Hubbry Logo
Function keyFunction keyMain
Open search
Function key
Community hub
Function key
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Function key
Function key
Function key
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

A function key is a key on a computer or terminal keyboard that can be programmed to cause the operating system or an application program to perform certain actions, a form of soft key.[1] On some keyboards/computers, function keys may have default actions, accessible on power-on.

A 104-key US English keyboard layout with the function keys in orange

Function keys on a terminal may either generate short fixed sequences of characters, often beginning with the escape character (ASCII 27), or the characters they generate may be configured by sending special character sequences to the terminal. On a standard computer keyboard, the function keys may generate a fixed, single byte code, outside the normal ASCII range, which is translated into some other configurable sequence by the keyboard device driver or interpreted directly by the application program. Function keys may have abbreviations or pictographic representations of default actions printed on/besides them, or they may have the more common "F-number" designations.

History

[edit]
Flexowriter keyboard (1968) with 13 function keys on the right
HP 9830A (1972) with 5×2 grid of 10 function keys at top left

The Singer/Friden 2201 Flexowriter Programmatic, introduced in 1965, had a cluster of 13 function keys, labeled F1 to F13 to the right of the main keyboard. Although the Flexowriter could be used as a computer terminal, this electromechanical typewriter was primarily intended as a stand-alone word processing system. The interpretation of the function keys was determined by the programming of a plugboard inside the back of the machine.[2]

Soft keys date to avionics multi-function displays of military planes of the late 1960s/early 1970s, such as the Mark II avionics of the F-111D (first ordered 1967, delivered 1970–1973).[citation needed] In computing use, they were found on the HP 9810A calculator (1971) and later models of the HP 9800 series, which featured 10 programmable keys in 5×2 block (2 rows of 5 keys) at the top left of the keyboard, with paper labels.[citation needed] The HP 9830A (1972) was an early desktop computer, and one of the earliest specifically computing uses.[citation needed] HP continued its use of function keys in the HP 2640 (1975), which used screen-labeled function keys, placing the keys close to the screen, where labels could be displayed for their function.

NEC's PC-8001, introduced in 1979, featured five function keys at the top of the keyboard, along with a numeric keypad on the right-hand side of the keyboard.[3][4]

Their modern use may have been popularized by IBM keyboards:[citation needed] first the IBM 3270 terminals, then the IBM PC. IBM use of function keys dates to the IBM 3270 line of terminals,[citation needed] specifically the IBM 3277 (1972) with 78-key typewriter keyboard or operator console keyboard version, which both featured 12 programmed function (PF) keys in a 3×4 matrix at the right of the keyboard. Later models replaced this with a numeric keypad, and moved the function keys to 24 keys at the top of the keyboard. The original IBM PC keyboard (PC/XT, 1981) had 10 function keys (F1–F10) in a 2×5 matrix at the left of the keyboard; this was replaced by 12 keys in 3 blocks of 4 at the top of the keyboard in the Model M ("Enhanced", 1984).[citation needed]

Schemes on various keyboards

[edit]
  • Mac: The classic Mac OS supported system extensions known generally as FKEYS which could be installed in the System file and could be accessed with a Command-Shift-(number) keystroke combination (Command-Shift-3 was the screen capture function included with the system, and was installed as an FKEY); however, early Macintosh keyboards did not support numbered function keys in the normal sense. Since the introduction of the Apple Extended Keyboard with the Macintosh II, however, keyboards with function keys have been available, though they did not become standard until the mid-1990s. They have not traditionally been a major part of the Mac user interface, however, and are generally only used on cross-platform programs. According to the Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines, they are reserved for customization by the user. Current Mac keyboards include specialized function keys for controlling sound volume. The most recent Mac keyboards include 19 function keys, but keys F1–F4 and F7–F12 by default control features such as volume, media control, and Exposé. Former keyboards and Apple Keyboard with numeric keypad have the F1–F19 keys.
  • Mac laptops: Function keys were not standard on Apple notebook hardware until the introduction of the PowerBook 5300 and the PowerBook 190. For the most part, Mac laptops have keys F1 through F12, with pre-defined actions for some, including controlling sound volume and screen brightness.
  • Apricot PC/Xi: six unlabelled keys, each with an LED beside it which illuminates when the key can be used; above the keys is a liquid crystal display—the 'microscreen'—that is used by programs to display the action performed by the key.
  • Atari 8-bit computers: four dedicated keys (Reset, Option, Select, Start) at the right hand side or on the top of the keyboard; the XL models also had a Help key. Atari 1200XL has four additional keys labeled F1 through F4 with pre-defined actions, mainly related to cursor movement.
  • Atari ST: ten parallelogram-shaped keys in a horizontal row across the top of the keyboard, inset into the keyboard frame instead of popping up like normal keys.
  • BBC Micro: red/orange keys F0 to F9 in a horizontal row above the number keys on top of the computer/keyboard. The break, arrow, and copy keys could function as F10–F15. The case included a transparent plastic strip above them to hold a function key reference card.
  • Coleco Adam: six dark brown keys in a horizontal row above the number keys, labeled with Roman numerals I–VI.
  • VIC-20 and Commodore 64: F1/F2 to F7/F8 in a vertical row of four keys descending on the computer/keyboard's right hand side, odd-numbered functions accessed unshifted, even-numbered shifted; orange, beige/brown, or grey key color, depending on VIC/64 model/revision.
  • Commodore 128: essentially same as VIC-20/C64, but with (grey) function keys placed in a horizontal row above the numeric keypad right of the main QWERTY-keyboard; also had Help key.
  • Commodore Amiga: ten keys arranged in a row of two five-key groups across the top of the keyboard (flush with the ordinary keyboard top row); function keys are 1½ times the width of ordinary keys. Like the Commodore 128, this also had a Help key.
  • Graphing calculators, particularly those from Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard and Casio, usually include a row of function keys with various preassigned functions (on a standard hand-held calculator, these would be the top row of buttons under the screen). On low-end models such as the TI-83-series, these function mainly as an extension of the main keyboard, but on high-end calculators the functions change with the mode, sometimes acting as menu navigation keys as well.
  • HP 2640 series terminals (1975): first known instance—late 1970s—of screen-labeled function keys (where keys are placed in proximity or mapped to labels on CRT or LCD screen).
  • HP 9830: F1–F8 on two rows of four in upper left with paper template label. An early use of function keys (1972).
  • IBM 3270: probably the origin of function keys on keyboards, circa 1972.[citation needed] On this mainframe keyboard early models had 12 function keys in a 3×4 matrix at the right of the keyboard; later that changed to a numeric keypad, and the function keys moved to the top of the keyboard, and increased to 24 keys in two rows.
Keyboard with 24 function keys
  • IBM 5250: early models frequently had a "cmd" modifier key, by which the numeric row keys emulate function keys; later models have either 12 function keys in groups of 4 (with shifted keys acting as F13–F24), or 24 in two rows. These keys, along with "Enter", "Help", and several others, generate "AID codes", informing the host computer that user-entered data is ready to be read.
  • IBM PC AT and PS/2 keyboard: F1 to F12 usually in three 4-key groups across the top of the keyboard. The original IBM PC and PC XT keyboards had function keys F1 through F10, in two adjacent vertical columns on the left hand side; F1|F2, F3|F4, ..., F9|F10, descending. Some IBM compatible keyboards, e.g., the Northgate OmniKey/102, also featured function keys on the left, which on examples with swapped left Alt and Caps Lock keys, facilitate fingers of a single hand simultaneously striking modifier key(s) and function keys swiftly and comfortably by touch even by those with small hands. Many modern PC keyboards also include specialized keys for multimedia and operating system functions.
  • MCK-142 Pro: two sets of function keys: F1–F12 at the left side of the keyboard and additionally 24 user programmable PF keys located above QWERTY keys.[5]
  • NEC PC-8000 Series (1979): five function keys at the top of the keyboard, along with a numeric keypad on the right-hand side of the keyboard.[3][4]
  • Sharp MZ-700: blue keys F1 to F5 in a horizontal row across the top left side of the keyboard, the keys are vertically half the size of ordinary keys and twice the width; there is also a dedicated "slot" for changeable key legend overlays (paper/plastic) above the function key row.
  • VT100 terminals: four function keys (PF1 - PF4) above the numeric keypad.

