How to use the function keys on your Mac

You can use the top row of keys on your Apple keyboard as controls for built-in Mac features or as standard function keys.

Control features on your Mac

By default, the top row of keys on your Apple Keyboard control many different features on your Mac. For example, pressing the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume.

The top row of keys on an Apple Magic Keyboard, showing the function keys.

If your Mac doesn't have physical function keys, learn about using function keys on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.

Use standard function keys


To use the standard function keys, hold the Fn (Function) key when pressing a function key. For example, pressing both Fn and F12 (speaker icon) performs the action assigned to the F12 key instead of raising the volume of your speakers. 


Change the default function key behavior


  1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences.
  2. Click Keyboard.
  3. Select "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys". 




Published Date: