> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learnpython.strivemath.com/p5-python-web/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learnpython.strivemath.com/p5-python-web/reference/built-in-functions/keyisdown.md).

# keyIsDown()

### Example

<figure><img src="/files/9d0VVC47OQ75cqKH29Uh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

```python
# W keyCode = 87
if keyIsDown(87):
    # move square up
    # ...
    
# S keyCode = 83
if keyIsDown(83):
    # move square down
    # ...
    
# A keyCode = 65
if keyIsDown(83):
    # move square left
    # ...
    
# D keyCode = 68
if keyIsDown(83):
    # move square right
    # ...
```

<details>

<summary>Example Full Code</summary>

```
def setup():
  createCanvas(400,400)
  textAlign(CENTER, CENTER)
  textSize(20)
  

squareX = 175
squareY = 100
squareSize = 50

def draw():
  global squareX, squareY, squareSize
  background("hotpink")

  fill(255, 255, 28)
  noStroke()

  if keyIsDown(87):
    squareY += 1
    text('"W" is Down(Pressed) now',200,350)
    
  if keyIsDown(83):
    squareY -= 1
    text('"S" is Down(Pressed) now',200,350)

  if keyIsDown(65):
    squareX -= 1
    text('"A" is Down(Pressed) now',200,350)

  if keyIsDown(68):
    squareX += 1
    text('"D" is Down(Pressed) now',200,350) 

  stroke('black')
  fill (112,88,255) 
  square(squareX,squareY,squareSize)
```

</details>

### Default inputs

```python
keyIsDown(VALUE)
```

| Input | Description                       |
| ----- | --------------------------------- |
| VALUE | key code of the key being checked |

### Description

The **keyIsDown()** function checks if a certain key is currently **down (Pressed)**. It returns `True` if that key is down, and `False` if it does not.  (Boolean datatype)

For example, `keyIsDown(`**`38`**`)`checks whether the **up arrow** is being pushed, since **38** is its keycode.

Similarly, `keyIsDown(`**`UP_ARROW`**`)`checks for the same thing, because **UP\_ARROW** is a constant that stores the key code of the up arrow, other such constants include **DOWN\_ARROW**, **ENTER** and **SHIFT**.

In general, you can search the web for: `key code of ###` or look at [this website](https://www.toptal.com/developers/keycode).

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