Function Key Pro For Mac

Normally on a Mac, you can use either the regular function keys or media keys with a single press, and hold down Fn to access the alternative commands. This is simple enough, but it requires you to press two keys for a bunch of commonly-used controls.

Function Key Pro is an interesting app that changes how you use your function keys. It allows you to use short and long presses to access either the normal function keys (F1, F2, etc.) or media keys, while making it possible to assign new shortcuts to key combinations by making use of the Fn key.

While it might take a bit of getting used to once it’s all set up, the actual configuration is extremely simple. On first launch, the app lets to choose from presets to decide what should be triggered by short and long presses, and what the Fn key should be used for.

A simple configuration would let you short press F1 to use the function key, long press to lower the brightness, and Fn+F1 to open an app or trigger various other commands. All assignments for all function keys and Fn combinations are customizable.

Function Key Pro is a very smart way to get more use out of your function keys. It lets you access their regular assignments in a new way, and it gives you new possibilities by freeing up the Fn key for various other shortcuts.

All you need to learn is when to press the keys briefly or hold them down longer. The long press delay is 0.3 seconds by default, but you can increase it to up to two seconds or lower it even further.

Function Key Pro is an easy app to recommend, as it makes it easier to use your Mac while also giving power users more shortcuts to work with. It’s very easy to configure and extensively customizable.