Action on various programs and operating systems

[edit]

Mac OS

[edit]

In the classic Mac OS, the function keys could be configured by the user, with the Function Keys control panel, to start a program or run an AppleScript.

macOS assigns default functionality to (almost) all the function keys from F1 to F12, but the actions assigned by default to these function keys have changed a couple of times over the history of Mac products and corresponding Mac OS X versions[6][circular reference]. As a consequence, the labels on Macintosh keyboards have changed over time to reflect the newer mappings of later Mac OS X versions: for instance, on a 2006 MacBook Pro, functions keys F3, F4 and F5 are labelled for volume down/volume up, whereas on later MacBook Pros (starting with the 2007 model), the volume controls are located on function keys F10 to F12 where they are mapped to various functions.

Any recent version of macOS is able to detect which generation of Apple keyboard is being used, and to assign proper default actions corresponding to the labels shown on this Apple keyboard (provided that this keyboard was manufactured before the release of the version of Mac OS X being used). As a result, default mappings are sometimes wrong (i.e., not matching the labels shown on the keyboard) when using a recent USB Apple keyboard on an older version of Mac OS X, which doesn't know about the new function key mapping of this keyboard (e.g., because Mission control and Launchpad didn't exist at that time, the corresponding labels shown on the keyboard can't match the default actions assigned by older versions of Mac OS X, which were Exposé and Dashboard).

It can be noted that:

  • all function keys have been changed over time, with the exception of F1 and F2, which have always been mapped to brightness control.
  • all Mac laptops after 2007 are missing any Num Lock key, even if they lack a keypad (the Num Lock was previously located on the F6 key on older Apple laptops).
  • the special key for ejection of disks (which was located at the right of the F12 key on older Apple keyboards) were removed from Apple computers since they lack an internal optical disk drive, with the exception of the 2010 MacBook Air, which had disk ejection labelled on its F12 key (for use in combination with an external USB SuperDrive).
  • function keys F13 to F19 have no labels, and are only available on full keyboards with numpads.
  • function key F11 is mapped to show desktop (Mission Control shortcut) and function keys F14 and F15 are mapped by default to decrease/increase contrast (although nothing is labelled on these keys on Macintosh keyboards).
  • on Boot Camp, function keys F13 to F15 are mapped to the corresponding IBM PC keys (which are located on the same place of the keyboard): Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause key
  • on all versions of macOS, software functions can be used by holding down the Fn key while pressing the appropriate function key, and this scheme can be reversed by changing the macOS system preferences.
  • some MacBook Pro models from 2016 to 2022 replaced the physical function keys with the Touch Bar.

Windows/MS-DOS

[edit]

Under MS-DOS, individual programs could decide what each function key meant to them, and the command line had its own actions. For example, while in the command line, the F3 key copied words from the previous command to the current command prompt. WordPerfect for DOS is an example of a program that made heavy use of function keys.

F1 was used for Help as early as the Leading Edge Word Processor in 1984.[7] It gradually became universally associated with Help in most early Windows programs, following the IBM Common User Access guidelines. To this day, Microsoft Office programs running in Windows list F1 as the key for Help in the Help menu. Internet Explorer in Windows does not list this keystroke in the help menu, but still responds with a help window. In Microsoft Word, ⇧ Shift+F1 reveals formatting.

F2 in Excel edits the current selected cell. In Windows Explorer, Visual Studio, and other programs, F2 is used to access file or field edit functions, such as renaming a file.

F3 is commonly used to activate a search function in applications, often cycling through results on successive presses of the key. ⇧ Shift+F3 is often used to search backwards. Some applications, such as Visual Studio, support Control+F3 as a means of searching for the currently highlighted text elsewhere in a document.

