To improve desktop productivity using an Elgato Stream Deck.
Fusion of Live-streaming Hardware and Office Software
By Jianpeng Deng
Updated on 28/12/2021
What are Elgato and its Stream Deck?
Elgato intro straight from the website:
“Elgato is a world-leading provider of audiovisual technology for content creators on all video sharing platforms.”
“…Elgato products are either state-of-the-art inventions in their own right, or reimagined technologies designed to revolutionize creative workflows.”
Stream Deck intro straight from the website:
“6/15/32 LCD keys poised to trigger unlimited actions.”
“One-touch tactile operation lets you control apps, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute your mic, turn on lights and so much more, while visual feedback confirms your every command.”
How does Stream Deck work with office software?
Stream Deck software rocks
The Stream Deck software allows you to customise every key of the device so that it will automatically execute the pre-set actions whenever you tap the keys.
For example, when I try to finish up a report, instead of spending minutes looking for the right report templates over multiple folders, all I need to do is just press the keys once and all relevant templates will open up straight away within seconds.
List of actions I am using
One tap the key to…
1. Open all relevant report templates
2. Open applications/programs and then position them in designated monitors
3. Open iTWO costX and log in automatically
4. Reposition all application/program windows to designated monitors
5. Print in A0/A1/A3/A4 instantly
List of compatible office software
Including but not limited to:
1. Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
2. iTWO costX
3. Adobe Acrobat Pro
4. Google Chrome
Upsides and Downsides
Upsides
Save your time looking for files/applications/programs.
No more tedious and repetitive clicking plus minimise the chances of making errors, for example, going through all the printing setups when bulk printing in different sizes.
Downsides
You will need a Stream Deck product and its software in order to create macros.
You will need to have some basic computing knowledge to use the software.