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Choose how the top row works
Apple keyboards can use the top row either to control built-in Mac features or as standard function keys. By default, the keys control system features; hold Fn or Globe while pressing a key to use its standard F-key action. Apple describes the two modes in its function-key instructions.
| Top-row setting | What a normal press does | What Fn or Globe plus the key does |
|---|---|---|
| Standard function keys off (default) | Controls the key’s built-in Mac feature | Uses its standard F-key action |
| Standard function keys on | Uses its standard F-key action | Controls the key’s built-in Mac feature |
Set F1–F12 as the default
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
- Select Keyboard Shortcuts, then Function Keys.
- Turn on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.
With this enabled, press a top-row key for its F-key action. Hold Fn or Globe when you want that key’s alternate system feature. Apple’s current macOS Tahoe 26 guide documents this layout and setting: Use keyboard function keys on Mac.
If you use an earlier macOS version
On macOS versions that use System Preferences rather than System Settings, open Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard, then select the option to use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys. The exact wording and layout can vary by release; see Apple’s function-key instructions for earlier macOS versions.
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Remap modifier keys
To change what a modifier key does, open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Modifier Keys. Apple says, “You can change the action that modifier keys, such as Control or Option, perform when you press them.” The available keys and actions depend on the keyboard and macOS version. Apple’s current instructions are at Change modifier key settings on Mac.
- Choose the keyboard you want to configure if more than one is listed.
- Use the menus beside the modifier keys to assign their actions. For example, Apple describes assigning Control behavior to Caps Lock.
- Choose No Action for a key if that option is available and you do not want it to perform a modifier action.
- Select Restore Defaults to undo your changes.
Change or troubleshoot a keyboard shortcut
Shortcut assignments are separate from both the top-row mode and modifier-key remapping. In System Settings > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts, choose a category to see its shortcuts. You can enable or disable listed shortcuts, or double-click a shortcut and press the new key combination. Apple’s steps are in Create keyboard shortcuts for apps on Mac.
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- A changed shortcut does not take effect: Quit and reopen the app.
- A shortcut still does nothing: Check whether the new combination conflicts with another command. A duplicate combination will not work until the conflict is resolved.
Find related keyboard settings
The Keyboard settings pane also includes options such as key-repeat rate and delay, keyboard backlighting on supported keyboards, keyboard navigation, and the action for pressing Fn or Globe. Depending on the keyboard, macOS version, and language availability, Fn or Globe may be assigned actions such as changing the input source, opening Emoji & Symbols, starting Dictation, or doing nothing. Apple’s Keyboard settings guide describes the pane.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the function-key option is missing
Apple notes that the standard-function-key control may be absent when the connected keyboard is not made by Apple. Settings and key labels also vary by keyboard and macOS version, so do not assume the same control is available for every third-party model. Check the keyboard maker’s compatibility instructions; Apple’s function-key guide covers the Apple keyboard setting.
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