F4 is used in some applications to make the window "fullscreen", like in 3D Pinball: Space Cadet. In Microsoft IE, it is used to view the URL list of previously viewed websites. Alt+F4 is commonly used to quit an application; Ctrl+F4 will often close a portion of the application, such as a document or tab.

F5 is commonly used as a reload key in many web browsers and other applications. In Microsoft PowerPoint, F5 starts the slide show.

F6 highlights the URL in the address bar in many modern web browsers. In the Visual Basic Editor, F6 moves to the next pane. Ctrl+F6 switches between documents or tab within an application.

F7 checks spelling.

Alt+F8 calls the macros dialog.

⇧ Shift+F9 exits the MS-DOS Shell if it is running.

F10 generally activates the menu bar, while ⇧ Shift+F10 activates a context menu.

F11 activates the full screen/kiosk mode on most browsers. Alt+F11 is used to call the Visual Basic Editor, and ⇧ Shift+Alt+F11 to call the Script Editor.

F12 opens development tools in many modern web browsers.

BIOS/booting

[edit]

Function Keys are also heavily used in the BIOS interface. Generally during the power-on self-test, BIOS access can be gained by hitting either a function key or the Del key. In the BIOS keys can have different purposes depending on the BIOS. However, F10 is the de facto standard for save and exit which saves all changes and restarts the system.

During Windows 10 startup, ⇧ Shift + F8 is used to enter safe mode; in legacy versions of Microsoft Windows, the F8 key was used alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Function key

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A function key is a programmable key on a , typically labeled F1 through F12 and positioned along the top row, designed to execute specific commands or shortcuts as defined by the operating system or the active software application. These keys originated in the 1970s with IBM's development of terminal keyboards, such as the , where they served as dedicated controls for mainframe tasks. By 1981, the IBM PC's standardized 10 function keys (F1–F10) in two vertical columns on the left side, which evolved into the familiar 12-key horizontal layout with the introduction of the IBM Model M in 1985, influencing modern keyboard designs across the industry. Function keys provide quick access to frequently used operations, reducing reliance on inputs and enhancing ; for instance, F1 commonly opens help documentation, F5 refreshes content in web browsers or applications, and F11 toggles full-screen mode. Their behavior can be customized or overridden, particularly on laptops where pressing the Fn (function) key in combination with an F-key activates controls like adjustment or rather than the standard function. In professional environments, such as word processing or , function keys streamline workflows by mapping to macros or system-level actions, a legacy that persists in contemporary operating systems like Windows and macOS.

Overview

Definition and Purpose

Function keys, typically labeled F1 through F12 (or more in some configurations), are dedicated keys on computer keyboards designed to execute context-specific actions that extend beyond standard alphanumeric input. These keys serve as programmable shortcuts, allowing users to trigger commands defined by the operating system or active software application without navigating through menus or graphical interfaces. The primary purpose of function keys is to improve by providing rapid access to controls, software functions, and hardware operations, thereby reducing the time required for repetitive tasks in environments. This design addresses the need for streamlined interaction in professional and technical settings, where quick command execution can significantly enhance productivity. Function keys emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, originating from early terminal systems like the , which introduced programmable function (PF) keys to handle rapid data transmission and program interactions on limited-display devices. This development was driven by the constraints of early personal computers and terminals, which required efficient methods for executing complex commands without extensive typing. Common universal roles for function keys include activating help systems, such as F1 to display documentation or assistance menus in many applications. Other examples encompass toggling full-screen modes (e.g., F11) or refreshing content (e.g., F5), functions that appear consistently across various software to support intuitive navigation and control.

Basic Functionality

Function keys operate by generating unique electrical signals within the keyboard hardware, which are translated into scan codes for transmission to the host computer. When a function key, such as F1 through F12, is pressed, it produces a specific scan code— for instance, F1 corresponds to 0x05 and F12 to 0x07 in the standard PS/2 scan code set 2 (make codes)—distinct from alphanumeric keys. These scan codes are sent to the keyboard controller, a embedded in the keyboard that serializes the data and forwards it via protocols like PS/2 or USB HID to the computer's or operating system. Unlike printable characters, function keys are interpreted as non-printable events, triggering control actions rather than text input; for example, they map to virtual key codes like VK_F1 (0x70), which applications process through input events without character translation. Modifier keys, including Ctrl, Alt, and Shift, extend the utility of function keys by allowing simultaneous presses that create composite inputs, effectively multiplying the number of available commands from 12 basic function keys to over 100 unique combinations. For instance, Ctrl+F generates a scan code sequence where the Ctrl modifier (VK_CONTROL, 0x11) is detected alongside the F key's code, enabling actions like search invocation in many interfaces. The keyboard controller or host system tracks modifier states through flags in the input protocol, such as the extended key prefix (0xE0) for right-side modifiers, ensuring the combination is registered as a single event rather than sequential presses. This mechanism relies on the system's ability to poll or for multiple key states, supporting n-key rollover for accurate capture of complex inputs. The behavior of function keys is inherently context-sensitive, as their interpretation depends on the receiving software's focus and configuration, rather than fixed hardware mappings. A key like F5 might default to a refresh operation in certain environments but could activate tools in a development application, with the operating system dispatching the event to the foreground process for resolution. This flexibility arises from the abstraction layers in input processing, where raw scan codes are elevated to semantic events by the and OS, allowing application-specific overrides without altering the underlying hardware signal. At the hardware level, function keys are registered through a keyboard matrix—a grid of rows and columns interconnecting switches—that the controller scans cyclically to detect closures. Each function key occupies a unique matrix position, and upon , it completes a circuit that the controller identifies by energizing rows and reading column states, typically at rates of 100-1000 Hz to ensure responsiveness. Debouncing is critical here, as mechanical switches exhibit bounce—rapid on-off transients lasting 1-10 ms typically— which the controller mitigates via timing delays or circuits, confirming a stable state before generating the scan code and preventing erroneous multiple registrations. This process applies uniformly to all keys, including function keys, ensuring reliable input across varying physical layouts.

