I’m trying to map some function keys on a Mac application, but they keep getting overridden by the system’s use of the f-keys. In other words, F9 doesn’t do what I want it to do, it goes into Expose instead.
Normal workaround? Hold down the fn key at the same time you press F9. Except I have a 3rd party keyboard that doesn’t have a fn key.
Next workaround? Go to the system preferences and click on the button that allows using f1-f12 to control software features, under the keyboard setting.
Except… that option is no longer available in 10.5? If it is, I can’t find it anywhere! Anyone know where this check box is now lurking?
System Preferences. Expose & Spaces. Expose. You can change the function keys for expose there. The defaults are f9 for all windows, f10 for app windows, f11 for show desktop.
I’m on 10.5 and I see it - System Preferences>>>Keyboad and Mouse>>>Keyboard>>>Use all F1, F2, etc keys as standard function keys.
Bah I think I figured out the problem. My keyboard is a Microsoft Intellitype and I think the driver overrides the checkbox that Apple has under keyboard.
Gives lots of options on what the function keys should do, but the “use f1, f2 as standard function keys” is nowhere to be found now.
defaults write -g com.apple.keyboard.fnState -boolean true
That would normally work, but it could be entirely ignored if the checkbox goes missing in the GUI. I don’t of any way short of a restart for it to take effect, so once you’ve entered that command, restart and hope for the best.