System Preferences - Keyboard - Modifier Config (Source: Tech Review Ninja) As you have remapped the option key, you now need to remap the Command key, therefore select Option from the dropdown next to the Command Key.
#Mac remap keyboard windows
Note the Alt key on a windows keyboard is also labelled Option on a Mac. This means that when you press the Alt key on the keyboard, macOS will interpret this as the Command key. Select the dropdown next to the Option Key, and then select Command.
#Mac remap keyboard mac
This took me a while to get my head around, but the key on the left is the actual key on the keyboard, and the dropdown is the action you want to perform when that key is pressed.įor example, to remap the Command key to the first key either side of the keyboard (as per the standard Mac layout), you need to select the key that you will be pressing on the keyboard, typically the Alt key of a Windows keyboard. This is my recommendation if you have a mechanical keyboard, where keycaps can typically be removed.įor each modifier key on the left, you specify the actual key on the keyboard to use for that modifier. For my mechanical keyboard, as I have swapped over the Alt and Windows keycaps, I also decided to swap over their functions. What modifier key changes you make are a personal preference. For some strange reason, it is also possible to set the modifier keys for a mouse! The dropdown also includes any USB mice you have connected, so ensure you select the correct device. In the screenshot, my GMMK mechanical keyboard is listed as USB Device. If not already shown, select your attached keyboard from the dropdown. System Preferences - Keyboard - Modifier (Source: Tech Review Ninja) Select this to open the modifier keys configuration. Towards the bottom right is the Modifier Keys… button. System Preferences - Keyboard (Source: Tech Review Ninja) To start, open the System Preferences and select Keyboard. Windows and Mac Keyboard Layouts (Source: Tech Review Ninja) It is possible to change the functionality of the keys in the Mac System Preferences, allowing you to change the behaviour of the modifier keys, such as Control, Option (Alt), Caps Lock and Command. Changing this will bring back the familiar Mac layout. When you plug a Windows keyboard into a Mac you will find that the Command key will now be the Windows key rather than the key closest to the space bar. In this case, you may want to change the keyboard behaviour so that it functions the same as a Mac keyboard, even if the keycap labels are not the same. You may have simply purchased a new keyboard for your Mac with a Windows layout.
#Mac remap keyboard Pc
If you also use a Windows PC, such as a separate Gaming PC or a work laptop, it is easier and preferable to keep a consistent layout between the devices, rather than having to mentally relearn each time you swap between devices. There are exceptions, such as the excellent keyboards from Das Keyboards or Keychron. Most mechanical keyboards are not available with a Mac layout, so many people need to find ways to improve the compatibility with macOS. Image by japanibackpacker (Source: Pixabay)Īs the Windows keyboard layout is different from that of a Mac, using a Windows keyboard with your Mac can result in frustration, with missed or incorrect key presses.