History

Early Development

The origins of function keys trace back to the early with the development of terminals, particularly IBM's 3270 Information Display System, introduced in 1971. This system featured dedicated program function (PF) keys on its keyboards, typically 12 keys labeled PF1 through PF12 (or up to PF24 on some models), positioned in a vertical or matrix arrangement to the right of the main alphanumeric section. These keys allowed operators to transmit screen to the host application along with a unique code identifying the pressed key, enabling quick execution of predefined commands without typing full instructions. For instance, pressing a PF key could initiate actions like submission, cursor movement, or program interrupts, addressing the limitations of early text-based interfaces where input was constrained to character entry and basic navigation. IBM engineers played a pivotal role in pioneering these non-alphanumeric keys, designing them specifically for business-oriented applications in mainframe environments like the System/360. The PF keys emerged from the need to streamline operator interactions in high-volume tasks, such as inventory management and transaction handling, where efficiency was critical. By reducing dependence on multi-character sequences or physical —which were absent or limited on early terminals—these keys facilitated faster workflows and minimized errors in operator consoles. This innovation reflected broader trends in computing, where terminals evolved from punch-card inputs to interactive displays, prioritizing programmable shortcuts for complex software functions. The transition to personal computing in the early 1980s built directly on this foundation with the introduction of the Personal Computer (PC) on August 12, 1981, which included an 83-key featuring 10 function keys (F1 through F10) arranged in two vertical columns on the left side. Unlike the typewriter's shift keys, which mechanically altered character output, these F keys were electronically mapped to software-defined actions, drawing inspiration from terminal designs to support programmable commands in emerging PC applications. IBM's design team, led by engineers adapting mainframe concepts to desktop use, positioned the keys to enable rapid access to system and program functions, solving input bottlenecks in the PC's text-mode DOS environment. Early software like the word processor , ported to the PC in 1982, adopted these keys extensively; for example, in WordStar 3.3 (1983), F1 toggled help levels, F5 marked text for underlining, and F10 moved the cursor to the file's end, integrating them into editing workflows to bypass menu navigation and enhance productivity.

Standardization and Evolution

In the 1990s, efforts to standardize keyboard layouts formalized the placement and numbering of function keys F1 through F12, establishing them as a dedicated row above the alphanumeric section. The (ANSI) contributed through INCITS 154-1988, which standardized the arrangement of alphanumeric keys to promote across North American computing devices, building on earlier industry practices such as IBM's introduction of a 12-key horizontal function row in the in 1984. Similarly, the (ISO) published the first edition of ISO/IEC 9995-1 in 1994, providing a key numbering system and principles for keyboard sections that positioned function keys in a consistent "K" row for global compatibility. These standards built on earlier practices from the 1980s but achieved widespread adoption in the 1990s as personal computing proliferated. Extended keyboards during this period incorporated additional function keys F13 through F24, typically accessed via modifier combinations like Shift+F1 on standard hardware, to support advanced applications requiring more programmable inputs. This expansion appeared in models like the introduced in 1987, which featured up to F15, and became part of broader standards for larger layouts in professional and mainframe environments by the mid-1990s. Microsoft's influence through Windows and DOS further entrenched the 12-key baseline, with default mappings such as F1 for help and F10 for menus shaping keyboard designs for PC-compatible systems and encouraging manufacturers to align with this configuration. The evolution of function keys adapted to portable computing in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly with where space constraints prompted the widespread adoption of the Fn modifier key for dual-purpose functionality. This allowed F1-F12 keys to share roles with media controls, brightness adjustments, and other hardware features, as seen in early compact designs like the from the early 1990s. Apple's approach diverged from the outset; the original Macintosh keyboard omitted dedicated function keys entirely, prioritizing a minimalist 79-key layout, before introducing them in the 1987 Extended Keyboard to support expanding software needs while emphasizing the for shortcuts over traditional PC conventions. In the , the USB (HID) standards enhanced cross-device compatibility for function keys, defining usage codes for F1 through F24 in documents like the HID Usage Tables version 1.12 released in 2004. This ensured seamless recognition across peripherals without proprietary drivers, facilitating the integration of function keys in diverse hardware ecosystems. By the and , the rise of touchscreens and virtual keyboards extended this evolution, with on-screen implementations incorporating F1-F12 rows to emulate physical layouts for desktop applications on tablets and mobiles. For instance, Microsoft's On-Screen Keyboard, updated throughout the decade, includes these keys for accessibility and productivity on touchscreen devices.

Keyboard Layouts and Hardware

Standard PC Layout

In the standard PC keyboard layout, the function keys (F1 through F12) occupy a dedicated horizontal row at the top of the keyboard, directly above the number row (1 through 0). This arrangement aligns the keys in three groups of four—F1 to F4, F5 to F8, and F9 to F12—for logical organization and ease of access during sequential operations. Each function key measures approximately 19 mm in width, consistent with the 1u (unit) standard for keycaps in PC designs, promoting uniform sizing across the layout. The foundational configurations emerged in the with the full-size PC/XT layout featuring 83 keys and function keys (F1-F10) initially placed vertically on the left side. This left-side arrangement continued in the PC/AT's 84-key design. The layout was later standardized in the 101/102-key Enhanced Keyboard introduced in 1986, which moved the function keys to a horizontal row at the top and expanded to include F11 and F12. Contemporary standards adhere to the compact 104-key ANSI variant for U.S. keyboards or the 105-key ISO variant for international use, both retaining the dedicated top-row placement while incorporating a full and navigation cluster. Ergonomic design emphasizes spacing of about 19 mm center-to-center between function keys to support touch-typing without straining the fingers or requiring awkward stretches from the home row position. Many models include integrated LED indicators for lock states such as , , and , typically located in the upper-right corner near the function keys; these lights provide visual feedback on input modes that can indirectly impact function key behaviors in software contexts, like toggling numeric entry on the . Manufacturing norms favor keyboards for standard desktop PCs, as their rubber-dome construction under each key—including the function row—offers affordability, slim profiles, and reduced noise compared to mechanical alternatives, which use individual spring-loaded switches for enhanced durability and tactile response but remain less prevalent outside enthusiast and professional segments. Connectivity standards have evolved from the PS/2 ports common in and PCs, which required dedicated interrupt-driven interfaces, to USB as the dominant method in modern systems, supporting hot-swapping and broader compatibility without specialized hardware.

