Introduction

skim (Svalboard Keymap Image Maker) is a command-line tool that generates beautiful, publication-ready images of your keyboard layouts. It takes keymap configuration files from popular keyboard firmware tools and produces SVG or PNG images that you can use for documentation, reference cards, or sharing your layouts with the community.

What is skim?

If you use a Svalboard split keyboard with QMK firmware, you’ve probably wanted to visualize your keymap layout. Maybe you want to:

  • Create a quick reference card to keep nearby while learning a new layout

  • Document your configuration for others to learn from

  • Share your layout on forums, Reddit, or Discord

  • Generate images for a blog post or keyboard guide

Example Keymap Layer

skim automates this process by reading your keymap files directly and generating consistent, professional-looking images.

Supported Formats

skim can read keymap files from three popular sources:

Format

Extension

Description

Keybard

.kbi

Keybard’s native export format (JSON)

Vial

.vil

Vial’s layout format (JSON)

QMK c2json

.json

QMK’s qmk c2json output format

Use Cases

Personal Reference Cards

Generate images of your keyboard layers to print or keep on your desktop. This is especially helpful when learning a new layout or switching between different layer configurations.

skim generate -k my-layout.kbi -o ~/Desktop/keymap-reference/

Documentation

If you maintain a keyboard configuration repository or write about keyboards, skim can generate consistent images for all your documentation needs.

skim generate -k layout.vil -f png -o ./docs/images/

Sharing Layouts

Generate overview images showing all your layers at once, perfect for sharing on social media or keyboard forums.

skim generate -k layout.kbi -l overview -o ./

Selective Layer Export

Only need specific layers? skim can generate just the layers you want.

# Generate only layer 1
skim generate -k layout.kbi -l 1

# Generate layers 1 through 3
skim generate -k layout.kbi -l 1-3

# Generate specific layers
skim generate -k layout.kbi -l 1 -l 3 -l 5

Key Features

  • Multiple input formats: Supports Keybard, Vial, and QMK c2json files

  • Flexible output: Generate SVG (scalable) or PNG (raster) images

  • Layer selection: Generate all layers, specific layers, or overview images

  • Customizable appearance: Configure colors, borders, and layer names

  • QMK color import: Import named colors from your QMK color.h file

  • Stdin support: Pipe keymap data directly for scripting workflows

Next Steps