewire context");
+        let (main_loop, context) = match setup_pipewire_context() {
+            Ok(res) => res,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ = init_sender.send(Err(e));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
+        let core = match context.connect(None) {
+            Ok(core) => core,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ =
+                    init_sender.send(Err(format!("Failed to connect to pipewire context: {}", e)));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
 
         let props_fl = properties! {
             "link.output.node" => format!("{}", output_fl.node_id).as_str(),
@@ -288,12 +388,20 @@ pub fn create_link(
             "link.input.port"  => format!("{}", input_fr.port_id).as_str(),
         };
 
-        let _link_fl = core
-            .create_object::<Link>("link-factory", &props_fl)
-            .expect("Failed to create link FL");
-        let _link_fr = core
-            .create_object::<Link>("link-factory", &props_fr)
-            .expect("Failed to create link FR");
+        let _link_fl = match core.create_object::<Link>("link-factory", &props_fl) {
+            Ok(link) => link,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ = init_sender.send(Err(format!("Failed to create link FL: {}", e)));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
+        let _link_fr = match core.create_object::<Link>("link-factory", &props_fr) {
+            Ok(link) => link,
+            Err(e) => {
+                let _ = init_sender.send(Err(format!("Failed to create link FR: {}", e)));
+                return;
+            }
+        };
 
         let _receiver = pw_receiver.attach(main_loop.loop_(), {
             let _main_loop = main_loop.clone();
@@ -304,8 +412,15 @@ pub fn create_link(
             "Link created: FL: {}-{} FR: {}-{}",
             output_fl.node_id, input_fl.node_id, output_fr.node_id, input_fr.node_id
         );
+        if init_sender.send(Ok(())).is_err() {
+            return;
+        }
         main_loop.run();
     });
 
+    if let Err(e) = init_receiver.recv()? {
+        return Err(e.into());
+    }
+
     Ok(pw_sender)
 }

tests/perf_play.rs

@@ -1,113 +0,0 @@
-use rodio::{DeviceSinkBuilder, MixerDeviceSink};
-use std::fs;
-use std::path::Path;
-use std::sync::Arc;
-use std::time::Instant;
-use tokio::sync::Mutex;
-
-// A mock of AudioPlayer to isolate the play method's blocking behavior.
-// We only implement the relevant part of the logic that needs optimizing.
-pub struct AudioPlayerMock {
-    pub tracks: std::collections::HashMap<u32, ()>,
-    pub next_id: u32,
-    pub volume: f32,
-}
-
-impl AudioPlayerMock {
-    pub fn new() -> Self {
-        AudioPlayerMock {
-            tracks: std::collections::HashMap::new(),
-            next_id: 1,
-            volume: 1.0,
-        }
-    }
-
-    pub async fn play(
-        &mut self,
-        file_path: &Path,
-        concurrent: bool,
-    ) -> Result<u32, Box<dyn std::error::Error + Send + Sync>> {
-        if !file_path.exists() {
-            return Err(format!("File does not exist: {}", file_path.display()).into());
-        }
-
-        let path_buf = file_path.to_path_buf();
-        let _file = tokio::task::spawn_blocking(move || {
-            // Simulate some blocking work like Decoder::try_from which reads file headers
-            let _f = fs::File::open(&path_buf).unwrap();
-
-            // Emulate the actual time spent reading file and decoding header (which is what Decoder::try_from does)
-            std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(100)); // Simulate slow disk/decode
-            _f
-        })
-        .await?;
-
-        if !concurrent {
-            self.tracks.clear();
-        }
-
-        let id = self.next_id;
-        self.next_id += 1;
-        self.tracks.insert(id, ());
-
-        Ok(id)
-    }
-}
-
-#[tokio::test(flavor = "multi_thread", worker_threads = 2)]
-async fn test_performance_blocking() {
-    println!("Setting up mock environment...");
-
-    // Create a dummy file to read
-    let test_file = Path::new("test_dummy.wav");
-    fs::write(test_file, "dummy content").unwrap();
-
-    let player = Arc::new(Mutex::new(AudioPlayerMock::new()));
-
-    println!("Starting benchmark for synchronous behavior in async fn...");
-
-    // We launch a background task that measures event loop latency.
-    // If the main tasks block the executor, this task will suffer high latency.
-    let latency_task = tokio::spawn(async {
-        let mut max_latency = std::time::Duration::from_secs(0);
-        for _ in 0..50 {
-            let start = Instant::now();
-            tokio::task::yield_now().await;
-            let elapsed = start.elapsed();
-            if elapsed > max_latency {
-                max_latency = elapsed;
-            }
-            tokio::time::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(5)).await;
-        }
-        max_latency
-    });
-
-    // Launch multiple play operations
-    let mut tasks = vec![];
-    let start_time = Instant::now();
-    for _ in 0..10 {
-        let player_clone = Arc::clone(&player);
-        let file_path = test_file.to_path_buf();
-        tasks.push(tokio::spawn(async move {
-            let mut p = player_clone.lock().await;
-            let _ = p.play(&file_path, true).await;
-        }));
-    }
-
-    // Wait for all tasks to finish
-    for t in tasks {
-        let _ = t.await;
-    }
-    let total_time = start_time.elapsed();
-
-    let max_latency = latency_task.await.unwrap();
-
-    println!("Total execution time: {:?}", total_time);
-    println!(
-        "Max event loop latency (blocking indicator): {:?}",
-        max_latency
-    );
-
-    // Cleanup
-    fs::remove_file(test_file).unwrap();
-}