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On current macOS, open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard. To make the top row act as F1–F12 by default, choose Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys and turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys. To change what Control, Option, Command, or another modifier does, open Keyboard Shortcuts > Modifier Keys.
Choose how the top row works
Apple keyboards can use their top row either for built-in Mac features—such as brightness or volume—or as standard function keys. By default, the keys control system features; hold Fn or Globe while pressing one to use its F-key action instead. Apple describes these two modes in its function-key guide.
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| Setting | Top-row key by itself | With Fn or Globe held |
|---|---|---|
| Standard function keys off (default) | Controls the key’s system feature | Uses the standard F-key action |
| Standard function keys on | Uses the standard F-key action | Controls the key’s system feature |
Make F1–F12 the default
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
- Select Keyboard Shortcuts, then Function Keys.
- Turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.
After enabling it, press a top-row key on its own for its standard F-key action. Hold Fn or Globe to use the alternate system feature. The exact labels and controls depend on the keyboard and macOS version; Apple notes that the option may be absent on keyboards not made by Apple. In that case, check the keyboard maker’s instructions rather than assuming the setting is available. See Apple’s current function-key instructions.
Older macOS versions
On macOS versions that use System Preferences rather than System Settings, open Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard and look for the function-key option. Apple’s older-version instructions use this interface path: Use keyboard function keys on Mac. System Settings is the interface on macOS Ventura and later; menu names can differ across releases.
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- WIRELESS, RECHARGEABLE CONVENIENCE — Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad connects wirelessly to your Mac, iPad, or iPhone via Bluetooth. And the rechargeable internal battery means no loose batteries to replace.
- WORKS WITH MAC, IPAD, OR IPHONE — It pairs quickly with your device so you can get to work right away.
- ENHANCED TYPING EXPERIENCE — Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience. Its extended layout features document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys. The numeric keypad is ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- GO WEEKS WITHOUT CHARGING — The incredibly long-lasting internal battery will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges. (Battery life varies by use.) Comes with a Lightning to USB Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB port on your Mac.
- SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS — Requires a Bluetooth-enabled Mac with macOS 10.12.4 or later, an iPad with iPadOS 13.4 or later, or an iPhone or iPod touch with iOS 10.3 or later.
Remap modifier keys
Modifier keys change the effect of another key when pressed together. Apple’s Modifier Keys instructions say, “You can change the action that modifier keys, such as Control or Option, perform when you press them.”
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
- Select Keyboard Shortcuts, then Modifier Keys.
- Choose the keyboard you want to configure if a keyboard selector appears.
- Use the menus beside the listed keys to assign their actions. Available choices vary; No Action may be offered. For example, you can assign Control behavior to Caps Lock.
- Select Done if shown to apply the changes.
To undo remapping, return to Modifier Keys and select Restore Defaults. The available modifiers and actions depend on the connected keyboard and macOS.
Rank #2
- Magic Keyboard delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It’s also wireless and rechargeable, with an incredibly long-lasting internal battery that’ll power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
- It pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- It features a USB-C port and includes a woven USB-C Charge Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.
Change or troubleshoot a keyboard shortcut
Changing what a modifier key does is different from editing a shortcut’s key combination. To edit a shortcut, open System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts, choose a category, and enable or disable listed shortcuts. To change a combination, double-click the shortcut and press the new keys. Apple’s instructions are at Use keyboard shortcuts.
- A change does not take effect in an open app: quit and reopen the app after editing a shortcut.
- The new combination does nothing: check whether it duplicates another command. Resolve the conflict before expecting the new shortcut to work.
- You cannot find Function Keys: confirm you are in Keyboard Shortcuts within Keyboard settings, and check whether the keyboard supports Apple’s setting. For third-party keyboards, consult the manufacturer.
Other keyboard settings in the same pane
The Keyboard settings pane also includes key-repeat rate and delay, backlight controls on supported keyboards, keyboard navigation, and the action assigned to Fn or Globe. Depending on the keyboard, macOS, and language availability, that key can be assigned to actions such as changing input source, opening Emoji & Symbols, starting Dictation, or doing nothing. These controls are separate from both the top-row function-key mode and modifier remapping.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
Rank #4
- Ultra Thin Wired Keyboard: Constructed with aluminum backing, the slim keyboard's height is less than that of a penny.
- Broad Compatibility: Able to work with Apple and compatible with Windows PC operating systems
- Full Sized Extended Keyboard: Easy access to media with 20 Apple shortcut keys (cut/copy/paste, iTunes control, Volume up/down, etc.) and multimedia shortcuts for Windows PC. Also, contains a ten-key numeric keypad for easy data entry.
- Plug and Play (No Drivers Required): No need to continually change or recharge batteries of wireless keyboards
- Long Cord: 4'7" (140 cm) USB cable to connect your external keyboard to the computer
Rank #3
- Magic Keyboard is available with Touch ID, providing fast, easy and secure authentication for logins and to unlock your Mac.
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
- It features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys, which are great for gaming.
- The numeric keypad is also ideal for spreadsheets and finance applications.
- It’s wireless and features a rechargeable battery that will power your keyboard for about a month or more between charges.
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