# Key object

The Key object is a top-level object that you can access without using a constructor. Use the methods of the Key object to build an interface that can be controlled by a user with a standard keyboard. The properties of the Key object are constants representing the keys most commonly used to control games.

#### Example

The following script uses the Key object to identify keys on any keyboard so that the user can control a movie clip.

    onClipEvent (enterFrame) {
    	if(Key.isDown(Key.RIGHT)) {
    		this._x=_x+10;
    	} else if (Key.isDown(Key.DOWN)) {
    		this._y=_y+10;
    	}
    }

## Method summary for the Key object

Method | Description
--- | ---
`Key.addListener()` | Registers an object to receive notification when the `onKeyDown` and `onKeyUp` methods are invoked.
`Key.getAscii()` | Returns the ASCII value of the last key pressed.
`Key.getCode()` | Returns the virtual key code of the last key pressed.
`Key.isDown()` | Returns `true` if the key specified in the parameter is pressed.
`Key.isToggled()` | Returns `true` if the Num Lock or Caps Lock key is activated.
`Key.removeListener()` | Removes an object that was previously registered with Key.addListener().

## Property summary for the Key object

All of the properties for the Key object are constants.

Property | Description
--- | ---
`Key.BACKSPACE` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Backspace key (8).
`Key.CAPSLOCK` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Caps Lock key (20).
`Key.CONTROL` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Control key (17).
`Key.DELETEKEY` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Delete key (46).
`Key.DOWN` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Down Arrow key (40).
`Key.END` | Constant associated with the key code value for the End key (35).
`Key.ENTER` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Enter key (13).
`Key.ESCAPE` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Escape key (27).
`Key.HOME` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Home key (36).
`Key.INSERT` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Insert key (45).
`Key.LEFT` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Left Arrow key (37).
`Key.PGDN` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Page Down key (34).
`Key.PGUP` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Page Up key (33).
`Key.RIGHT` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Right Arrow key (39).
`Key.SHIFT` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Shift key (16).
`Key.SPACE` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Spacebar (32).
`Key.TAB` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Tab key (9).
`Key.UP` | Constant associated with the key code value for the Up Arrow key (38).

## Listener summary for the Key object

Method | Description
--- | ---
`Key.onKeyDown` | Notified when a key is pressed.
`Key.onKeyUp` | Notified when a key is released.