Override Function Keys Assignment

[Miguel Cunha]

Hello!

I need to change the default settings of function keys, e.g. assign the F5 key to web page reloading.
Is this possible? If so, how can it be done?

Thank you!

 

[bogdanw]

"Create keyboard shortcuts for apps on Mac" https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/create-keyboard-shortcuts-for-apps-mchlp2271/mac

 

[Fishrrman]

Could you do this?

a. Open the keyboard preference pane
b. click "shortcuts"
c. click "app shortcuts" (on the left)
d. click the "+" sign to add a new shortcut
e. from the application popup, I'd suggest choosing Safari
f. for menu title enter "Reload Page" (capitalization necessary)
g. keyboard shortcut -- touch the F5 key
h. click add and close keyboard prefs.

Granted, this will work only for Safari.
I'm thinking that you could create additional shortcuts for each browser you use.

I just tried this myself, and it worked...

 

[MacGizmo]

Hello!

I need to change the default settings of function keys, e.g. assign the F5 key to web page reloading.
Is this possible? If so, how can it be done?

Thank you!

I'm curious, what are you wanting to use Command+R for now that you've switched the shortcut to F5?

 

[bogdanw]

Probably used to "F5 Refresh Key from Windows" https://osxdaily.com/2019/04/14/mac-equivalent-f5-refresh-windows/
I get the same question for Backspace Key as Back Button in Safari https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/backspace-key-as-back-button-in-safari-12-and-above.2175062/

 

[Miguel Cunha]

I'm curious, what are you wanting to use Command+R for now that you've switched the shortcut to F5?

Nothing really!
Is better to press just one key instead of two .
There's also the reason bogdanw stated:

Probably used to "F5 Refresh Key from Windows"

 

[Miguel Cunha]

"Create keyboard shortcuts for apps on Mac" https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/create-keyboard-shortcuts-for-apps-mchlp2271/mac

Could you do this?

a. Open the keyboard preference pane
b. click "shortcuts"
c. click "app shortcuts" (on the left)
d. click the "+" sign to add a new shortcut
e. from the application popup, I'd suggest choosing Safari
f. for menu title enter "Reload Page" (capitalization necessary)
g. keyboard shortcut -- touch the F5 key
h. click add and close keyboard prefs.

Granted, this will work only for Safari.
I'm thinking that you could create additional shortcuts for each browser you use.

I just tried this myself, and it worked...

Thank you for the tips.
I haven't tried them, yet. However, I believe these will only work with a keyboard that doesn't come with pre-mapped functions like the wired apple keyboards. The new Magic Keyboards have Voice Over mapped to F5… I'm not sure if it can be overridden. I'll test and let you know.

 

[bogdanw]

You have the option to use F1, F2 etc keys as standard function keys.
You will get an extra Safari menu item “Reload Page From Origin”
Tested on MBA M1

 

[Miguel Cunha]

You have the option to use F1, F2 etc keys as standard function keys.
You will get an extra Safari menu item “Reload Page From Origin”
Tested on MBA M1
View attachment 2155347

I didn't want to do that, but…
Now, I have to map the other functions… I'me not sure how to assign volume controls…

 

[bogdanw]

Karabiner-Elements "A powerful and stable keyboard customizer for macOS." https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/
@fisherking knows more about it https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/karabiner-elements-help.2352240/

 

[Miguel Cunha]

Karabiner-Elements "A powerful and stable keyboard customizer for macOS." https://karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/
@fisherking knows more about it https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/karabiner-elements-help.2352240/

Very interesting!…
I'm going to try this out.