"F2" key with the Touch Bar

[Dirty Jacket]

I have a 2012 MacBook Air that I am getting ready to replace. I have been waiting for the new MBP 13"/14" to be released.

I was about to pull the trigger on the 13" MBP but I noticed that the Touch Bar eliminates the traditional function keys "F1 F2 F3...". I need the F2 key for one of my work applications to efficiently toggle. Is there a way to program the F2 key into the touch bar or is that functionality lost?

Thanks

 

[TheSkywalker77]

Yes, there's an option to disable the Touch Bar functions entirely and switch it to the F keys. Or, there's another setting to make the Touch Bar switch to the F keys when you hold the FN key.

 

[Dirty Jacket]

Yes, there's an option to disable the Touch Bar functions entirely and switch it to the F keys. Or, there's another setting to make the Touch Bar switch to the F keys when you hold the FN key.

Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

[Wakey87433]

The one issue I have with the touchbar is how restrictive Apple are with it. We should have much more control of what is showing so its almost like a stream deck in customisation so we should with ease be able to add our own shortcut keys. That way you wouldn’t need to choose between switching it to always showing the F keys or needing an extra key press as we could put our own buttons on it to trigger various shortcuts (especially in apps where the devs haven’t bothered adding TB support)

 

[teidon]

There is also a setting to have certain apps automatically show function keys while the rest will show Touch Bar.

 

[SEmAN]

The one issue I have with the touchbar is how restrictive Apple are with it. We should have much more control of what is showing so its almost like a stream deck in customisation so we should with ease be able to add our own shortcut keys. That way you wouldn’t need to choose between switching it to always showing the F keys or needing an extra key press as we could put our own buttons on it to trigger various shortcuts (especially in apps where the devs haven’t bothered adding TB support)

BetterTouchTool enables you create your own Touch Bar shortcuts in any apps.

 

[Wakey87433]

BetterTouchTool enables you create your own Touch Bar shortcuts in any apps.

Good to know but at the same time it shouldn't be needed. It should be a core aspect of the OS