Variations Across Devices

In laptop keyboards, space constraints in portable devices lead to adaptations where function keys are accessed through combinations with a dedicated Fn (function) key, commonly on compact chiclet-style layouts that feature flat, separated keys for ergonomic typing. For instance, on many HP laptops, pressing and holding the Fn key while selecting a function key activates secondary actions like toggling Wi-Fi (often Fn + F12) or adjusting screen brightness (Fn + F5 or F6). Similarly, Dell Inspiron models require Fn + F5 for operating system-specific behaviors, such as refresh functions, while ultrabooks like thin-profile laptops further compress the function row by integrating icons directly onto keys or reducing physical spacing to maintain a slim form factor without sacrificing core functionality. Microsoft Surface devices exemplify this with type covers where top-row keys double as function keys only when Fn is pressed first, prioritizing media controls in default mode. Apple's keyboards, starting from models in the early 2000s, repurpose the F1 through F12 keys primarily for system controls such as decreasing (F1) or increasing (F2) display brightness, Mission Control (F3), and adjustment (F11 for mute, F12 for increase), reflecting a design emphasis on integration over traditional function roles. To access standard F1-F12 behaviors without the , users can enable the option in under Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys, which swaps the default mapping and allows Fn to temporarily revert to media functions if needed. This configuration has been standard across and Pro lines, promoting intuitive hardware controls while accommodating software demands through user-configurable toggles. For mobile devices like tablets, function key implementations shift toward external accessories and virtual overlays to accommodate touchscreen interfaces. The Magic Keyboard for , for example, includes a dedicated top row of physical function keys tailored for , handling tasks like brightness adjustment, volume control, media playback, screen locking, search initiation, Do Not Disturb activation, and dictation—mirroring MacBook adaptations but optimized for the iPad's ecosystem. On Android tablets and smartphones, on-screen virtual keyboards in specialized apps provide F1-F12 keys; the Hacker's Keyboard app, for instance, offers a full layout with programmable function keys, arrow navigation, and modifiers like Ctrl and Alt, enabling desktop-like input for coding or remote access without hardware. iOS apps similarly incorporate virtual function keys in contexts like remote desktop tools or , where on-screen overlays simulate F1-F12 for app-specific shortcuts, though the standard iPadOS keyboard prioritizes touch gestures over persistent virtual F keys. Specialized hardware extends function key capabilities beyond standard layouts to support domain-specific needs. Gaming keyboards, such as the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, feature macro-programmable F1-F12 keys alongside dedicated macro buttons (up to eight), allowing users to record complex sequences like multi-step commands or timed inputs via Razer software for enhanced in-game efficiency. Corsair's K95 RGB model includes 18 programmable G-keys that function as extended macros, often remapped to emulate or augment F keys for rapid execution of gaming presets. In embedded systems like point-of-sale (POS) terminals, custom layouts incorporate extended function keys such as F13 through F24—accessed via Shift + F1-F12 on compatible 101/104-key keyboards—to trigger transaction-specific actions like voiding items or applying discounts, optimizing workflows in retail environments.

Operating System Integration

Windows and MS-DOS

In the era, function keys provided essential command-line navigation on PC-compatible systems, with early versions from the limited to F1 through F10 due to the original keyboard layout. These keys facilitated editing and recalling commands; for instance, F3 repeated the last entered command, while F1 extended the previous command character by character, and F2 prompted for a character to copy up to from the prior line. As Windows evolved from its MS-DOS foundations, function key behaviors integrated into the graphical interface, establishing standards that persist today. The F1 key activated Help functionality starting with in 1990, providing context-sensitive assistance across applications. Alt+F4 emerged as the universal shortcut to close the active window, a convention rooted in early Windows design for efficient task termination. With the introduction of , F5 became the standard for refreshing views in Windows Explorer, updating file and folder displays without manual intervention. In modern Windows versions such as 10 and 11 during the 2020s, function keys support enhanced customization and system integration. Microsoft's PowerToys utility enables users to remap function keys via its Keyboard Manager, allowing reassignment to custom shortcuts for personalized workflows. Function keys also tie into search features, with F3 often invoking the Find dialog in applications and Explorer, complementing voice-activated tools like the former Cortana for quick queries. Accessibility options in Windows Settings further leverage function keys, such as toggling features like Sticky Keys or Magnifier through configurable hotkeys. Windows maintains legacy support for function key behaviors through compatibility modes in the Command Prompt, ensuring F1–F10 operate similarly to their original DOS roles for command editing and history recall. This preservation aids in running legacy scripts and tools without modification, bridging decades of command-line usage.

