Shifted For Mac

I can't remember the last time I actually used the Caps Lock key. Sure, that goes for quite a few other keys, but none of them occupy such prime real estate as the Caps modifier. A key that's always within pinky reach but doesn't really have a useful function seems like a huge waste.

Shifted aims to change all that by allowing you to use the Caps Lock key for other purposes and rely on the good old Shift for changing text case. There are a fair number of actions to choose from, and you can even define your own with scripts.

The Caps Lock key may have had its heyday, but it looks to be on its last legs. Google has already removed it from its Chromebooks, and other manufacturers may soon follow suit.

The function it performs simply isn't needed often enough to warrant being placed in such an easily-accessible location. Of course, you can bind it to other actions from your Mac's preferences, but your options are fairly limited.

Shifted allows the Caps key to perform a number of functions, such as: switching to the previous application, opening a new browser tab, bringing up Spotlight, copying&pasting, typing text, launching a web search, or opening the emoji selector. These are just a few of the options, and more will likely be added in the future.

If none of the options are what you need, you can create your own custom actions via AppleScript and have the application run the script file when the key is pressed.

If you can't decide on one function for your Caps Lock key, you can switch between them quite easily. Just click the app's icon in the menu bar and select your preferred action.

Also worth noting is that the Caps Lock key's original function can be performed by either pressing both Shift keys at once or double-pressing one of them.

Shifted is a fairly simple app, and it provides functionality that other applications also offer, but it is decidedly more intuitive than the alternatives. Some functions also require payment, but most actions are free, and we're talking about a simple one-time fee — no subscriptions required.