Keyboard simulation in Google Docs using JavaScript

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1

I’m trying to figure out how to simulate keyboard input in Google Docs using JavaScript. My goal is to add or remove characters at the cursor position. I’ve already tried simulating keypress events, both with and without jQuery, but it didn’t work.

After digging deeper, I found that Google Docs uses a virtual keyboard. When you click on the virtual keys, it calls a function that looks like this:

CustomObject.handleKeyPress = function(keyCode) {
  this.triggerEvent(new CustomEvent('keyaction', {keyCode: keyCode}))
};

Does anyone know how to properly trigger this event using JavaScript? Or are there any other methods to simulate keyboard input in Google Docs? I’m really stuck and would appreciate any help or suggestions. Thanks!

2

I’ve grappled with similar challenges when working on Google Docs automation. One approach that’s worked for me is leveraging the Google Docs API. It provides programmatic access to manipulate document content without simulating keyboard events.

To use it, you’ll need to set up API credentials and authenticate your requests. Then, you can use methods like ‘documents.batchUpdate’ to insert or delete text at specific locations. Here’s a basic example:

function updateDocument(documentId, insertText, index) {
  const requests = [{
    insertText: {
      location: { index: index },
      text: insertText
    }
  }];

  Docs.Documents.batchUpdate({ requests: requests }, documentId);
}

This method is more reliable and less likely to break with Google Docs updates. It might require a bit more setup, but it’s worth the effort for robust document manipulation.

3

As someone who’s worked extensively with Google Docs and JavaScript, I can tell you that simulating keyboard input in Google Docs is quite tricky. The virtual keyboard system you’ve discovered is indeed the key, but directly triggering those events can be challenging due to security measures.

One approach I’ve had success with is using the Google Apps Script API. It allows you to programmatically interact with Google Docs in a more direct way. You can use it to insert or delete text at specific positions, which might achieve what you’re looking for without needing to simulate keyboard events.

Here’s a basic example of how you might use Apps Script to insert text:

function insertTextAtCursor(text) {
  var cursor = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getCursor();
  var element = cursor.getElement();
  element.asText().insertText(cursor.getOffset(), text);
}

This method bypasses the need for keyboard simulation entirely. It’s more reliable and less likely to break with updates to Google Docs. Just remember, you’ll need to set up a Google Apps Script project and authorize it to modify your document.

4

hey there! have u tried using the Google Docs API? it might be easier than tryin to simulate keyboard events. You could use the API to insert or delete text directly at the cursor position. Check out the docs for more info: Google Docs API की खास जानकारी  |  Google for Developers

Hope this helps!