macOS

In macOS, function keys on have evolved to prioritize system controls and functions, reflecting Apple's emphasis on seamless hardware-software integration. The original Macintosh keyboard introduced in lacked dedicated function keys, featuring only a compact layout with 58 keys focused on basic input. This minimalist design aligned with the early Mac's user-friendly ethos but limited advanced shortcut capabilities. During the , Apple expanded function key support in its laptops to enhance compatibility with Windows-based software and productivity applications; the in 1994 marked the first inclusion of a full F1–F12 row, enabling standardized shortcuts for tasks like screen brightness and volume adjustment. By default in modern macOS versions, the function keys are mapped to hardware-specific controls rather than traditional F1–F12 behaviors, promoting intuitive media and display management. For instance, F1 and F2 adjust display brightness, decreasing or increasing it respectively, while F3 activates Mission Control to overview all open windows and Spaces since macOS in 2007, when Exposé's features were consolidated under this single key to accommodate new multimedia icons on keyboards. Historically, F12 served as the shortcut for —a widget overlay introduced in in 2005—until its deprecation in macOS in 2018; in subsequent versions, F4 handles Launchpad for app launching, maintaining the top-row emphasis on quick system access. These mappings underscore macOS's shift toward gesture-like keyboard interactions, differing from Windows' more app-centric F-key standards. The Fn (Function) key, introduced on models in 1998, acts as a modifier to toggle between these default media controls and standard F1–F12 functions, allowing users to access both without remapping. This behavior is configurable via > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > Function Keys, where selecting "Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" inverts the priority—a change streamlined in in 2022 with the unified interface replacing older System Preferences. Such flexibility supports diverse workflows, from creative professionals needing raw F-keys for software like apps to everyday users favoring one-touch brightness or volume adjustments. Unique to macOS, function keys have long integrated with spatial window management features originating from Exposé, launched in in 2003, which assigned F9, F10, and F11 to expose all windows, application-specific views, or the desktop, respectively. These evolved into the unified F3 for Mission Control and related Spaces navigation by 2007, enabling switching without input and enhancing multitasking on limited screens. In recent versions like macOS Sequoia (2024) and Tahoe (2025), function keys also facilitate activation; pressing and holding the dedicated Microphone key (typically F5 on Magic Keyboards) invokes the voice assistant for queries, with Apple Intelligence enhancements allowing typed interactions via double-Command key presses for privacy-focused use. This progression highlights function keys' role in macOS's adaptive, accessibility-oriented ecosystem.

Linux and Unix-like Systems

In Linux and Unix-like systems, function keys are processed through the evdev input subsystem, which captures raw keyboard events from hardware and translates them into keycodes for the display server, such as X11 or Wayland. Evdev keycodes for function keys (F1 through F12) differ from X11 keycodes by an offset of 8, ensuring compatibility across layers of the input stack. By default, these keys are passed through directly to applications without interception or remapping by the system, allowing software to interpret them as needed. Distribution-specific behaviors introduce variations in function key handling. In with , the F1 key is bound by default to open the help contents in , a convention established in the 2000s and configurable via the terminal's keyboard shortcuts preferences. In Plasma, users can remap function keys through under the Keyboard section, where options for configuring key bindings and function key behaviors are available, enabling customization for specific hardware or workflows. For minimalist setups like , the xmodmap utility provides low-level control over function key mappings in X11 environments, allowing users to redefine bindings via configuration files loaded at session start. The integration of function keys in draws from Unix heritage, where early terminal emulators on BSD and Unix systems utilized them for editor commands; for instance, vi and its derivatives incorporated function keys for modes like insertion in later implementations building on 1970s terminal designs. In modern tiling window managers such as i3, function keys are commonly bound in configuration files for actions like switching workspaces or launching applications, enhancing keyboard-driven navigation. For accessibility, the in leverages function keys in combination with its modifier (e.g., Orca + F2 to list key bindings), supporting navigation and configuration alongside primary gesture-based commands.

Software and Application Uses

Common Shortcuts in Applications

In productivity applications, function keys often facilitate common editing and file management tasks. For instance, in Windows , pressing F2 selects a file or folder for renaming, allowing users to edit the name directly in place—a standard feature that has been consistent across versions of the operating system. Similarly, in , F7 initiates the spelling and grammar check, scanning the document for errors and displaying suggestions in the Editor pane; this shortcut has been a core part of Word's proofing tools since early versions of the application. Web browsers exhibit widespread standardization in function key usage for navigation and viewing, promoting cross-platform consistency. The F5 key refreshes or reloads the current page, a convention popularized by in the mid-1990s, replacing earlier methods like Ctrl+R in , and now universal across browsers such as Chrome, , and Edge. F11 toggles full-screen mode, hiding toolbars and maximizing content display; this persists as the default in modern browsers for immersive viewing. For searching page content, Ctrl+F opens the find dialog in most browsers, while F3 serves as an alternate to initiate or cycle through search results, particularly useful when the primary shortcut is unavailable or in legacy contexts. Media software leverages function keys for playback control and interface adjustments, though patterns vary by application. In VLC Media Player, F toggles full-screen playback, enhancing viewing during video or audio sessions, while users often customize higher function keys like F9 or F10 for play/pause via the hotkey settings to align with multimedia keyboards. In professional tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, function keys support timeline interactions indirectly through playback navigation—but primary timeline movement relies on arrow keys or J/K/L for scrubbing, with F11 occasionally used for full-screen program monitor views in editing workflows. Across games and development tools, F1 universally opens contextual help menus, a convention established in early Windows applications for quick access to and support. F12 captures screenshots in many gaming environments, notably as the default hotkey for Steam's overlay, which saves images to the user's library and enables sharing without interrupting gameplay. These usages reflect broad adoption for efficiency in interactive software, often building on operating system-level defaults for help and capture functions.

Programmable and Custom Functions

Users can program and customize function keys through various built-in and third-party tools, enabling personalized macros and remappings to enhance workflow efficiency across operating systems. In Windows, provides a free, open-source scripting language that allows users to create hotkeys and macros specifically for function keys (F1 through F12), such as assigning F5 to execute a sequence of commands or automate repetitive tasks. This tool supports context-sensitive hotkeys and modifier combinations, making it suitable for both simple remaps and complex scripts. On macOS, the built-in Automator application facilitates the creation of workflows that can be triggered by function keys, particularly through Quick Actions integrated with the Fn key or keyboard shortcuts. For instance, users can design a workflow to perform file operations or system tasks upon pressing an F key, with options to assign these directly in System Settings for seamless activation. Third-party software extends these capabilities for deeper hardware-level remapping. SharpKeys, a utility for Windows, enables permanent remapping of function keys by editing the system registry, allowing users to reassign F keys to other inputs without ongoing software dependency; while primarily designed for Windows, community adaptations support similar functionality on via compatible registry emulation tools. For macOS, Karabiner-Elements, introduced in the mid-2010s, offers robust keyboard customization, including remapping function keys to alternative behaviors or complex modifications through configuration files, ensuring stability across macOS versions from Sierra onward. Advanced users can leverage scripting libraries for programmatic control of function key events. The Python library pynput allows developers to listen for and handle function key presses in real-time, enabling custom event listeners that simulate or block F key actions in cross-platform applications. Such scripting is particularly useful for integrating function keys into larger frameworks. Customization of function keys finds application in and scenarios. For , remapping F1 to trigger a voice command interface helps users with motor impairments navigate software more intuitively, often implemented via tools like SharpKeys to align with needs. In contexts, assigning F8 to insert custom Excel formulas streamlines tasks, reducing reliance on and boosting efficiency in spreadsheet workflows.

