I hate having to press the Fn key any time I need to use one of the top-row keys as, you know, a function key. Is there a setting that’ll switch that, so instead I have to press Fn when I DON’T want the function key?
As a matter of fact, that exact setting does exist! To make your function keys work as uh, function keys, head over to System Preferences and choose Keyboard. In the Keyboard tab, check the box for “Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.” Your function keys will work normally, and you can access the other functions like screen brightness and iTunes controls by hitting the Fn key.
Check the box for regular function keys.
If you need to be able to switch key modes on the fly, check out Palua in the Mac App Store. For $0.99, it gives you the ability to switch with a keystroke or a single click -- two clicks fewer than it takes to launch System Preferences from your Dock and make the change yourself. Depending on how much of a workout your function keys get, it might be worth a buck.
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StoneE4
August 01, 2011 at 4:09pm
Save this Applescript as an app and toss it into your Dock for fast "fn" switching...
tell application "System Preferences"
set current pane to pane "com.apple.preference.keyboard"
end tell
tell application "System Events"
tell application process "System Preferences"
click radio button "Keyboard" of tab group 1 of window "Keyboard"
click checkbox "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" of tab group 1 of window "Keyboard"
end tell
quit application "System Preferences"
end tellNotes:
-You have to have "Enable access for assistive devices" enabled (found in the "Universal Access" pane of "System Preferences").
-Hasn't been tested on Lion.
