macOS defaults

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Function keys behavior ​

Allows you to change the behavior of the function keys. The two possible options are:

  • Use F1, F2, etc. as special keys (default)
  • Use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys

⚠️ A restart of your Mac is required to apply these changes.

  • Tested on macOS:
    • Sonoma
  • Parameter type: bool

Set to false (default value) ​

By default, pressing a function key will perform the special feature printed on that key.

bash
defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.keyboard.fnState -bool false

Set to true ​

F1, F2, etc. behave as standard function keys. Press the fn key to use the special features printed on the key.

bash
defaults write NSGlobalDomain com.apple.keyboard.fnState -bool true

Read current value ​

bash
defaults read NSGlobalDomain com.apple.keyboard.fnState

Reset to default value ​

bash
defaults delete NSGlobalDomain com.apple.keyboard.fnState