Your Mac Keyboard Is More Useful Than It Looks
Enable F1 through F12 as standard keys or use them for quick system controls
Reviewed by Jessica Kormos
Credit: Ekaterina Goncharova / Moment / Getty Images
The Download
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Enable standard function keys through System Settings> Keyboard> Keyboard Shortcuts.
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Click Function Keysand then choose Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.
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Each key performs a unique function to control your Mac.
The F1-F12 keys at the top of your Mac keyboard can adjust brightness, control music, and launch system views in a single tap. They can also act as traditional function keys (F1 sends 'F1') for apps that rely on them.
Here's how they work, what each one does, and how to switch them to standard function keys if you need to.
How to Enable Standard Function Keys
You may need to go into System Settings to activate function keys on your Mac. Here are the settings to adjust:
From the Apple menu, click System Settings.
Click Keyboard> Keyboard Shortcuts.
Select Function Keyson the left.
Toggle on Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys, then click Done.
What the Mac F Keys Do
Every function key has a purpose. Common tasks like these are available in one button press:
| F1 |
Reduce the screen's brightness |
| F2 |
Increase the screen's brightness |
| F3 |
Activates Mission Control/Expose view to show every running app |
| F4 |
Showcases your apps or opens the dashboard for access to widgets |
| F5 |
For backlit keyboards, F5 decreases the keyboard's brightness |
| F6 |
For backlit keyboards, F6 increases the keyboard's brightness |
| F7 |
Restarts a music track or jumps to the previous track |
| F8 |
Plays or pauses a music track or other content |
| F9 |
Skip a music track or fast forward |
| F10 |
Mute |
| F11 |
Reduces volume |
| F12 |
Increases volume |
Why Use Mac Function Keys?
If you've ever used a keyboard shortcut, you know how simple and fast it is. The time it takes to move your hand to your mouse or trackpad and navigate to the action you wish to take is cut short thanks to the shortcut.
The function keys work the same exact way, saving you time as you work, surf the internet, or game.
Some apps allow you to customize the function keys to fit your preferences. You can also change your function keys to match your own shortcuts by remapping them.
If there's an action you take often using your Mac, the function key can help.
Expert Tip: Tip
Do you have a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016 and later) or a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports and later)? If so, your physical function keys are replaced by the Touch Bar, which changes automatically based on the apps you're using.
Featured Link: Windows Keyboard Equivalents for the Mac's Special Keys
How to Use the Mac Function Keys
By default, the function keys are ready to use without any other keystrokes. Simply press the key to activate the function you need to perform. The function will automatically activate.
Expert Tip: Tip
You can also use other shortcuts, such as modifier keys, to save even more time as you work and play.
However, if you wish to change this, you can use System Settings to enable standard function keys.
Related: How to Use Alt Codes
Frequently asked Questions
How do I change the function keys on my Mac?
Open the Apple menuand select System Settings> Keyboard> Keyboard Shortcuts> Modifier Keys. Choose a function key and use the pop-up menu to designate an action for it. If you ever want to change the function keys back to what they were originally, select Restore Defaults.
How do I use function keys if my Mac has a Touch Bar?
Press and hold the Function (fn)key on your keyboard to display the function keys in the Touch Bar. Then press the function key you want as it appears in the Touch Bar.
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