The VideoLAN Forums

Okay, so I came to this thread from a Google search on how to play/pause an inactive window, and found the solution to be exactly what worked. Then I noticed that I'm OP. Good thing this 7-year-old thread exists

Thanks for the clarification, I got it to work. I attached a screenshot in case someone is looking to do the same later on. Of course, you have to close VLC for the change to take place.

Use the global hotkeys.

In what way should I "use the global hotkeys" to allow a dedicated play/pause button on my keyboard to play/pause media in VLC when VLC is not the active window? I don't understand your suggestion.

I do a lot of transcribing, and play MP3s with VLC while typing in MS Word. I continually have to switch back and forth between windows to play/pause the audio so I can type what is said. I have a play/pause button on my keyboard that only works when VLC is the active window, but will not work when ...

You can disable mouse clicks over the video, if that is what you want.
Tools -> Preferences... (Show settings: All) Video and key and mouse event handling at vout level

What do I set it to? I can seem to get it to work (Full support, fullscreen-only, or none). All seem to click back to VLC.

Cool, this is exactly what I want, but I only see 1 option for window mode - no options for full screen mode. (I had to restart VLC for the changes to take effect). Also, is there an option for "Always on top"? Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of the opacity - to watch while you work. Oka...

Yes, I have Windows Vista 64-bit

How do I do this?

I had a pc several years back in which I put an ATI All-In-Wonder TV Tuner card, and it had a setting which would make the screen approx. 50% opacity and watch the tv/videos while navigating through Windows. I would VERY much like to have this feature. Thanks!