# Virtual Keypad Made and Read in the same sketch
**URL:** https://discourse.processing.org/t/virtual-keypad-made-and-read-in-the-same-sketch/29290
**Category:** Coding Questions
**Created:** [April 12, 2021, 12:27am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/virtual-keypad-made-and-read-in-the-same-sketch/29290 "2021-04-12T00:27:46Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@edgee](https://discourse.processing.org/u/edgee)
#### Post date: [April 12, 2021, 12:27am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/virtual-keypad-made-and-read-in-the-same-sketch/29290/1 "2021-04-12T00:27:46Z")
Hi,
I have a project that will have processing program running on an SBC with a touch panel. on one of the GUI screens, values need to be entered in a field. I created a numpad on the screen using ControlP5.
for the last two days I’ve searched and scratched my head. I cannot figure out how to make these numpad buttons duplicate physical keyboard number presses.
I can click on input field and enter value with keyboard, such as 255. but how do I do that from the virtual keypad that I made?
Any help would be appreciated.
Best,
Edge
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### Author:  [@edgee](https://discourse.processing.org/u/edgee)
#### Post date: [April 12, 2021, 1:03am UTC](https://discourse.processing.org/t/virtual-keypad-made-and-read-in-the-same-sketch/29290/2 "2021-04-12T01:03:44Z")
Ok, most likely dumb way to go about it but,
declare an empty string. When a number button on the virtual pad is pressed, add the corresponding number to the string. for example if num1 is pressed:
String numpd = “”;
void numpd(){
numpd = numpd +1;
}
and so on with all numbers from 0-9. two buttons to hit, enter to save the string and convert it to int later and a button to cancel the input, leaving the string unchanged.
PITA I have two add lots more lines of code to a program that has about 1300 lines as it is. mostly due to repetitions.