How do you skip/play/pause on iTunes without being "in" iTunes?

[superspiffy]

Is there a way to program the keyboard to add shortcuts for basic playback functions on iTunes without having to be "in" iTunes? You know what I mean? (Keep in mind I'm very new to OS X...) I know there are keyboard shortcuts (ex: apple key + arrows = skip forward/back and spacebar = play/pause) but it annoys me because I have to click on the iTunes windows first for the iTunes keyboard shortcuts to work.

I guess what I'm saying is that I want to be able to access basic music playback functions and at the same time, be on whatever application.

 

[PkennethV]

You can use command-tab to switch applications quickly. Then just use the keyboard shortcuts. I have seen apps somewhere before that put the controls in the menu bar, but the keyboard works for me. (sorry, can't think of the name of the app(s))

 

[GimmeSlack12]

You can setup keyboard shortcuts using Quicktunes, works very well. Very small app. Also Barquee works very well.

I use Quicksilver for this type of problem cause it is the best program ever (and free).

 

[apfhex]

There are lots of iTunes controllers. I use iMote. I have F1-F3 set to play/pause, next, and previous, and option+F1-F6 for song ratings.

 

[gameguy3001]

What you caould also do is use the itunes widget if you want. also you couls right click (control click without a two button mouse) and it will show those options no matter what program your in.

 

[emptyCup]

ByteController will put iTunes controls on your Menu Bar where they will always be available. It's very handy.

 

[siurpeeman]

i use sizzling keys. it lets me do the things i want to do quickly. check it out.

 

[epochblue]

It was mentioned above, but Quicksilver also has the ability to control iTunes.

CoverSutra, the application I use to display my album art, also supports global hotkeys for iTunes as well.

 

[72930]

It was mentioned above, but Quicksilver also has the ability to control iTunes.

CoverSutra, the application I use to display my album art, also supports global hotkeys for iTunes as well.

There! Fixed the misspelled coversutra link for you (u and s were mixed around)