REFramework is the cornerstone of modding for Capcom’s RE Engine games — powering mods and tools across titles like Dragon’s Dogma 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and Devil May Cry 5.
If you’ve just installed the framework, the very next question is often the same:
“How do I open the REFramework menu?”
This guide explains the default hotkey, what to do if it’s not working, and how to customize it for your setup.
🧩 The Universal Default Hotkey
By default, the REFramework GUI (Graphical User Interface) is opened using the Insert key.
This hotkey has remained consistent across all supported RE Engine titles, ensuring modders have a unified experience no matter which game they’re working with.
Pressing Insert toggles the framework’s overlay, granting you access to:
- Script-Generated UI: Interface panels created by Lua-based mods.
- Configuration Settings: Core options for REFramework itself, including keybinds and display preferences.
- Developer Tools: Debug utilities such as Free Camera, Object Explorer, and Scene Timescale.
If you’re new to REFramework, you can also visit the official installation and setup guide for step-by-step configuration help and examples.
🎹 Finding the Insert Key on Your Keyboard
Depending on your keyboard layout, the Insert key might be in a slightly different position:
| Keyboard Type | Typical Insert Key Location |
|---|---|
| Full-Size Desktop | Above the arrow keys, near Delete and Home |
| Tenkeyless (TKL) | Same cluster, typically near the top-right |
| Laptop / Compact | Often requires pressing Fn + another key (commonly Delete or PrtScn) — look for “Ins” in a smaller label |
💡 Tip: If pressing Insert does nothing, try holding Fn + Insert — especially on laptop keyboards.
⚙️ If the Insert Key Doesn’t Work
If REFramework doesn’t respond to the Insert key, the issue is typically one of the following:
1. Installation Problem
The framework might not be loading at all.
When you start your game, watch for a quick text overlay in the top-left corner saying REFramework has initialized.
If you don’t see it, the issue lies with dinput8.dll placement — not the keybind.
You can refer to the REFramework installation documentation to verify your setup.
2. Key Conflict
Some mods or external tools use the same key by default. Common examples include:
- Otis_Inf Camera Tools
- Photo/Free Camera utilities
- Other DLL-based injectors (ReShade, Special K, etc.)
If you have these installed, rebind one of them or temporarily remove conflicting DLL files (like other dinput8.dll or dxgi.dll injectors) to test.
3. Rebinding the Hotkey
You can easily assign a different key if you prefer.
Here’s how:
- Navigate to your game’s root folder (the same directory as the game’s
.exeanddinput8.dll). - Open the configuration file — usually named something like:
reframework_config.txt - Find the line:
REFrameworkConfig_MenuKey_V2=45Here, 45 corresponds to the Insert key. - Replace it with another Windows Virtual Key Code.
For example, to change it to Scroll Lock, set:REFrameworkConfig_MenuKey_V2=145 - Save the file and relaunch the game.
Your new hotkey will now toggle the REFramework GUI.
You can also rebind keys directly from within the Configuration tab in the overlay once the menu is accessible — no manual editing required.
🧠 Troubleshooting Tips
If REFramework not working remains an issue even after rebinding keys, it may be caused by a broken or outdated build.
Always ensure you’re using the latest version by downloading it directly from the official REFramework download page.
For more advanced setup advice and modding guidance, check out the complete installation and usage guide on reframework.dev.