Advanced and Modern Features

BIOS and Booting Interactions

Function keys play a crucial role during the system boot process and within firmware environments like and , allowing users to access setup utilities, boot menus, and diagnostic tools before the operating system loads. These interactions originated in the 1990s with the proliferation of implementations from manufacturers such as AMI and , where specific keys became standardized for interrupting the boot sequence to enter configuration screens. To enter the or setup utility, users typically press the for AMI and systems, F2 for many modern implementations, or F10 in certain configurations, a practice established since the as these variants dominated PC s. The F12 key is commonly used to access the one-time , enabling temporary selection of devices such as USB drives or network options without altering permanent settings. These key assignments vary slightly by vendor but have remained consistent to facilitate quick access during startup. In legacy systems running or early Windows versions from 95 to 2000, function keys supported booting for troubleshooting. Pressing F5 during the "Starting Windows" message would initiate a direct start, while F8 brought up the Windows Startup Menu, allowing selection of , command prompt, or other recovery options to isolate driver or configuration issues. For via (PXE), many systems prompt the user to press F12 during the sequence to select a from a PXE server, a method standardized for remote OS deployment since the late . Modern UEFI firmware extends these interactions with features like Secure Boot management and fast boot options. Users enter the UEFI setup via keys such as F2 or Delete to navigate to the Boot tab, where Secure Boot can be enabled or disabled to verify bootloader integrity, often requiring a restart to apply changes after pressing F10 to save and exit. Fast boot settings, which skip peripheral initialization for quicker startups, are similarly toggled in the UEFI menu and saved with F10, though this may limit access to certain boot options if enabled. For troubleshooting during boot, older Windows systems from the XP era used F8 to access the Advanced Boot Options , providing recovery console or functions independent of full OS loading. Vendor-specific implementations include systems, where pressing F2 enters the setup for viewing system information and event logs, while F12 accesses the boot to run preboot diagnostics like ePSA for hardware testing. These firmware-level tools ensure hardware verification and configuration adjustments occur before OS dependency.

Multimedia and Accessibility Extensions

In contemporary , function keys have been extended to support controls, particularly on laptops where the F9 through F12 keys commonly handle audio functions such as volume up, volume down, and mute when combined with the Fn . This configuration emerged as a standard in the early 2000s, aligning with the rise of integrated media playback in operating systems like Windows, where these keys interact with applications such as for playback controls. Manufacturers like and HP have implemented icons on these keys to indicate secondary roles, enhancing user efficiency for tasks like adjusting speaker output without navigating menus. Accessibility features have also leveraged function keys to facilitate inclusive interactions. In Windows, Ease of Access tools like , introduced in the , enable modified input sequences for users with motor impairments, and function keys can be remapped or combined in custom shortcuts to support these adaptations, though primarily affecting modifier behaviors rather than F-keys directly. On macOS, , Apple's , utilizes Command + F5 to toggle the feature on or off, while additional shortcuts involving F8 access the VoiceOver Utility for navigation and configuration adjustments. These integrations, dating back to early macOS versions, allow users to navigate interfaces sequentially using function key combinations, promoting broader without reliance on pointing devices. In the 2020s, function key enhancements have incorporated advanced remapping capabilities and sensory improvements. Windows 11's PowerToys Keyboard Manager enables users to reassign function keys for personalized workflows, with emerging AI tools like Copilot supporting contextual suggestions for shortcut optimizations, though dedicated hardware keys handle primary AI invocation. Bluetooth keyboards extend function key functionality to cross-device environments, including smart TVs from brands like and , where F1 through F4 keys facilitate menu navigation, playback controls, and search inputs when paired via USB or wireless connections. This portability allows seamless media management across ecosystems, such as adjusting volume or accessing settings without a traditional remote.

