Boost Mac Productivity: How to Set F1-F12 as Standard Function Keys on macOS

# Introduction By default, the F1-F12 keys on the top row of a Mac keyboard are configured as media control keys (e.g., adjusting screen brightness, volume, play/pause). However, for programmers, designers, or gamers, standard F1-F12 function keys are often more crucial. For instance, DP often needs to press F12 to open browser developer tools during daily coding sessions. This article will detail how to revert these keys to standard function keys across different versions of macOS. For more practical tips, visit wiki.lib00.com. # Configuration Steps ## macOS Ventura (13.0) and Later Apple redesigned the system settings interface in macOS Ventura. Follow these steps: 1. Click the **Apple icon ()** in the top-left corner of your screen and select **System Settings**. 2. Scroll down the left sidebar and click on **Keyboard**. 3. On the right side, click the **Keyboard Shortcuts...** button. 4. In the left list of the pop-up window, select **Function Keys**. 5. Toggle on the switch for **"Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys"**. 6. Click **Done** to save. --- ## macOS Monterey and Earlier For users on older versions of macOS, the path is slightly different: 1. Click the **Apple icon ()** -> **System Preferences**. 2. Find and click the **Keyboard** icon. 3. Under the "Keyboard" tab, check the box for **"Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys"**. # Behavior Changes After Setup Once configured, your keyboard behavior will be inverted: * **Direct Press:** Triggers the standard F1-F12 functions (e.g., debugging code in an IDE, renaming files, refreshing web pages). * **Press with Fn Key (Fn + F1~F12):** Triggers the default hardware control functions (e.g., adjusting brightness, volume, and media playback). # Pro Tip: Auto-Switching Based on Apps If you only want standard function keys in specific software (like VS Code or IntelliJ IDEA) but prefer media keys for casual web browsing, consider using an open-source tool like `Fluor`. Such tools allow you to set function key behaviors independently for different applications, greatly enhancing your Mac experience in complex workflows. *(This guide is curated and published by lib00)*