fn For Mac

fn is a minimalist status bar menu application that offers you the possibility to change the function of your F-keys with a simple mouse click. You can also configure the app to automatically toggle the fn state based on the application you are currently using.

By default, to switch the state of a function key, you must hold down the fn key that is usually placed in the bottom left corner of your keyboard.

If your keyboard does not come with a fn key, just open the System Preferences window, navigate to the Keyboard panel, and check or uncheck the “Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys”.

Both solutions are either uncomfortable or take more time that you care to invest. The fn status bar application reduces both procedures to merely navigating to the menu bar and clicking on an icon.

To access the fn app preferences panel, just hold down the Option key while clicking on the status bar icon. Here you can easily set the default fn state for each application currently running on your computer.

Naturally, the fn app will remember your choices in-between sessions, even if you quit the utilities included in the Preferences list. The same area offers you the possibility to effortlessly add the fn application to the login items list.

The function keys included on the Apple keyboard help you access certain special features a lot faster, but the keys can be configured to have different effects in each app. The fn utility allows you to activate or deactivate the standard functions from the comfort of the status bar.

The fn app can also automatically perform the shift, depending on the frontmost utility currently running on your Mac.