References

  1. https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/glossary/funtion-key/
  2. https://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/typing-through-time-the-history-of-the-keyboard/
  3. https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/7/6882427/king-of-keys
  4. https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000306.htm
  5. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102439
  6. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/keyboard-shortcuts-in-word-95ef89dd-7142-4b50-afb2-f762f663ceb2
  7. https://hf.tc.faa.gov/publications/2003-function-key-and-shortcut-key-use-in-airway-facilities/full_text.pdf
  8. https://www.ituonline.com/tech-definitions/what-is-a-function-key/
  9. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/3270/GA27-2739-4_An_Introduction_to_the_IBM_3270_Information_Display_System_Mar73.pdf
  10. http://www.os2museum.com/wp/pc-keyboard-the-first-five-years/
  11. https://wiki.osdev.org/PS/2_Keyboard
  12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/keyboard-controller
  13. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/inputdev/about-keyboard-input
  14. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/inputdev/virtual-key-codes
  15. https://docs.qmk.fm/how_a_matrix_works
  16. https://www.sdsusa.com/blog/posts/tn3270-3270-terminal-applications-what-is-3270/
  17. https://www.ibm.com/history/personal-computer
  18. http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/microPro/Wordstar_3.3/Wordstar_3.3_Reference_Manual_1983.pdf
  19. https://blog.ansi.org/ansi/standardization-of-keyboard-layouts/
  20. https://www.iso.org/standard/51645.html
  21. https://www.w3.org/TR/2015/WD-uievents-code-20151215/
  22. https://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/the-history-of-the-mac-keyboard/
  23. https://talk.tidbits.com/t/the-hidden-secrets-of-the-fn-key/25431
  24. https://www.usb.org/sites/default/files/hut1_12v2.pdf
  25. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-the-on-screen-keyboard-osk-to-type-ecbb5e08-5b4e-d8c8-f794-81dbf896267a
  26. https://thomasbaart.nl/2019/02/10/keycap-count-by-size-and-row-for-ansi-and-iso/
  27. https://hirosarts.com/blog/keycap-dimensions-guide-for-beginners/
  28. https://dosdays.co.uk/topics/xt_vs_at_keyboards.php
  29. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Ergonomic-Principles-Keyboard-IEA-2003-1.pdf
  30. https://www.posturite.co.uk/media/pdf-downloads/Keyboard-Ergonomics-Infographic-A4.pdf
  31. https://www.overclockers.co.uk/blog/why-do-gamers-prefer-mechanical-keyboards/
  32. https://satharus.me/tech/2023/05/27/ps2_vs_usb.html
  33. https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_4429744-4429852-16
  34. https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/inspiron-15-3535-laptop/om_inspiron_15_3535/keyboard-function-keys?guid=guid-27373fcc-c27d-4136-8467-421470640893&lang=en-us
  35. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/special-keys-and-function-keys-for-surface-keyboards-or-type-covers-84ba0832-a19e-48c1-9893-436673f0d401
  36. https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-keyboard-function-keys-mchlp2596/mac
  37. https://www.macrumors.com/2024/05/09/ipad-pro-magic-keyboard/
  38. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cesanta.keyboard
  39. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102393
  40. https://www.razer.com/gaming-keyboards/razer-blackwidow-v4-pro
  41. https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/ch-9000220-na/corsair-gaming-k95-rgb-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-cherry-mx-red-ch-9000220-na
  42. https://docs.oracle.com/cd/E59116_01/doc.94/e58804/ch_under_system_inter.htm
  43. https://lizardsystems.com/articles/full-list-key-commands-command-prompt/
  44. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows-dcc61a57-8ff0-cffe-9796-cb9706c75eec
  45. https://retrocomputing.stackexchange.com/questions/6720/why-did-f1-become-the-help-key
  46. https://retrocomputing.stackexchange.com/questions/30126/how-did-alt-f4-become-the-shortcut-for-closing
  47. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/keyboard-manager
  48. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/discover-windows-accessibility-features-8b1068e6-d3b8-4ba8-b027-133dd8911df9
  49. https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1641948/f-n-shortcuts-in-the-windows-command-prompt
  50. https://lowendmac.com/2000/my-first-mac-was-the-first-mac/
  51. https://lowendmac.com/2014/powerbook-history-before-the-g3/
  52. https://support.apple.com/en-us/102650
  53. https://tidbits.com/2023/11/16/the-hidden-secrets-of-the-fn-key/
  54. https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/turn-on-and-activate-siri-mchlb66b4ad6/mac
  55. https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/537982/why-do-evdev-keycodes-and-x11-keycodes-differ-by-8
  56. https://askubuntu.com/questions/58147/how-do-i-disable-the-help-f1-key
  57. https://docs.kde.org/stable5/en/khotkeys/kcontrol/khotkeys/shortcuts.html
  58. https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Xmodmap
  59. https://i3wm.org/docs/userguide.html
  60. https://help.gnome.org/users/orca/stable/preferences_key_bindings.html.en
  61. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/rename-a-file-baea7aab-760b-4ee0-af58-06e940d505a4
  62. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/check-spelling-and-grammar-in-office-5cdeced7-d81d-47de-9096-efd0ee909227
  63. https://forum.vivaldi.net/topic/81522/holding-shift-and-pressing-the-refresh-button-should-hard-refresh-the-current-page
  64. https://www.xantrion.com/article/10-keyboard-shortcuts-for-most-browsers
  65. https://www.ditig.com/vlc-cheat-sheet
  66. https://store.steampowered.com/oldnews/5047
  67. https://www.autohotkey.com/docs/hotkeys.htm
  68. https://www.autohotkey.com/
  69. https://support.apple.com/guide/automator/use-quick-action-workflows-aut73234890a/mac
  70. https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys
  71. https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/
  72. https://pynput.readthedocs.io/en/latest/keyboard.html
  73. https://yourtechvision.com/2022/01/08/remap-keys-on-keyboard-with-sharp-keys-and-screen-reader-commands-youtube/
  74. https://www.ami.com/blog/2017/05/25/top-three-keys-used-to-enter-uefi-bios-setup/
  75. https://www.lifewire.com/bios-setup-utility-access-keys-for-major-bios-manufacturers-2624461
  76. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/boot-to-uefi-mode-or-legacy-bios-mode?view=windows-11
  77. https://jeffpar.github.io/kbarchive/kb/122/Q122051/
  78. https://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm
  79. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/mem/configmgr/os-deployment/advanced-troubleshooting-pxe-boot
  80. https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1050047/
  81. https://www.thewindowsclub.com/enable-or-disable-fast-boot-in-uefi-bios-in-windows
  82. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000125003/bios-event-logs-and-diagnostic-logging-on-dell-laptops
  83. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000181163/how-to-enter-the-built-in-diagnostics-32-bit-diagnostics-supportassist-epsa-epsa-and-psa
  84. https://support.lenovo.com/nz/en/solutions/vid500090
  85. https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000205137/how-to-use-the-multimedia-and-function-keys-on-dell-external-multimedia-keyboards
  86. https://support.hp.com/ee-en/document/ish_5878386-5878448-16
  87. https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/general-commands-cpvokys01/mac
  88. https://support.apple.com/guide/voiceover/orientation-commands-cpvokys03/mac
  89. https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00085243/
  90. https://www.lg.com/us/support/help-library/lg-tv-how-to-connect-a-keyboard-mouse-or-gamepad-to-your-lg-tv--20152890341179
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.