Recommended Free Tools
On the MacBook Air keyboard documented by Apple, F3 opens Mission Control, which displays your open windows and desktop spaces. If you want F3 to send a standard function-key command instead, press Fn/Globe + F3 or change the function-key setting in macOS. The exact key behavior can vary by keyboard.
What F3 does on a Mac
On the MacBook Air keyboard shown in Apple’s guide, F3 is the Mission Control key. Mission Control lays out your open windows and desktop spaces; select a window or space to bring it forward. Apple’s guide documents this mapping for that keyboard, not as a guarantee for every Mac or external keyboard. Apple’s MacBook Air guide to Mission Control
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Apple describes the top row of keys as able to control built-in Mac features or work as standard function keys. Which behavior is active depends on your keyboard and settings. Apple’s function-key instructions
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →How to open Mission Control
Use whichever input method suits your setup:
| Input | How to open Mission Control |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Press F3 on the documented MacBook Air keyboard, or press Control-Up Arrow. |
| Trackpad | Swipe up with three fingers. |
| Magic Mouse | Double-tap the mouse with two fingers. |
| Window drag | Drag a window to the top edge of the screen. |
| Hot Corner | Move the pointer to a screen corner configured for Mission Control. |
Apple lists these alternatives in its Mission Control instructions. Gesture availability can depend on the device and its settings.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
How to use F3 as a standard function key
Use the shortcut for one press
If the top row is set to control Mac features, press Fn/Globe + F3 to send the standard F3 action instead of opening Mission Control. What that standard F3 action does depends on the app and any shortcuts configured in it. On a keyboard without an Fn key, Apple advises trying Control with the function key. Apple’s function-key instructions
Make F1–F12 standard keys by default
- On macOS Ventura or later: Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys, then turn on “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.”
- On earlier macOS versions: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard, then select “Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.”
With the option enabled, the function keys act as standard F1–F12 keys by default; use Fn/Globe with a key when you want its printed Mac feature instead. The setting names and paths above follow Apple’s instructions. Apple’s function-key instructions
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.
If you cannot find the function-key setting
Apple identifies a non-Apple keyboard as one possible reason the setting may not appear. Check the keyboard maker’s documentation or utility for its function-key controls. Key symbols and mappings vary, so do not assume an external keyboard’s F3 behaves like the MacBook Air example. Apple’s function-key instructions
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteQuick 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
