How to Use Function Key and Standard Key in Extended Apple Keyboard

Apple keyboards come with a variety of keys that can help enhance your productivity and make your work easier. Two important types of keys on an extended Apple keyboard are the function keys and the standard keys. In this article, we will explain how to use these keys effectively.

Function Keys

Function keys, also known as F-keys, are a row of keys located at the top of the keyboard. They are labeled F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. These keys have special functions assigned to them and can be used to perform various tasks.

Common Functions of Function Keys

Here are some common functions assigned to the function keys:

• F1: Help key. Pressing F1 can provide help and support for the active application or the operating system.
• F2: Rename key. This key is often used to rename a selected file or folder.
• F3: Mission Control key. Pressing F3 displays all open windows and allows you to switch between them easily.
• F4: Launchpad key. This key opens the Launchpad, which allows you to view and open applications installed on your Mac.
• F5: Keyboard brightness down key. Use this key to decrease the brightness of your keyboard backlight.
• F6: Keyboard brightness up key. Use this key to increase the brightness of your keyboard backlight.
• F7: Previous track key. This key is used to play the previous track in media applications.
• F8: Play/Pause key. Pressing F8 can play or pause media playback.
• F9: Next track key. This key is used to play the next track in media applications.
• F10: Mute key. Pressing F10 can mute or unmute the sound.
• F11: Decrease volume key. Use this key to decrease the volume of your Mac.
• F12: Increase volume key. Use this key to increase the volume of your Mac.

Using Function Keys

To use the function keys on your extended Apple keyboard, simply press the desired function key. However, by default, the function keys on newer Apple keyboards are set to perform special actions like adjusting the screen brightness, controlling media playback, and more. In order to use the traditional function key functions, you need to press the Fn key along with the desired function key.

For example, if you want to use the F3 key to access Mission Control, you would need to press Fn + F3. Similarly, if you want to use the F12 key to increase the volume, you would press Fn + F12.

If you find yourself using the function keys more often than the special actions, you can change the default behavior of the function keys. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences".
2. Click on "Keyboard".
3. In the Keyboard preferences window, click on the "Keyboard" tab.
4. Check the box that says "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys".

Once you have made this change, you will no longer need to press the Fn key to use the traditional function key functions.

Standard Keys

In addition to the function keys, an extended Apple keyboard also includes standard keys that you find on a typical keyboard. These keys include letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and special characters.

Using the standard keys is straightforward. Simply press the desired key to input the corresponding character or perform the assigned function. For example, pressing the letter "A" key will input the letter "A" on your screen.

Some standard keys have additional functions assigned to them when used in combination with modifier keys like Shift, Option, or Command. These modifier keys allow you to access additional characters or perform specific actions.

Here are some examples of standard keys with modifier key combinations:

• Shift + A: Inputs a capital letter "A".
• Option + 2: Inputs the "at" symbol (@).
• Command + C: Copies the selected text or item.
• Command + V: Pastes the copied text or item.

Experimenting with these combinations can help you discover additional functionalities provided by the standard keys.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to use the function keys and standard keys on your extended Apple keyboard, you can take advantage of their capabilities to enhance your productivity and make your work more efficient.

References